DNR Hiring Now for Summer Positions at State Parks and Visitor Centers

Contact: Karen Gourlay 248-349-3858
Agency: Natural Resources and Environment

March 1, 2010

Persons looking for a summer job working in the great outdoors, can apply starting today to become a state worker at one of Michigan's state parks, visitor centers, harbors, or boating access sites.

Part- and full-time employment is available, with an opportunity to work up to 1,040 hours during the summer season. Seasonal employees, or state workers, are paid a minimum of $7.65/hour. Candidates should be 18 and older and be willing to work varied shifts including weekends, evenings and holidays.

Summer employees are needed at Michigan's 98 state parks and recreation areas, nearly 700 boating access sites and 16 state harbors. The DNRE will hire more than 1,200 workers for summer jobs.

"These are great jobs for college students, individuals who are looking to re-enter the workforce, and seniors and retirees looking to be active outdoors in the warmer months," said Karen Gourlay, DNRE Explorer Program coordinator.

Job responsibilities may include handling permit sales in the visitor contact booth and performing other operations and maintenance work such as mowing, landscaping, trail maintenance, janitorial, and clerical work.

The DNRE also hires summer naturalists to work as an Explorer Guide or as Visitor Center staff at one of 50 state parks and recreation areas or fish hatchery locations. These jobs are suitable for persons wanting to gain experience in resource education. Typical job duties may include preparing and presenting a variety of programs, hikes or tours to park visitors on topics related to the resources within the parks and hatcheries. Training and program supplies are provided. Explorer Guides work individually within their parks, while Visitor Center staff work under the guidance of a permanent DNRE park interpreter.

Interested individuals should submit an employment application to the park, recreation area, boating facility, or visitor center where they would like to work. Applicants should specify the position type -- State Worker, Explorer Guide or Visitor Center. Applications are available at all state parks or online at www.michigan.gov/stateparks. For additional information, call Karen Gourlay at 248-349-3858 or email DNR-ExplorersProgram@michigan.gov.

The DNRE is committed to the conservation, protection, management, and accessible use and enjoyment of the state's environment, natural resources, and related economic interests for current and future generations.