Alaska State Parks is working to bolster its reduced traditional campground support and maintenance workforce with more Alaska Conservation Corps positions, to keep busy state recreational units open, safe, and clean.
The Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation operates about 124 campgrounds and other facilities around the state. While some are open year-round, the demand for park services peaks during Alaska’s summer season.
The Division traditionally leans heavily on campground hosts, usually visitors from the Lower 48, to provide management, security, and other essential campground duties in exchange for the privilege of free or reduced-rate season-long camping.
However, the State’s COVID-19 response and the closure of the Alaska-Canada border has created a double-whammy: not only are there fewer campground hosts coming North to work at state parks, but vast numbers of Alaskans are enjoying “staycations” and using state parks for outdoor recreational activities in unprecedentedly high numbers.
Park staffers have worked hard to keep parks open and meet the demand. Park managers have asked the public to help by cleaning up after themselves and taking precautions necessary for the safety of all visitors. The division has been unable to meet the increased workload, in some cases resulting in reduced services or even delays in opening some popular park units.
Duties can range from office work, to trail maintenance, to cleaning, to a variety of other duties as assigned, at starting pay of $16 per hour. To apply for an ACC position, click here.