Alaska State Parks Volunteer Program
Volunteer and Volunteer Internship
Positions - 2012
RANGER ASSISTANT
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RANGER ASSISTANT (1-2 positions)
Park/Area: CHUGACH STATE PARK - EKLUTNA LAKE & NORTHERN WILDERNESS AREA
The half million acres that make up Chugach State Park are filled with rugged mountains, ice caps, and sweeping glaciers. Anchorage is next door to this amazing wilderness; residents and visitors can find a quick retreat in the park. Recreational opportunities include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, ATV riding, climbing, wildlife viewing, photography, hunting, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, camping, sail boarding, and berry picking. The park offers a wide variety of trails for both summer and winter use.
Eklutna Lake lies in the northern area of Chugach State Park and is approximately 36 miles north of Anchorage. It boasts the largest lake and the highest mountain peak in the park. This is a very popular recreational area with campgrounds, picnic areas, public use cabins, interpretive displays and approximately 30 miles of trails.
Main Tasks: Assist area ranger with management and maintenance of backcountry trails, campgrounds, remote airstrip and public use cabins. Be available to respond to problems or emergencies by contacting ranger staff or appropriate authorities; contact park visitors to inform and educate them of park rules and regulations. May be lead person for volunteer groups and will assist visitor services, maintenance, litter pickup and janitorial services of front country camp ground/facilities, and operation of fee booth.
Required Skills: Backcountry hiking, camping and survival skills. Ability to work independently without direct daily supervision. Must be able to live in a primitive setting; have basic carpentry skills and possess a valid driver's license.
Desired Skills: Education and/or experience in resource/recreation management. Outgoing personality and willingness to make public contacts. Have a strong background in the use and maintenance of chainsaws; carpentry skills and ATV operation.
Internship: Will assist volunteer in internship requirements and paperwork for college credit.
Allowance/Housing:
Subsistence payment and shower card. Provided housing is a two room, 14' x 24' furnished cabin next to the ranger station. Accommodations include electric heat, hot plate, microwave oven, refrigerator, 2 twin beds, dresser, couch, television, VCR, AM/FM/cassette player, desk and chair. Cabin shares an extension of ranger station telephone. Latrine and a storage building are located nearby. Laundry and shower facilities available one mile away. Water is available in the main campground. Pets are not permitted.
Time Commitment: Start mid May through June 1 for a minimum of 10 weeks.
Note: For this position, applications must be received prior to February 1st.
Send Application to:
Alaska State Parks - Chugach |
phone: (907) 688-0908 or (907) 345-5014 |
RANGER ASSISTANT (2 positions)
Park/Area: CAINES HEAD STATE RECREATION
AREA & RESURRECTION BAY STATE MARINE PARKS
Caines Head is a promontory in Resurrection Bay adjacent to Kenai Fjords National Park. The area hosts a wealth of marine mammals, fishes and nesting sea birds. Mountains ring the bay and trap incoming storms. High levels of precipitation feed the tremendous glaciers that sweep through the area and foster rain forests and abundant wildlife. Caines Head is located seven water miles south of Seward, Alaska. Accessible by boat or foot, it contains the remains of WWII fortifications overlooking Resurrection Bay and is rich in wildlife. Five other marine parks exist within Resurrection Bay and nearby Day Harbor only accessible by boat.
Main Tasks:
Repairing and constructing trails. Painting and maintenance of park facilities. Preparing and presenting weekly interpretive tours of historic defense structures. Routine patrols of each park unit. Public use cabin maintenance.
Special Projects: Inventory and document historic buildings. Photograph buildings and park.
Required Skills: Two years of undergraduate study in a resource related field. Willing to learn boating skills and power tool operation. Able to work well with the public; able to live and work independently in a remote setting.
Internship: Field experience only,
not an intern position.
Allowance/Housing: Subsistence payment available. Housing is 16' X 20' log ranger station to be shared with one additional staff member. Groceries available in Seward (transportation available weekly) and from the sea (excellent fishing).
Time Commitment: 5 days per week,
8 weeks minimum between 5/15 and 9/7; at least 6/15-8/15.
Send Application to: Ranger Terry Rude
Alaska State Parks - Kenai/PWS |
phone: (907) 262-5581 |
RANGER ASSISTANT (1-2 positions)
Park/Area: KASILOF, NINILCHIK AND DEEP CREEK STATE RECREATION SITE AND AREA
This position is located at the Ninilchik Ranger Station and assists with maintaining the state park facilities from Kasilof to Ninilchik, small communities with approximately 800 people located on the western Kenai Peninsula. Local residents and visitors are drawn to this area because of the outstanding recreation opportunities; freshwater fishing in the Ninilchik River, the best roadside salmon fishing at Deep Creek and outstanding razor clam digging at Ninilchik beach. The proximity to Cook Inlet offers fantastic saltwater fishing for halibut and salmon. The Kasilof area includes Clam Gulch and access to the Kasilof River. One of the area's most popular campgrounds, Johnson Lake SRA is also in Kasilof.
Special Projects: Replace and construct picnic tables. Paint park buildings. Repair and improve campground sites. Repair and install park signs. Repair lawn mowers and brush cutters.
