Alaska State Parks Volunteer Program
Volunteer and Volunteer Internship
Positions - 2012
NATURAL HISTORY INTERPRETER
Note: Please be sure to check the
general information
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NATURAL HISTORY INTERPRETER (1 position)
Park/Area: KODIAK DISTRICT
The Kodiak archipelago in the Gulf of Alaska is home to the famous Kodiak brown bear and many species of marine mammals and birds. The community of Kodiak, with a population of 14,000, is one of the nation's busiest fish processing ports. Kodiak residents live next door to some of the most productive salmon streams in the world. Besides fishing, other popular pastimes include sea kayaking, hiking, birding and whale watching. The park district includes a historic park, three recreation sites, and two remote parks: one on Shuyak Island and one on Afognak Island.
Main Tasks: Develop interpretive programs highlighting the park's natural history and WWII history. Schedule and conduct guided tide pool exploration walks. Organize a weekly series of lectures given by local natural history experts. Write a weekly column for the local newspaper on a variety of local natural history topics. Record a weekly column for the local public radio station. Publicize all arranged park events. Assist in sales and visitor services at the Fort Abercrombie Visitor Center.
Special Projects:
Varied, depending on skills and interests.
Required Skills: Must possess a valid driver's license; minimum of one year undergraduate studies in natural resources, history, environmental studies and/or interpretation; ability to work independently with little or no direct supervision; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; computer skills in word processing and desktop publishing; physically able to hike fair distances and an enthusiasm for the outdoors. Applicants are required to submit a writing sample with their application to be considered for this position.
Desired Skills: College-level course work in biological or natural resource fields, and/or creative writing. Field experience in natural history interpretation and/or outdoor education. Experience in developing interpretive programs. Ability to be self-motivated to learn as much about the area as possible with little supervision. Experience working with children.
Internship: Will assist volunteer
in internship requirements and paperwork.
Allowance/Housing:
Monthly food subsistence payment, 12x20 cabin, gas stove and propane refrigerator/freezer. A restroom with shower available in the Visitor Center and internet access after-hours; use of a vehicle for trips into town for laundry and shopping.
Time Commitment: May 18 through Labor
Day.
Send Application to:
Alaska State Parks - Kodiak |
phone: (907) 486-6339 |
NATURAL HISTORY INTERPRETER (1 position)
Park/Area: KETCHIKAN AREA STATE PARKS -
TOTEM BIGHT SHP, SETTLERS COVE SRS, REFUGE COVE SRS.
Southeast Alaska’s temperate rainforest is a unique part of Alaska. A group of 10,000 islands in the Alexander Archipelago snuggle up to a narrow strip of mainland on the west side of the Coast Mountains, also known as the “Inside Passage.” Ketchikan, an island community, has a population of 14,500. It is noted for its rich Alaska Native Culture and totem poles, extreme geography, diverse and lush vegetation, abundant land and marine wildlife, fishing, and of course lots of water! Other popular recreation activities include hiking, sea kayaking, sailing and scuba diving. The diversity of state parks in the Ketchikan area includes: a Native cultural/historic site, 2 recreation sites, and 2 remote marine parks, one with a public use cabin. The primary emphasis for the interpreter will be accomplished at Totem Bight SHP and Settlers Cove SRS.
Main Tasks: Arrange and organize for speakers, or present interpretive programs highlighting the historic and natural resource values of the area parks. Coordinate the junior park ranger program for youth ages 8-12. Conduct weekly guided tours of the historic park for all age groups. Develop interpretive and informational displays for bulletin boards. Assist in sales and visitor services at the Alaska Geographic Association bookstore branch outlet at Totem Bight State Historic Site.
Special Projects: Varied depending
on skills and personal interests.
Required Skills:
Field experience in natural history interpretation or outdoor education; enthusiasm for the outdoors, good communication and public speaking skills. Must work independently.
Desired Skills: Two years of undergraduate study in natural resources, environmental studies or interpretation. Computer skills beyond basic knowledge and handling cash register transactions for cooperating association.
Internship: Will assist volunteer
in internship requirements and paperwork but preference given for field
experience.
