Alaska State Parks Volunteer Program
Volunteer and Volunteer Internship
Positions - 2012
PARK CARETAKER
Note: Please be sure to check the
general information
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PARK CARETAKER (1 - 2 positions)
Park/Area: HALIBUT POINT STATE RECREATION
SITE
Halibut Point SRS is located four miles from downtown Sitka along Halibut Point Road. This day-use park is located on the ocean in a coastal spruce/hemlock forest and is a popular picnic and group gathering area. Four public use picnic shelters, picnic sites, and hiking paths are located in this 22-acre park. The district office is located in this park. Couples are preferred at this site.
Main Tasks: Perform daily maintenance and cleaning of park facilities. Coordinate picnic shelter permits and reservations. Assist ranger with office duties. Landscaping and trail maintenance.
Special Projects: Work with staff
on maintenance or construction projects in other district parks.
Required Skills: Ability to operate
hand and power tools.
Desired Skills: Carpentry experience.
Allowance/Housing: Volunteer lives
in cabin at park. Electric heat, water, shower, and indoor plumbing
provided in cabin.
Time Commitment: 6 - 8 weeks, April
- September.
Internship: Will assist volunteer
in internship requirements and paperwork.
Send Application to: Ranger Nick True
Alaska State Parks - Southeast |
phone: (907) 747-6249 |
PARK CARETAKER (1 position)
Park/Area: CHENA RIVER STATE RECREATION AREA - NORTHERN REGION
This facility is located at 33-mile Chena Hot Springs Road. These positions involve working throughout the 255,000 acre recreation area.
Main tasks: Assist with the operations of the Chena River State Recreation Area. Primary duties will include the care and maintenance of the 33 mile compound. This will include lawn mowing, brush cutting, basic carpentry and construction skills, organizational skills, cleaning and maintaining the buildings. Other duties as assigned.
Required Skills: Must possess a valid driver's license; be physically fit, willing and able to perform manual labor work, Maintain good public relations. Live closely with others in rustic accommodations.
Desired Skills: Maintenance skills, landscaping, and operation of hand & power tools and equipment.
Allowance / Housing: Subsistence payment, rustic cabin provided with access to a common mess hall with a modern kitchen, with showers and laundry available.
Time Commitment: 8 to 10 weeks or more if desired.
Send Application to: Ranger Mark Overholt
Alaska State Parks – Northern |
phone: (907) 451-2685 |
PARK CARETAKER (2 positions)
Park/Area: BIG DELTA STATE HISTORICAL PARK
Big Delta State Historical Park, through its tremendous historic buildings and displays, gives visitors an opportunity to take a walk back in time. The historic district was an important crossroad for travelers, traders, and the military during the early days of the 20th century. Rika’s Roadhouse, the centerpiece of the park, served travelers of the historic Valdez-to-Fairbanks Trail from 1913 to 1947. Also located at the park are the Delta Historical Society Museum, the McCarty Washington Alaska Military Cable and Telegraph System (WAMCATS) station and the Alaska Road Commission (ARC) site.
Main Tasks: Caretakers will maintain the grounds, buildings, and facilities at the park to keep it clean, safe, and orderly, including cleaning and restocking outhouses, tending garden, flowerbeds and baskets, and tending small livestock. Caretakers will also assist visitors.
Required Skills: Must be able to work independently and have the knowledge to provide general grounds upkeep without direct supervision. Must have good speaking skills and enthusiasm for working with the public.
Desired Skills: First aid and CPR; ability to use basic carpentry tools.
Allowance/Housing: A rustic cabin is provided. There is no running water at the cabin. Subsistence payment of $200 twice monthly is given.
Time Commitment: 8 weeks minimum, preference given to longer commitments, May 15 – Sept. 15.
Note: Couples are encouraged to apply.
Send Application to: Park Specialist Maureen Gardner
Alaska State Parks - Northern |
phone: (907) 895-2113 |
PARK CARETAKER (1 position)
Park/Area: HATCHER PASS - INDEPENDENCE MINE
STATE HISTORICAL PARK
Hatcher Pass is high above tree line in the Talkeetna Mountains and about 60 miles north of Anchorage. The Hatcher Pass road is a high country route between the Matanuska and Susitna valleys. This is gold country, with several mines still in operation and much evidence of past mining activities. Nestled in an alpine bowl at 3,500' elevation, Independence Mine's historic buildings date from Alaska's gold mining era. The buildings are partially restored for public tours and illustrate the history of prospecting and hard‑rock mining in Alaska. The park visitor center now occupies the old manager's house, built in the 1930’s. Visitors to the park can enjoy a historic walking tour and beautiful alpine scenery. The area of responsibility includes the 48,000 acre Hatcher Pass East Management area, a mostly alpine, mountainous park.