Allowance/Housing: Subsistence payment, electricity and water, shower and laundry facilities available at park office. Other services available in Ninilchik.
Time Commitment: 2 - 4 months starting May 15.
Send Application to: Ranger Jacqui Erion
Alaska State Parks - Kenai/PWS |
phone: (907) 262-5581 |
RANGER ASSISTANT (1-2 positions)
Park/Area: OLD SITKA STATE HISTORIC SITE
Old Sitka SHS is located seven miles from downtown Sitka on Halibut Point Rd. This day-use park is located along Starrigavan Bay at the site of the first Russian settlement in Sitka. Park attractions include a one mile interpretive trail located in a coastal muskeg and spruce/hemlock forest and a two mile loop trail leading to the calm waters of Mosquito Cove. Additionally there is a boat ramp, dock, and interpretive kiosks explaining the cultural history of this site.
Main Tasks: Perform daily maintenance and cleaning of park facilities. Other duties include landscaping and trail maintenance work.
Special Projects: May 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 rustic cabin at park. Oil heat and electric lights are provided. No water or plumbing in cabin.
Time Commitment: 6 - 8 weeks, April - September
Internship: Will assist volunteer with internship requirements and paperwork
Send Application to: Ranger Nick True
Alaska State Parks - Southeast |
phone: (907) 747-6249 |
RANGER ASSISTANT (2 positions)
Park/Area: DELTA AREA STATE PARKS
The Delta area covers a wide expanse of interior woodlands, hills, braided river bottoms, and high country tundra. The Alaska Range borders the south side and the Yukon River/Tanana River uplands stretch for miles to the north and northeast. The Delta area is home to a large herd of free roaming bison transplanted from Montana in 1927 and 1928. Moose and caribou are frequently seen in the Delta Junction area and Dall sheep may be viewed south of town in the Alaska Range. State Parks in the Delta area serve as access points to vast areas of Interior Alaska wilderness. The Delta Parks District includes three state recreation sites, two 640 acre state recreation areas, and one state historical park.
-At Quartz Lake State Recreation Area, recreational opportunities abound. Whether you enjoy the feel of a 20 inch rainbow trout on the line, the breathtaking view after a hike to Bluff Point, or sitting around the campfire with friends, these opportunities and more are available.
-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.
-Clearwater State Recreation Site is a beautiful little campground which lies tucked beside a crystal clear river offering a peaceful place to visit. Besides the excellent fishing opportunity for Arctic grayling, many people enjoy the opportunity to float the Delta-Clearwater River.
-Delta State Recreation Site gives visitors a wilderness feel but keeps them conveniently close to town. Directly across the highway from the recreation site lies the Delta River allowing for some spectacular views of the Alaska Range beyond which remains snow covered year round.
-Donnelly Creek State Recreation Site offers a peaceful setting with views of some of the tallest peaks of the Alaska Range. There is a great opportunity here to examine alpine plant life, along with good wildlife viewing opportunities.
-Fielding Lake State Recreation Area is at an elevation of 2,973 feet in the Alaska Range. Because of the elevation, the ice sometimes remains on the lake until July. The site offers great fishing opportunities for Arctic grayling, lake trout and burbot.
Main Tasks:
The ranger assistant positions are ideal for natural resource or park and recreation internships. They offer valuable experience for persons interested in careers in park management. Ranger assistants will be involved in the day to day operations of all state park units in the Delta Junction area.
Required Skills:
Ranger Assistants must have the ability to work effectively with other volunteers and the public and have an interest in natural resource related subjects. They must be comfortable with living in a primitive setting. They must be able to operate basic trail clearing tools, maintenance tools, chainsaws, and brush cutters, given proper training. Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license.
Desired Skills: Public speaking ability and construction skills are desired.
Allowance/Housing: A rustic cabin is provided. There is no running water at the cabin. Subsistence payment of $200 twice monthly is given. Transportation is provided within the district and limited transportation in the region. Shower facilities are available at the Delta Parks office.
Internship: As an intern, your experience will be closely supervised and unique school requirements
will be complied with.
Time Commitment: 8 weeks minimum, preference given to longer commitments, May 16 – Sept. 4.
Send Application to: Park Specialist Maureen Gardner
Alaska State Parks - Northern |
phone: (907) 895-2113 |
RANGER ASSISTANT (2 positions)
Park/Area: HARDING LAKE STATE RECREATION AREA, BIRCH LAKE STATE RECREATION SITE & SALCHA RIVER STATE RECREATION SITE
These park units are located approximately 45 miles southeast of Fairbanks on the Richardson Highway and are busy and popular on weekends. The weather is often sunny and warm. Recreational activities are fishing, hiking, boating, and picnicking. Facilities include day use and picnic sites, campgrounds, boat launches, and hiking trails
Main Tasks: Assist staff in daily operations involving facility maintenance, visitor contacts, brush cutting, lawn mowing, painting, routine janitorial work, litter pickup, and other duties.
Special Projects: Upgrading bulletin boards, expanding the self-guided nature trail at Harding Lake SRA, and assisting in the Harding Lake entrance station as needed.