Allowance/Housing: Monthly food subsistence
payment. Vehicle and housing needs are the responsibility of the volunteer.
Time Commitment: As long as desired
between May 15 - September 15.
Send Application to: Ranger Mary
Kowalczyk
Alaska State Parks - Southeast |
phone: (907) 247-8574 |
NATURAL HISTORY INTERPRETER (Up to 5 positions)
Park/Area: CHUGACH STATE PARK - EAGLE RIVER
NATURE CENTER
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, moose, wolves, lynx, bald and golden eagles and all five species of salmon. Anchorage has grown up next door to this amazing wilderness and residents and visitors find a quick retreat in the park.
Recreation includes hiking, climbing, wildlife viewing, rafting, mountain biking and horseback riding. With mountains rising almost 7,000 feet in elevation just above the Nature Center, it’s no wonder that Walter Mendenhall called the Eagle River Valley a “miniature Yosemite”. Yet, the Nature Center is just a short 45-minute drive from Anchorage. The Nature Center is the trailhead to 26 miles of the most scenic part of the Historic Iditarod/Crow Pass Trail. The trail system also includes a short ¾ mile interpretive trail (Rodak Nature Trail); a 3-mile loop trail that takes you to the shores of the glacially-fed Eagle River; and a backcountry trail that takes you above the valley to Dew Lake.
Friends of Eagle River Nature Center, Inc. assumed management of the Nature Center in 1996 from Chugach State Park. The organization is a 501( c ) ( 3 ) non-profit dedicated to serving the community with educational and recreational programs, maintaining and improving the surrounding trails, protecting and restoring habitat, and providing visitors with information about the area and park.
The Friends of Eagle River Nature Center, Inc. raises funds through memberships, donations, parking fees, fundraisers, corporate contributions, grants, facility use fees, gift shop sales and group instruction.
Main Tasks: Provide indoor information services (in person and over the phone); operate cash register for snack, gift and membership sales. Lead daily 1-hour guided nature walks. Light maintenance, including watering flowers, letter pickup, cleaning restrooms, emptying trash and vacuuming..
Special Projects: May include developing
formal interpretive displays or programs. Trail maintenance.
Desired Skills:
Ability to interact with people; flexibility; good communicator; organization; enthusiasm for the outdoors; willingness to “jump in” when needed; self-motivated to learn as much about the area as possible with little supervision.
Internship: Dependant on intern's
requirements and will be determined case-by-case.
Allowance/Housing: Monthly subsistence payment; individual cabin (no electricity or water, gas stove for heat) One larger cabin with a wood stove is available for couples. Modern amenities inside the Nature Center include a private restroom with shower, small shared kitchen, and internet access. Use of a vehicle for trips to Eagle River for laundry and shopping.
Time Commitment: Minimum requirement - 60 days (May-September). Preference will be given for longer time commitments (April 15-September 30) and for people with a background in natural history interpretation or natural sciences.
Note: Additional information about
the Nature Center is located at www.ernc.org
For specific questions contact Asta Spurgis, Director
at info@ernc.org (please include
"Volunteer Inquiry" in the subject). You may send applications up to
one year in advance. We prefer to follow-up on preliminary applications
by e-mail.
Application requirements: Completed Alaska State Parks application; short cover letter explaining your motivation for pursuing a volunteer position at the Nature Center; and a resume limited to one page. Please do not send any additional information.
Send Application to: Laura Kruger, Manager
Eagle River Nature Center |
phone: (907) 694-2108 |
NATURAL HISTORY INTERPRETER (4 positions)
Park/Area: DENALI STATE PARK - ALASKA VETERANS
MEMORIAL
Located centrally along the Parks Highway, this popular site includes a visitor center with interpretive displays and visitor information. The site will serve visitors with information about the 325,000 plus acres of accessible wilderness in the park abounding with bears, moose, and other wildlife with magnificent views of Mt. McKinley and the Alaska Range. The closest community is Trapper Creek, 32 miles south with a population of 400.
Main Tasks: Staff visitor contact station
for information and retail sales service.
Special Projects: May provide interpretive
talks/walks; assist the rangers in special projects.
