Since its inception in 1916, the National Park Service has been dedicated to the preservation and management of this country's outstanding natural, historical, and recreational resources. Today, the National Park Service encompasses more than 401 sites across the United States and in Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. There are parks of great natural beauty and grandeur, such as the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone; parks that preserve the nation's underground wonders such as Wind Cave and Jewel Cave; parks that preserve cultural and historical treasures, such as Mesa Verde and Gettysburg Battlefield; and parks of significant national beauty along seashores, lakeshores, and riverways, providing opportunities for outdoor activities, such as Assateague Island and Lake Mead. The National Park Service is a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Interior. Every year, millions of people form the United States and abroad visit our national park areas. To protect park resources and to serve the public, the National Park Service employs a permanent workforce and an essential temporary seasonal workforce. Seasonals are hired every year to help permanent staff at many National Park Service parks and offices. The variety of positions available may surprise you: park rangers, fee collectors, park guides, park naturalists, law enforcement rangers. Whatever the job, seasonal temporary employees have the opportunity to learn more about the National Park Service and its mission.