Required Skills: Must possess a valid driver's license; have an interest in natural resources and the environment; must be physically fit, and able to work and live with others in rustic accommodations.
Desired Skills: Understanding of operation and maintenance of power and hand tools, carpentry skills, and landscaping.
Internship: Will assist volunteer in internship requirements and paperwork.
Allowance/Housing: Subsistence payment, Ranger station with complete amenities, shared with other volunteers.
Time commitment: 10 weeks, starting June 1 (extension possible).
Send Application to: Ranger Nicole Potter
Alaska State Parks – Northern |
phone: (907) 451-2653 |
RANGER ASSISTANT (2 positions)
Park/Area: CHENA RIVER STATE RECREATION AREA - NORTHERN REGION
This park unit is located 30 miles northeast of Fairbanks and is a 250,000+ acre multiple use recreation area. Bisected by the clear running Chena River and its tributaries, the area comprises a diversity of alpine tundra, boreal forest, and riparian habitats. Recreational opportunities and facilities include canoeing, hiking and ATV trails, rock climbing, fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, campgrounds, picnic sites, public use cabins, and more. A dry continental climate coupled with nonstop daylight often yields an abundance of sunny days with 70-80 degrees F temperatures.
Main Tasks: Assist staff in daily operations, involving facility maintenance, visitor contact, and other duties as needed. Will include trail maintenance and construction, brush and wood cutting, painting, routine janitorial work, landscaping, small structural repairs and litter pickup.
Special Projects: Varies with the individual: interpretive trail plan implementation, river patrols, repair of back country cabins, campground maintenance.
Required Skills: Must possess a valid driver's license; have basic outdoor survival skills; be physically fit; willing and able to work in rugged terrain; ability to work independently with little or no direct supervision; able to live and work closely with others; ability to live in rustic accommodations; possess good public relations skills; able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. This is a great place for a couple to volunteer together.
Desired Skills: Operation and maintenance of chain saws, brush cutters, and other power tools; river canoeing; trail construction and maintenance; carpentry skills; backcountry travel experience; landscaping.
Internship: Will assist volunteer in internship requirements and paperwork.
Allowance/Housing: Subsistence payment. Combination of rustic cabins and backcountry camping. Electricity is provided by generator power, with a mess hall w/modern kitchen, showers and laundry available at the site. Phone and PC can be accessed.
Time Commitment: 10 weeks, starting June 1 (extension possible).
Send Application to: Ranger Mark Overholt
Alaska State Parks – Northern |
phone: (907) 451-2685 |
RANGER ASSISTANT (2 positions)
Park/Area: MILE 33 MAINTENANCE AREA – CHENA RIVER STATE RECREATION AREA
This facility is located at 33-mile Chena Hot Springs Road. These positions involve working throughout the 255,000 acre recreation area. The Chena River SRA facility includes 3 campgrounds, 9 trailheads, 20 river access roads, 3 ponds stocked by Fish & Game, 10 picnic site and 3 public use cabins.
Main Tasks: Assist with the operations of this popular Fairbanks destination. Duties assigned as needed. Facility maintenance at the campgrounds and trailheads. Also back country trail maintenance if needed.
Special Projects: Minor maintenance throughout the park. Clean and maintain restrooms, stock park brochures. Visitor information and services.
Required Skills: Must possess a valid driver’s license, be physically fit, willing and able to work, good public relation skills, and live closely with others in rustic accommodations.
Desired Skills: Trail maintenance, basic carpentry skills, landscaping and operation. Maintenance of chainsaws, brush cutters, lawn mowers and other powers tools.
Internship: Will assist volunteer in internship requirements and paper work.
Allowance/Housing: Subsistence payment. Combination of rustic cabins and backcountry camping. Electricity is provided by generator power, with a mess hall w/modern kitchen, showers and laundry available at the site. Phone and PC can be accessed.
Time Commitment: 7-8 weeks minimum between 5/22 - 7/14, 7/14 - 9/8 (extension possible).
Send Application to: Ranger Mark Overholt
Alaska State Parks – Northern |
phone: (907) 451-2655 |
INTERPRETIVE RANGER ASSISTANT (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: Create and present guided tours, greet visitors (those arriving by tour buses, independent travelers, and locals), roving interpretation, open the historical buildings containing displays (at 8:00 in the morning) and closing them (at 6:00 in the evening), janitorial maintenance of the building interiors (dusting, vacuuming, etc.)
Special Projects: Catalogue historical artifacts, perform condition assessments of historical buildings and features (to assist us in their preservation), and assist the Delta Historical Society with their displays throughout the park.
Required Skills: Field experience in 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.
Allowance/Housing: Living quarters are provided in Rika’s Roadhouse. A subsistence payment of $200 twice monthly is given.
Internship: As an intern, your experience will be closely supervised and unique school requirements will be complied with.
Time Commitment: 8 weeks minimum, preference given to longer commitments, May 15 – Sept. 15.
Send Application to: Park Specialist Maureen Gardner
Alaska State Parks - Northern |
phone: (907) 895-2113 |