Required Skills: Sincere desire to provide
all levels of visitors with a positive park experience.
Desired Skills: Desire to work with
the public and familiarity with cash register operations.
Internship: Will assist volunteer in
internship requirements and paperwork.
Allowance/Housing: Subsistence payment provided with minimum 60 day commitment. Use of shared amenities at caretaker's cabin that includes electric lights, shower, toilet and laundry facilities. RV preferred, park housing possible.
Time Commitment: Late May - early September,
preference to three month commitment or more.
Note: Application deadline is March
1, instead of April 1.
Send Application to: Ranger John Wilber
Alaska State Parks - Mat-Su/CB |
phone: (907) 795-6210 |
NATURAL HISTORY INTERPRETER (5 position)
Park/Area: INDEPENDENCE MINE STATE HISTORICAL
PARK AND THE HATCHER PASS MANAGEMENT AREA
Hatcher Pass is high above the 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 1930s. 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 The interpreters will provide guided one hour tours of the historical park and surrounding area. Tours will focus on the historic buildings, but may also include the alpine tundra and the geology of the area. Interpreters will also share duties in the visitor center store operating the cash register, answering questions, and restocking inventory.
Interpreters will receive thorough training on these topics prior to leading tours, rove around the historic park to meet and greet the visitors to provide them with historic and other information to further enhance their visit. Interpreters will operate a cash register and maintain functioning of the visitor center store and will also participate in the general upkeep of the grounds and facilities on a daily basis. Interpreters may assist staff in special projects and/or the development of one or more displays related to the Independence Mine, or hard rock mining in general.
Required Skills:
The ability to work effectively with diverse staff and public and be a team player;
the ability and desire to be a public speaker; ability to walk and stand for the entire shift; an interest in history and/or mining; experience or the willingness to learn cash register operations.
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.
Internship: Will assist volunteer internship requirements and paperwork.
Allowance/Housing: Subsistence payment, space for two RV’s, others will be provided accommodations. No pets permitted.
Time Commitment: May 15-September 15.
Send Application to: Dan Amyot
Alaska State Parks - Mat-Su/CB |
phone: (907) 745-8907 |
NATURAL HISTORY INTERPRETER (1-2 positions)
Park/Area: ALASKA PUBLIC LANDS INFORMATION
CENTER (FAPLIC), in Fairbanks.
These inter agency centers are located at four locations throughout Alaska, providing one stop information sources for all public lands and facilities in the state. Located in the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitor Center in Interior Alaska, our center offers self-guided trip planning stations, daily film showings and museum exhibits that interpret the natural, cultural and historical resources of Alaska’s public lands. The non-profit Alaska Geographic Association operates a bookstore in the center. Staff provides interpretive services, fee collecting, and sales materials regarding all types of recreational activities including camping, hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, kayaking and canoeing. The intern/volunteer will be representing nine different federal and state agencies including Alaska State Parks and the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, the Alaska Division of Tourism, the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and the U.S. Geological Survey.
Main Tasks: Volunteers/interns work together with staff providing trip planning assistance and interpretive materials to visitors primarily at an information desk and throughout museum. Presentation of formal and informal interpretive and educational programs is strongly encouraged; training and support will be provided.
Required Skills: Ability to work effectively with diverse staff and public; excellent verbal, organizational, and communication skills; interest in natural/cultural resource related subjects; knowledge of Alaskan themes and issues, and ability to work independently and under pressure.
Internship: Will assist volunteer
with internship requirements and paperwork.
Allowance/Housing: Housing is NOT provided.
Time Commitment: Twelve weeks minimum: June 1-August 31; preference given to longer commitments, mid-May through mid-September.
Note: Transportation around Fairbanks
will be limited; a personal vehicle is recommended.
Applications accepted only after October 1st, 2010.
Send Application to: Adia Cotter, Lead Park Ranger
Alaska Public Lands Information Center |
phone: (907) 459-3730 |
NATURAL HISTORY INTERPRETER (1-2 positions)
Park/Area: ALASKA PUBLIC LANDS INFORMATION
CENTER (APLIC), in Anchorage.
