Applications for our 2023 season are now open! Read on to learn more about spending the summer with us.
The Discovery Rangers are the storytellers of Ontario’s parks.
Approximately 300 Discovery employees work in more than 60 parks across the province, telling visitors stories about Ontario’s natural and cultural heritage.
Discovery rangers help our visitors experience the best that Ontario parks have to offer by facilitating experiences through educational and interpretive programming.
Did it pique your interest? Learn more about how you can join our Discovery team.
Is the Discovery program for me?
Are you someone who likes to communicate with people and share your knowledge and passion with others?
Yeah?
Then working for Discovery is absolutely for you!
Don’t know much about nature and history? Alright! You don’t have to be an expert to be a Discovery ranger.
Discovery staff at Ontario Parks come from a wide variety of backgrounds, including post-secondary programs in:
- the creative arts (music, theater, fine arts)
- health studies (kinesiology, psychology)
- classical studies (languages, anthropology, history)
- sciences (biology, environmental sciences)
Our Discovery staff receive training on the unique natural and cultural histories located within their individual parks.
How do I apply to work in the Discovery Program?
Students can apply to be a Discovery Ranger by visiting the Ontario Public Service Careers website.
Once there, you will have the option to select the position you are interested in (select Discovery Ranger) and which parks you would like to apply for.
For more information on how to apply, check out this blog.
Here’s the important part: not all provincial parks offer discovery programs and not all discovery programs are created equal.
There are two types of discovery programs you can work on:
Enhanced discovery programs with a team of staff
More than 20 Discovery Program parks employ a large team of staff who carry out important Discovery activities, including:
- formal educational and interpretive programming, such as staff-led guided hikes, children’s programs, theatrical evening programs, canoe hikes, etc.
- Community science initiatives such as bioblitzes and volunteer programs.
- monitoring programs for species at risk
- Projects to eliminate invasive species and habitat restoration.
- Museums and Visitor Center Exhibits
…And much much more!
These parks are staffed by a full team of Discovery staff, led by experienced naturalists, historians and interpreters who have extensive experience in topics ranging from birds and amphibians to the Victorian era and the War of 1812.
Each of these parks hires a team of students to help run Discovery programming; However, many of these parks also hire higher-level positions to help with more important tasks.
If you are looking for an opportunity to expand your leadership skills in a senior-level position, please visit our Discovery careers page and send us a resume and cover letter.
Discovery programs with exploration stations
More than 40 Ontario parks across the province employ one or two Discovery student staff who specifically offer Discovery exploration stations for families with children.
These exploration stations offer a flexible time frame for families to stop by, pick up tools and tips for exploring the day’s topic (like amazing amphibians!), and explore alongside our Discovery Ranger.
Student Discovery Rangers work with a Discovery Program Leader who oversees several parks.
These positions are great for students who like interacting with children, work well independently, and aren’t afraid to get involved!
Ready to dive into Discovery?
These are the parks that hire Discovery staff:
Parks offering enhanced discovery programs:
**Parks may have staff housing available.
Parks that offer Discovery Program Exploration Stations:
**Parks may have staff housing available.