I'm interested in doing seasonal work in a national park next summer. Has anyone done this? What should I know about the application process, daily life, and things to prepare for before applying?
How exciting! I've heard from many students who've had a fantastic experience working in national parks over the summer.
To start with, you should expect the application process to begin quite early, usually around December or January, especially for the popular parks. However, there are some opportunities advertised even in the late spring, so keep checking back. Websites like coolworks.com are a great resource for this.
As to the positions available, these can range widely. You might find yourself working primarily in customer service and hospitality, or you can also get involved with more intensive manual labor tasks, such as trail maintenance. There are also education-oriented roles, like guiding park tours.
Daily life is varied and depends on the role. Most times, working hours will be regular, and you'll have time to explore the park and engage in outdoor activities. Remember, though, that comfort and convenience should be a lesser priority, as you'll be living in a more rural environment. This may mean dealing with varied weather, insects, and long hours of daylight or darkness, depending on the location and time of year.
Before you apply, doing in-depth research is a good idea. Learn about the park's ecosystem, wilderness safety, and any specific skills you might need for your desired role. You also might want to pick up some books about the National Parks Service or specific parks to learn more.
Living arrangements vary from park to park. Some offer accommodations, while others require you to sort out your own place to stay. Be aware that housing may be basic, with amenities like internet and phone signal often limited.
One final tip: in your application and interview, emphasize your love for the outdoors, ability to live simply, and any relevant skills you have. This could include customer service experience, wilderness certifications, language proficiency, or more specific skills, like horse riding or boating.
Overall, it's an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and learn a lot about conservation. Best of luck!
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