These inter‑agency centers are located at four locations throughout Alaska, providing one‑stop information sources for all public lands and facilities in the state. Staff provides interpretive services, fee collecting, and sales materials regarding all types of recreational activities including camping, hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, kayaking and canoeing. The intern/volunteer will be representing nine different federal and state agencies including Alaska State Parks and the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, the Alaska Division of Commerce, the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and the U.S. Geological Survey. In the Anchorage center, we offer a full range of interpretive materials, free video programs, exhibits depicting the rich natural and cultural heritage of the 49th state, and a wide variety of books and maps sold by our branch of the non-profit Alaska Geographic Organization. Staff is carefully trained to provide interpretive messages representing all the agencies and resource issues currently of interest throughout the state.
Main Tasks: Volunteers/interns work together with staff providing trip-planning assistance and interpretive materials to visitors, collecting fees for reservations and use of public facilities, and handling cash register transactions for cooperating association sales items. They may also be asked to develop and present informal interpretive programs.
Required Skills: Applicants need excellent interpersonal skills and experience, the ability to work effectively with other interpreters and volunteers from a broad range of backgrounds, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. This center is in an urban setting where visitation is heavy during the summer season. Good organizational skills and the ability to work independently without a lot of direct supervision are also needed.
Internship: Will assist volunteer
in internship requirements and paperwork.
Allowance/Housing: None provided. Must have own personal vehicle or arrange for transportation to and from the center.
Time Commitment: 12 weeks minimum,
at least June 1 - August 31. As long as May 15th to September 15th.
Send Application to: Chris Smith, Lead Park Ranger
Alaska Public Lands Information Center |
phone: (907) 644-3670 |
NATURAL HISTORY INTERPRETER - NATURALIST FOR SCHOOL PROGRAMS (1 positions)
Park/Area: CHUGACH STATE PARK -
EAGLE RIVER NATURE CENTER
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, moose, wolves, lynx, bald and golden eagles and all five species of salmon. Anchorage has grown up next door to this amazing wilderness and residents and visitors find a quick retreat in the park. Recreation includes hiking, climbing, wildlife viewing, rafting, mountain biking and horseback riding. With mountains rising almost 7,000 feet in elevation just above the Nature Center, it’s no wonder that Walter Mendenhall called the Eagle River Valley a “miniature Yosemite”. Yet, the Nature Center is just a short 45 minute drive from Anchorage.
The Nature Center is the trailhead to 26 miles of the most scenic part of the Historic Iditarod/Crow Pass Trail. The trail system also includes a short ¾ mile interpretive trail (Rodak Nature Trail); a 3 mile loop trail that takes you to the shores of the glacially-fed Eagle River; and a backcountry trail that takes you above the valley to Dew Lake.
Friends of Eagle River Nature Center, Inc. assumed management of the Nature Center in 1996 from Chugach State Park. The organization is a 501( c ) ( 3 ) non-profit dedicated to serving the community with educational and recreational programs, maintaining and improving the surrounding trails, protecting and restoring habitat, and providing visitors with information about the area and park. The Friends of Eagle River Nature Center, Inc. raises funds through memberships, donations, parking fees, fundraisers, corporate contributions, grants, facility use fees, gift shop sales and group instruction.
Main Tasks: Leading and/or assisting staff naturalists with interpretive programs for K-12 school children. Curricula and training will be provided by staff naturalists, but the candidate must have a degree in the natural sciences and some teaching experience. Besides leading programs (topics range from animal tracking to forest ecology) the position requires assisting with organizing handouts and materials and set-up both before and after a program.
Desired Skills:
Degree in the natural sciences (botany, biology, ecology, etymology, zoology, geology) and some experience working with children. College students completing their degrees will also be considered (internships).
Allowance/Housing: Weekly subsistence payment (dependant on experience). Housing inside Nature Center or two-room cabin with a wood stove, but no electricity. Access to all modern amenities inside the nature center, including bathroom with shower, shared kitchen, and internet access. Vehicle will be available for occasional use.
Time commitment: April 1 through
early June.
Send Application to: Asta Spurgis,
Director
Eagle River Nature Center |
phone: (907) 694-2108 |