Main Tasks: This person may reside in the apartment in the visitor center, or in their own RV, and is responsible for operating the diesel powered generator, and performing basic maintenance on many operating systems including the water and heating systems, radio phone, and recording and reporting the weather daily. This person will perform many maintenance duties on the buildings and grounds such as repairing doors and windows, painting buildings and picnic tables, repairing railings and foot bridges, in and around the historic mine camp. This person will also provide local and historic information to the many visitors to the park on a daily basis.
Special Projects: May construct interpretive displays; small building stabilization projects; window and door repair throughout the historical park.
Required Skills: A background in carpentry, safe use of hand and power tools, and basic mechanical knowledge. Prior use and maintenance of diesel powered generator systems, the ability to walk and stand for long periods of time. The ability to carry and lift loads of 50 pounds.
Desired Skills: Ability to work closely with other people; possess flexibility, open-mindedness, organization skills, and enthusiasm; willingness to step in when needed and the ability to be self motivated to learn as much as possible about the area and resources.
Internship: An internship may be
considered.
Allowance/Housing: Subsistence payment available. Accommodations available, RV's preferred. Must be able to be flexible and adaptable in living conditions as up to six individuals will be utilizing and sharing the kitchen and bathing facilities. No pets permitted.
Time Commitment: May 15 - September
15.
Send Application to: Ranger Dan Amyot
Alaska State Parks - Mat-Su/CB |
phone: (907) 745-8941 |
PARK CARETAKER (1 position)
Park/Area: BIRD POINT - CHUGACH STATE PARK
The Bird Point Day Use Area is a popular sightseeing stop on the Turnagain Arm and the main access to Girdwood to Indian bike path, a twelve-mile bike path that winds along the Turnagain Arm. A large viewing area with interpretive displays gives a panoramic view of the Turnagain Arm flanked by stunning mountains and glaciers. Bears, Dall sheep and belugas are common sights at Bird Point. Many people stop at Bird Point to watch the bore tide, a rare tidal flow that occurs in the Turnagain arm. Your host site is a two-bedroom cabin nestled in the trees at the Point.
Main Tasks: Visitor information, daily visit counts, light maintenance, and park watch. This position is recommended for individuals highly active with trail patrol and maintenance. Weather can be variable and views exceptional. Need to possess a high interest in public contact and offering public information on trails, hazards, directions and radio usage. Candidate should have strong interest in hiking and biking. Position offers great outdoor opportunities and physical exercise for the recreation minded person.
Allowance/Housing: Two bedroom cabin,
phone, electricity, water and dump.
Time Commitment: 5 months, 5/1 -
9/30, entire season desired
Send Application to: Linda Ess
Alaska State Parks - Chugach |
phone: (907) 345-5014 |
PARK CARETAKER (2 positions)
Park/Area: KACHEMAK BAY STATE PARK
The first State Park adjoining the only Wilderness Park in Alaska, both combined include nearly 400,000 acres of rugged coastal mountains, high peaks, glaciers, river valleys, rain forest, large salt water lagoons, long stretches of remote beaches, deep bays and fjords and clear mountain lakes. They also have nearly 150 miles of coastline along two separate water bodies, Kachemak Bay and the Gulf of Alaska (Pacific Ocean). The park’s abundant wildlife includes moose, black bear, mountain goat, wolves, coyote, salmon, Bald Eagles, porpoises, whales and many species of sea and shorebirds. The nearly 90 miles of trail provide access to alpine areas, river valleys, lakes and glaciers throughout the park. Alpine areas provide nearly unlimited hiking without the need for trails. The park is only accessible by boat or airplane from Homer. Crew is transported via Park’s patrol boat or landing craft.
Main Tasks: One or two positions needed to assist with operation and maintenance of the Halibut Cove Lagoon Ranger Station. This includes maintaining 3 public use cabins, latrines, dock, campsites, boardwalks, and associated facilities. Will assist the public with questions and directions. May assist ranger or technician with other projects in the park and with trail projects as needed.
Required Skills: Must possess a valid (current) driver's license; must possess a strong work ethic; able to live and work together with others in a remote setting; be in good physical condition and able to lift and carry tools and packs up to 45lbs in weight; working knowledge of basic hand and power tools.
