Apply Now for Summer Jobs in Alaska

Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, AK

Credit: Steve Hillebrand

Winter vacation is a perfect time for college students to apply for summer jobs at Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, AK.  Application deadlines range from January through March.

These positions are part of the federal government's Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP). Students must meet the following requirements

The following four job areas have positions available for summer 2012:

Park Ranger — Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area  
Park rangers work outside, managing fee collections in campgrounds, helping campground hosts, and doing a variety of field projects. They operate the Refuge Visitor Contact Station and staff the Headquarters Visitor Center, orienting visitors to the Refuge and providing information on hiking, camping, fishing, and other recreation activities. They patrol campgrounds and trails updating Refuge recreation information and assisting visitors. Fee Ranger positions begin May 15 and last until August 27. Pay per hour is $13.29 (sophomore level) and $14.92 (junior/senior level),

Application packages for Fee Park Ranger positions must be turned into Leah Eskelin, Park Ranger, by January 27, 2012. For more information, Leah can be contacted at 907-262-7021 or Leah_Eskelin@fws.gov.

Park Ranger — Youth Summer Camp
Be part of a dynamic education team facilitating outdoor summer camps for youth ages 7-12. This position will also help connect visitors with nature through community family fun days, leading guided fitness hikes and nature walks. This position begins May 21 and lasts until mid-August. Pay per hour is $13.29 for college sophomores, $14.92 for juniors or seniors, and $16.76 for those with undergraduate degrees who have been accepted into a graduate program.

Application package for the Park Ranger — Youth Summer Camp position must be turned into Michelle Ostrowski, Education Specialist, by January 27, 2012. For more information, Michelle can be contacted at 907-260-2839 or Michelle_Ostrowski@fws.gov.

Trail Crew
Trail crew members work outdoors on trail projects on front country hiking trails, remote backcountry routes and wilderness canoe trails. Projects include trail re-routes, construction of footbridges, boardwalks, and timber stairs, and installation of drainage and erosion control structures. Crew members will be trained to use a variety of hand and power tools including chain saws. Crew members must be prepared to overnight in spike camps at trail project sites. Trail Crew positions begin on May 14 and may last until August 17. Pay is $18.03 per hour.

Youth Conservation Corp (YCC) Crew Leader
YCC Crew Leaders are responsible for the administration and operation of an 8-week camp, supervising the work of eight high school-aged enrollees who complete maintenance projects on Kenai Refuge trails, cabins, campgrounds, bulletin boards and other facilities. Leaders must be prepared to overnight in spike camps at trail project sites with their crew. YCC Crew Leader positions begin on May 14 and may last until August 17. Pay is $16.18 per hour.

Application packages for both the Trail Crew and YCC Crew Leader positions must be turned into Scott Slavik, Backcountry Park Ranger, at Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center on Ski Hill Road in Soldotna by March 2, 2012. For more information, Scott can be contacted at 907-260-2846 or Scott_Slavik@fws.gov.