Alaska State Parks Volunteer Program and Volunteer Internship Positions
Ranger Station Host/Maintenance Positions
Note: Please be sure to check the general information page for instructions on how to apply! Click here to return to the list of position types.
RANGER STATION HOST/MAINTENANCE (1-2 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 5 Public-Use Cabins, latrines, dock, campsites, boardwalks, and associated facilities. Will assist the public with questions and directions. May assist Park Ranger or Park Specialist 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: Good Public Relations Skills, serves as Ambassador to park visitors at the Halibut Cove Lagoon Ranger Station and adjoining facilities. Strong maintenance skills; maintain gravity feed water system, hydroelectric/solar/wind power inverter system. Maintain latrines, dock and Public-Use Cabins in the general vicinity. Maintain area around station; brush cutting, sawyer work, carpentry skills. Provide visitor counts and other required information. Hike trails and perform some minor maintenance. Assist with ADFG stocking program for several days. Should have small boat operation skills, small skiff available for work related projects and recreational use within lagoon.
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. Preference given to Host ‘Couple' who will work together, one stipend provided. Must be physically capable of steep climbs and long walks with up to forty pound pack.
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 15th. Otherwise applicants must provide transportation to Homer. Volunteers will have group use of a state vehicle while in Homer on restricted and limited basis for shopping and state business. However, If applicant has own RV or motorhome, it may be parked at one of our facilities for use when on days off and back in Homer.
Training Provided: One-two week orientation training includes basic policies and procedure, chainsaw/brush cutter operation and field maintenance, Bear and Wildlife Safety training including use of bear spray.. Basic Emergency procedures. Some boating safety and boat operations.
Other Duties: Successful applicant will have time to pursue personal goals, such as art work, birding, wildlife study, ecological pursuits especially if such fits with Park Management goals and objectives or provides a service to the public and park management.
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 Volunteers may work until September 1 or later.
Schedule: Generally, once set up at Ranger Station, volunteer will work a Ten day on, four day off work schedule at 37.5 hours per week. This may vary as needed or required.
Note: Must receive application by March 15th. No applications accepted after March 15th. Application should include the following: 1) completed state parks volunteer application form, 2) letter of intent, 3) resume, and 4) Three References.
Preference given to internships.
Send Application to: Park Specialist Eric Clarke
Alaska State Parks - Kenai/PWS |
phone: (907) 399-2054 or 262-5581 |
RANGER STATION HOST/MAINTENANCE (1 positions)
Park/Area: AGULUKPAK RIVER CONTACT STATION, WOOD-TIKCHIK STATE PARK
Located in southwest Alaska, Wood-Tikchik is the largest state park in the nation, encompassing nearly 1.6 million acres. The park offers rugged mountains, tundra meadows, cirque glaciers, clear mountain lakes, streams, and pure wilderness. The park's abundant wildlife includes moose, caribou, black and brown bear, wolves, salmon, grayling, rainbow trout, bald eagles, and many species of waterfowl and shorebirds. The park is only accessible by boat or float plane from Dillingham.
Main Tasks: This position serves as a representative for Wood-Tikchik State Park while supporting the operation and maintenance of the Agulukpak River Contact Station. Primary duties include: maintenance of a three site tent-only campground, day use sites, the river trail, and other associated facilities. Collect, record and maintain data relating to park visitation, water levels, weather conditions, wildlife sightings, sport fishing activity and other pertinent information each day. Provide information and assistance to park visitors and assist the Park Ranger with projects in the park as needed.
Required Skills: Applicants must possess a strong work ethic and be able to live and work independently and with others in a remote location. Possess safety first ethic, be in good physical condition, able to lift and carry tools up to 45 lbs, walk on uneven terrain for short distances, be comfortable as a passenger in a boat or small airplane and have working knowledge of basic hand and power tools. Current certification in Basic First Aid is encouraged.
Desired Skills: Possess skills necessary to perform general maintenance, light carpentry and brush cutting, and operation of a small solar power inverter system, and the ability and knowledge to operate a small skiff.
Groceries/Housing/Support: Housing and cooking facilities are located at the Agulukpak River Contact Station. Volunteer must provide personal sleeping bag, towels, personal items, etc. Volunteer and supplies will be transported from Dillingham to the Contact Station via float plane or boat. A satellite phone will be provided for routine and emergency communication with the park rangers.
Transportation: Volunteer must provide own transportation to Dillingham, Alaska. The park will provide transportation to the work site.
Training Provided: Orientation training includes basic policies and procedure, brush cutter operation, field maintenance, Bear and Wildlife Safety training including use of bear spray, basic emergency procedures, and satellite phone operation.
Time Commitment: Preference will be given to applicants who are available June 15th through September 15th. The volunteer will be living at the Contact Station during this time without an expectation of being transported out of the field for time off.
Schedule: Volunteer will work a five days per week. The hours worked per day will vary and not exceed 8 hours per day. Volunteer must be available to collect visitor use counts on a daily basis beginning at 0830 hours.
Application should include the following: 1) completed state parks volunteer application form, 2) letter of application, 3) resume, and 4) letters of reference.
Consideration will be given to single applicants or a couple who will work together, one stipend provided.
Send Application to:
Ranger Alison Eskelin
Alaska State Parks |
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phone: (907) 842-2641 |