Desired Skills: Experience and/or training in powerboat operation, prior trail-crew experience and/or training. Training experience in backcountry travel, camping and survival. First-aid/CPR or higher level certification (current). Experience with basic carpentry, public relations, photography, statistics, and chainsaws operation.
Internship: Preference given to applicants seeking internship through college, working towards accredited degree in park management, resource management, or program designed for careers in outdoor recreation such as Park Ranger or Technician.
Allowance/Housing: Monthly food subsistence payment. Housing and cooking facilities located at the Ranger Station in Halibut Cove Lagoon during workweek. Shared bunk/living space will be provided in Homer on days off. Bring own sheets, sleeping bag, towels personal items, etc.
Transportation: Must provide transportation to Alaska. Applicants who arrive in Anchorage prior to May 15th may be picked up and transported to Homer by Park Staff on May 14th. Otherwise applicants must provide transportation to Homer. Volunteers will have group use of state vehicle while in Homer on restricted and limited basis for shopping and state business.
Time Commitment: Preference to applicants who can start May 16th (arrive Anchorage by noon May 15th) and work until August 15th. Arrangements will be made to pick you up in Anchorage around May 15-16. Otherwise applicants must provide transportation to Homer. Some VIP’s may work until September 1 or later.
Note: Must receive application by March
15th. No applications accepted after March 15th. Selected applicants will be notified by April 15th. Application should include the following: 1) completed state parks volunteer application form, 2) letter of application, 3) resume, and 4) letters of reference.
Preference given to internships.
Send Application to: Ranger Roger
MacCampbell
Alaska State Parks - Kenai/PWS |
phone: (907) 235-7024 or 262-5581 |
PARK CARETAKER (1 position)
Park/Area: POTTER SECTION HOUSE - CHUGACH
STATE PARK
The Potter Section House is Chugach State Parks’ office and is on Turnagain Arm with easy access to Anchorage and the scenic Seward Highway. The half million acres that make up Chugach State Park are filled with rugged mountains, ice caps and sweeping glaciers. Wildlife abounds, including brown and black bears, Dall sheep, mountain goats, moose, wolves, eagles and four species of salmon. Recreation includes hiking, climbing, wildlife viewing, hunting and ATV, mountain biking and horseback riding.
Main Tasks: Live at Potter Section House to helpprevent criminal mischief and vandalism. Assist in the office by answering phones, greeting visitors, selling annual passes, data entry and light janitorial work. Assist in grounds keeping and light maintenance outside.
Allowance/Housing: Housing is provided at the Potter Section House, includes utilities. No pets permitted.
Time Commitment: May 1 – August 31 Entire season is desired and extensions are possible.
Send Application to:
Alaska State Parks - Chugach |
phone: (907) 345-5014 |
PARK CARETAKER (1 position)
Park/Area: ALASKA CHILKAT BALD EAGLE PRESERVE
The eagle preserve is located north of Haines, Alaska, along the Chilkat River and includes about 48,000 acres of prime eagle habitat. It is world-renowned for the large gathering of 3,000 or more eagles during the fall and early winter. A facility located at the "Council Grounds," 19 miles north of Haines, along the Haines Highway, provides sheltered outside interpretive displays overlooking the Chilkat River where the highest concentration of eagles occurs. There is a two mile trail running along the river connecting scenic pull-outs.
Main Tasks: Assist/provide the area staff with daily operations of visitor contacts, and eagle observations. Janitorial service on the vaulted latrine and facility maintenance, including light carpentry, painting and repair work. May also include providing vehicle counts, highway safety information, nature observation, and commercial operator monitoring.
Required Skills: Should possess a valid driver's license; be physically fit and willing to work in rugged terrain in cold and wet conditions; able to work independently with little or no direct supervision; able to live in rustic accommodations without running water; have good public relation skills and be able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Internship: Field experience only,
not an internship position.
Allowance/Housing: Log, 16' x 16', cabin with sleeping loft. Oil drip heat, propane cooking stove, underground power, phone, and no running water. Full kitchen with gray water outfall. Public latrine nearby. Services located 19 miles south in Haines. Personal vehicle highly recommended
Time Commitment: May through September, minimum of eight weeks, full season preferred.
Send Application to: Ranger Preston Kroes
Alaska State Parks - Haines Office |
phone: (907) 766-2292 |
