Alaska State Parks Winter Volunteer Program Positions
Winter Park Caretaker
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.
WINTER PARK CARETAKER (1 position - couple preferred)
Park/Area: SETTLERS COVE STATE RECREATION SITE
This small park is nestled in a cove along an ocean passage and surrounded by dense forest. There is kayaking and fishing nearby and wildlife viewing for whales, bald eagles, and black bear. The site has several miles of hiking trail. There is also an abundance of Sitka-black tailed deer right out the front door. Settlers Cove is located 18 miles north of Ketchikan, which has a population of about 14,500. Ketchikan has a variety of art and music happenings, and is known for having the largest collection of totem poles in the world. Winter weather is mild and misty, with very little snow. At Settlers Cove in the winter, only the day use area is used.
Main Tasks: Light maintenance within the park, its facilities, and the cabin; provide assistance and visitor information to the visiting public, open/close the park entrance gate daily, and assist in maintenance of hiking trails.
Special Projects: Maintain record of wildlife sightings such as birds, deer and bear in the park, and daily weather record; assist in small construction projects such as viewing platforms and staircases as skills permit. Winter interpretive programs are optional.
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. Must be in good health and physical condition.
Desired Skills: First aide and CPR; ability to use basic carpentry tools.
Internship: Field experience only, not an intern position.
Allowance/Housing: Log cabin with some furnishings, propane provided for stove/oven and heater, phone (local calls only). Propane and electric provided.
Time commitment: October 1 through April 30 preferred, will split if necessary.
Note: Personal 4 wheel or all wheel drive vehicle recommended for transportation. Couples are encouraged to apply. Applications accepted through August 30.
Send Application to: Chief Ranger
Alaska State Parks - Southeast |
phone: (907) 465-4563 |
WINTER PARK CARETAKER (1 position - couple preferred)
Park/Area: Totem Bight State Historical Park
Totem Bight is a day use park located 10 miles north of Ketchikan. It is the only park in the Alaska State system dedicated to the Southeast Alaskan native culture, displaying the art and architecture of the Tlingit and Haida. The park exhibits 14 totem poles and a clan house, hand-crafted 75+ years ago by Native carvers in the area. A short self-guided trail winds through the rainforest to the totem display which faces an ocean passage. Commercially guided tours from the cruise ships frequent the park. Must have own RV or camper.
Main Tasks: Provide assistance to visitors to the area as requested. Assist staff with grounds maintenance and janitorial duties; open and close the historic clan house daily.
Special Projects: Assist staff with any special events or with other special activities on an occasional basis.
Amenities: Free location for RV, free internet/ Wi-Fi, free electricity, free water, free solid waste disposal and over 500 gallons liquid waste disposal. Caretaker RV site is located next to the beach, facing the west with beautiful sunsets. 4 mile bike trail nearby. Services located in Ketchikan.
Time commitment: 6 months, from 10/1-4/30. Full season preferred.
Send Application to: Park Ranger
Alaska State Parks - Southeast |
phone: (907) 247-8574 |
WINTER PARK CARETAKER (1 position)
Park/Area: ALASKA CHILKAT BALD EAGLE PRESERVE
The preserve is located north of Haines, Alaska, along the Chilkat River and includes about 48,000 acres of prime eagle habitat. The preserve 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 and visitor contacts, eagle observations, and facility maintenance, including routine janitorial work. Will include light carpentry work, winter snow removal, vehicle counts, highway safety information, and nature observation.
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 intern position.
Housing/Subsistence payment:16' X 16' log 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 required.
Time Commitment: October through April, minimum of eight weeks, full season preferred.
Send Application to: Chief Ranger
Alaska State Parks - Southeast |
phone: (907) 465-4563 |
WINTER PARK CARETAKER (1 position)
Park/Area: CHUGACH STATE PARK - GLEN ALPS TRAILHEAD
Glen Alps Trailhead offers alpine access to Chugach State Park a short distance from east Anchorage. Visitors are attracted to outstanding recreational opportunities including hiking, mountaineering, biking, skiing, wildlife viewing, and photography. Part of the area opens to snowmobile use as snowpack allows. During peak winter months, cross-country skiing is very popular on the extensive hillside trail network. The Glen Alps Caretaker is responsible for providing basic janitorial services at four popular Chugach State Park trailheads; Glen Alps, Upper O'Malley, Upper Huffman, and Prospect Heights.
Main Tasks: Reside in and maintain the Glen Alps caretaker facility. Keep facility access points and latrines free of snow, perform regular janitorial and snow removal services at the four trailheads. Additional duties include being the primary point of contact for park users and advising visitors of park regulations. This position requires people who can work with minimal supervision, exercise good judgment, and maintain a high standard for park maintenance.
Required Skills: The position can be physically demanding. Additional duties during winter include snow blowing/shoveling, maintaining access to fee stations and latrines, snowmobile operation, and winter trail maintenance. Experience in winter-based activity is especially helpful for the winter caretaker position.
Allowance/Housing:Furnished 1 Bedroom caretaker apartment located above the ranger station. Internet WIFI.
Time Commitment: October 15 through May 15.
Send Application to: Ranger Jared Walter
Chugach State Park |
phone: (907) 345-5014 |
WINTER PARK CARETAKER (1 position)
Park/Area: CHUGACH STATE PARK - EKLUTNA LAKE FACILITY PARK
Eklutna Lake is located at the northern end of Chugach State Park, 36 road miles north of Anchorage. Winter activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmachining, winter biking, camping, and more.
Main Tasks: Live at Eklutna Lake Host Cabin and perform daily maintenance of the facility. Serve as the main point of contact for park visitors. Perform regular janitorial and snow removal services for park facilities. Assist area ranger and staff with ski trail grooming, snowmachine patrols, rental cabin maintenance, equipment maintenance, and office tasks as needed. Caretaker also maintains additional trailheads in the north part of Chugach State Park.
Required Skills: Valid driver's license; the ability to work with minimal supervision; flexibility; good judgment. Ability and eagerness to learn mechanical and winter skills as needed. Must enjoy working with park visitors and maintain a high standard for park maintenance.
Desired Skills: Prior experience with snowmachines/ATVs; mechanical ability and familiarity with tools; First Aid/CPR certification; avalanche awareness and winter survival training.
Allowance/Housing: Subsistence payment, rustic two-room 14' x 24' furnished dry cabin near the ranger station. Cabin has power, phone, refrigerator, electric oven/range, landline phone, and Wi-Fi. Nearby Ranger station has drinking water, shower, washer-dryer, and internet access.
Time Commitment: 6 months preferred, typically from mid-October until mid-April.
Send Application to: Ranger Levi Schmidt
Chugach State Park |
phone: (907) 244-0299 |
