Be prepared to work with kids who don't care to listen very well.
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Park ranger
May - August 2018 • Wall, SD
What I liked
I loved being outside and working with people that shared the same passions
What I wish was different
I wish I had a different salary but that could be fixed by applying for a higher GS level
Advice
Be open for any opportunity and any location to work
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Bat Monitoring Technician
June - September 2018 • Ashland, OR
What I liked
I loved getting to do field work and learning about bats. I was able to travel to almost all the National Parks in Southern Oregon and Northern California for work which was really cool!
What I wish was different
I wish my schedule would have been more regular.
Advice
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Custodian
May - October 2018 • Glen Canyon, UT
What I liked
If nothing else, working for the National Park Service (NPS) came with a substantial collection of benefits, including annual leave, health benefits, and due to the infinite amount of visitors at the park, job security.
What I wish was different
all in all the job was a great gig. in my personal experience the day started at 6:00am every morning, so if it were up to me i’d start a bit later, but every park is different so i can’t imagine everyone working for NPS would have to wake up so early
Advice
The National Park Service isn’t always super picky about employees, so even if you make mistakes don’t worry about it, just do a better job as you go along and you’ll get along just fine with the government, especially if you work holidays.
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Historical Weapons Lead Intern
June 2017 • Gulf Breeze, FL
What I liked
I was in charge of four interns and assisted park rangers in the training of said interns in the operation and care of 19th century small arms and artillery weaponry. We fired both musket and cannon for interpretative programs to teach about the stories of Civil War soldier on Pensacola Bay and the important role they played.
What I wish was different
We had one intern who was not a team player due to the physical demands of the job and did not put in the same effort as the other interns and myself; then she left a month early before her internship ended.
Advice
I would not recommend wearing a Civil War union wool uniform in the direct sun during the hottest part of the summer unless you want the sensation of being slow cooked.
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Cartographer Technician Trainee
July 2017 • Lincoln, NE
What I liked
I like the open office environment of NPS. It is relaxed and inviting. Everyone I work with is at the top of their respective fields. Many years of experience here
What I wish was different
I was told in the application and interview process that I would be doing something different than I ended up doing. I was supposed to be doing mostly GIS specific work. I am more or less doing media content creation instead, using Photoshop and Illustrator more than I use ArcGIS
Advice
Everyday will be different and be prepared to learn skills that you didn't know you would immediately use.
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Invasive Plant Intern
May - August 2017 • Empire, MI
What I liked
The amount of experience I got was phenomenal. The Park Service does a great job of giving interns every opportunity to learn that they can. The work environment, and not just the gorgeous landscape, was absolutely amazing; I couldn't have asked for better coworkers and housemates. Plus, that whole section of Michigan is amazing and there is always something to do outside of work!
What I wish was different
I wish I would've gotten a little bit more information on what my job actually entailed before going into the internship. It was a lot of very physically demanding labor - which was fine - I was just expecting a lot more research based and surveying work.
Advice
My advice would be to take every opportunity you can to explore all of the departments of the park that you are interested in. As long as you talk to your supervisors, they will be more than happy to get you all of the experiences you want out of the internship. My one regret is never going out with the Plover crew!
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Latino Heritage Intern
June - August 2018 • Homestead National Monument, NE
What I liked
I liked learning how national parks opperate and about the different career opportunities.
What I wish was different
Nothing. It was an incredible experience .
Advice
No two days at a national park are the same, so you have to be ready for everything.
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Tool Booth Operater
June - August 2018 • Page, AZ
What I liked
Interacting with people from all around the world.
What I wish was different
Nothing was a great job.
Advice
No matter what kind of job you have, or if its in the heat or AC, stay hydrated.
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trail dog
May - August 2018 • Crater Lake, OR
What I liked
Being outside.
What I wish was different
Advice
It's hard work, but fun.
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Beach Lifeguard
June - August 2018 • Eastham, MA
What I liked
It was really cool working to give people an enjoyable beach experience while also monitoring their activity to keep them safe.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Volunteer
July - August 2018 • Boston, MA
What I liked
It's very rewarding to help the visitors and know they enjoyed their time on the Islands.
