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 large trees and dense temperate rainforest. In or near the park there is good fishing, kayaking 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. Settler's Cove is a small 14 site campground, with a Public-Use Cabin and a day use area, located 18 miles north of Ketchikan, population 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 wet and sometimes windy, with occasional ice but very little snow. Winter daylight hours are reduced but never less than 7 hours daylight.
Main Tasks: Cleaning of cabin and latrines. Light maintenance within the park, its facilities, campsites and the cabin. Upon request, provide assistance and visitor information to the visiting public. Use of backpack leaf blower on the road. Chop, bundle and sell firewood, and assist in clearing sticks and other debris from hiking trails. Winter season may require occasional light snow shoveling. Document visitor information, place courtesy tags or check for fee compliance in campsites. Inform visitors of rule violations and report violators to park specialist.
Special Projects: Occasionally assist staff with small construction projects, tree removal or repairs as skills permit.
Required Skills: Must be able to work independently and follow procedures 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: Valid driver’s license. Knowledge of grounds upkeep and use of powered groundskeeping equipment. Know how to use basic carpentry tools. First aid and CPR certified.
Amenities: $200/month stipend, Log cabin with some furnishings, free diesel provided for stove, free electricity, free internet, free phone (local calls only), and a rainwater system. Amenities include an oven, sink, fridge, washer/drier, and separate shower room.
Time commitment: 6 months, Winter 10/1 - 4/30. Full season preferred but not required. Outside day shift employment must be pre-approved by park specialist. Must attend and occupy park nights and evenings, and most weekend days. Host gets two days off a week (typically in the middle of the week). Host is expected to be available to assist visitors/on duty in the park at least 37.5 hours a week. Actual physical labor is estimated at 12-15 hours a week.
Note: Nearest bus stop is 4 miles away. Personal vehicle highly recommended. In the winter, access to a 4 wheel or all-wheel drive vehicle recommended due to occasional snow and ice.
To apply or for more information:
Contact: Ketchikan area Park Specialist
phone: (907) 247-8574
email: dnr.pkssoutheast@alaska.gov
OR
Submit application online
WINTER PARK CARETAKER (1 position - couple preferred)
Park/Area: Totem Bight State Historical Park
Totem Bight is 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. The park is a day use facility, not a campground. Nighttime visitors are rare. Winter weather is wet and sometimes windy, with occasional ice but very little snow. Winter daylight hours are reduced but never less than 7 hours daylight.
Main Tasks: Assist staff with light grounds maintenance and janitorial duties; open and close the historic clan house daily. Fold interpretive guides. Monitor commercial sign-in sheets. Occasional moderate snow shoveling. Deter vandalism/criminal mischief; contact the appropriate law enforcement or EMS agency for emergencies; and inform the Park Specialist of any problems. If approached by park visitors, Inform visitors of the park regulations, and policies.
Special Projects: Assist staff with any special events or with other special activities or maintenance projects on an occasional basis.
Required Skills: Must be able to work independently and follow procedures 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: Valid driver’s license. Knowledge of gardening, grounds upkeep and use of powered groundskeeping equipment. First aid and CPR certified.
Amenities: Fresh water (3000 gallons per season), free Wi-Fi internet, waste water dump tank (500 gallons per season) free solid waste disposal & free electricity provided. Caretaker RV site is located next to the beach, facing the west with beautiful sunsets, including a fire ring and picnic table. 4 mile bike trail and borough bus immediately accessible. Other services located in Ketchikan. Must provide own propane/heating fuel.
Time commitment: 6 months, from 10/1-4/30. Full season preferred but not required. Outside daytime employment requires pre-approval. Must be on location nights and most weekend days. Two days off a week, usually in the middle of the week. Estimated 12 hours of labor a week.
Note: Must have own RV or camper. Couple Preferred but not required.
To apply or for more information:
Contact: Ketchikan area Park Specialist
phone: (907) 247-8574
email: dnr.pkssoutheast@alaska.gov
OR
Submit application online
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 |
