Summer jobs

No Worries · 03-07-2011, 04:57 PM

I posted this site http://www.usajobs.gov/ a couple years ago and someone said they would rather get unemployment than work a summer in a National Park for $10/hour. The good news is that most of the salaries now start at $15/hour. If your bucket list is to work at a park or wilderness area instead of collecting unemployment, check it out.

I searched "Ranger" and found over 100 positions. But most close this month.

Here's my own story. As a senior in college, I put in for a summer job as a geologist and got it. I was assigned to the roadless Absaroka Range, SE of Yellowstone. Outside of Alaska, this area is one of the most rugged in the US. I was used to reading a subway map, not a topographic map.

The job started before Memorial Day and back east, my school didn't finish until early June. My professors gave me early finals and I missed graduation, but it was worth it. The geology, the mountains, and the wildlife were spectacular. The thing I remember most was seeing the Milky Way for the first time.

I only got $5/hour, but there was nothing to spend money on. Plus, we worked 12 hour days, seven days a week, so I made a bunch in overtime. After the summer job, I knew what I wanted to do with my life. I worked over 20 years in mining and mineral exploration and enjoyed every second of it. It's a big risk, but I hope someone else tries it.

wildchild · 03-07-2011, 06:12 PM

i've always thought those looked like fantastic opportunities for a young person who enjoys the outdoors and wants to learn about nature. not to mention getting some travel in.

Particle Man · 03-07-2011, 06:46 PM

That sounds badass. Wish I were in a position to do something like that.

Mikey · 03-07-2011, 09:34 PM

That's a great story. I would definitely recommend that to any young single guy. If I wasn't married and active duty, I'd be signing up right now.

pauldun170 · 03-07-2011, 09:44 PM

Back when i was of the age those were awesome and highly coveted.
We didn't have the stupid shit to waste money on like kids do today.
Lived well and lived cheap.

racedoll · 03-07-2011, 09:52 PM

Awesome story and great for someone with that kind of flexibility or willing to give up a routine.

Full Throttle · 03-08-2011, 12:09 AM

I might have to do that. That seems pretty bad ass.

t-homo · 03-08-2011, 12:20 AM

one of my friends actually works out in one of the parks in northern cali. says he gives tours to celebrities and rock climbs all day.

njchopper87 · 03-08-2011, 01:20 AM

I have 4 summer classes to take. :/ That sounds like something I'd like to do, but this shit has to get done.

Rangerscott · 03-08-2011, 02:10 AM

I hung gutters with a guy. Good money since he paid me per job and super easy work.

03-07-2011, 04:57 PM	#1
No Worries Keyboard Racer Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Mile High City Moto: Old Superbikes Posts: 1,016	Summer jobs I posted this site http://www.usajobs.gov/ a couple years ago and someone said they would rather get unemployment than work a summer in a National Park for $10/hour. The good news is that most of the salaries now start at $15/hour. If your bucket list is to work at a park or wilderness area instead of collecting unemployment, check it out. I searched "Ranger" and found over 100 positions. But most close this month. Here's my own story. As a senior in college, I put in for a summer job as a geologist and got it. I was assigned to the roadless Absaroka Range, SE of Yellowstone. Outside of Alaska, this area is one of the most rugged in the US. I was used to reading a subway map, not a topographic map. The job started before Memorial Day and back east, my school didn't finish until early June. My professors gave me early finals and I missed graduation, but it was worth it. The geology, the mountains, and the wildlife were spectacular. The thing I remember most was seeing the Milky Way for the first time. I only got $5/hour, but there was nothing to spend money on. Plus, we worked 12 hour days, seven days a week, so I made a bunch in overtime. After the summer job, I knew what I wanted to do with my life. I worked over 20 years in mining and mineral exploration and enjoyed every second of it. It's a big risk, but I hope someone else tries it.

03-07-2011, 06:46 PM	#3
Particle Man Custom User Title Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Central NY Moto: 2003 SV650S Posts: 14,959	That sounds badass. Wish I were in a position to do something like that. Last edited by Particle Man; 03-08-2011 at 02:36 PM..

03-07-2011, 09:34 PM	#4
Mikey Raving Lunatic Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: San Antonio, Texas Moto: Concours 14 ABS, ZX6E Posts: 902	That's a great story. I would definitely recommend that to any young single guy. If I wasn't married and active duty, I'd be signing up right now. __________________ Slow is smooth, smooth is fast.

03-08-2011, 12:09 AM	#7
Full Throttle ~Italian Stallion~ Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: North West Georgia Moto: 2000 Yamaha YZF-R6 Posts: 446	I might have to do that. That seems pretty bad ass. __________________

03-07-2011, 06:12 PM	#2
wildchild cruiser Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: on the run Moto: '09 HD superglide, 16 Yamaha FZ 09 Posts: 2,749	i've always thought those looked like fantastic opportunities for a young person who enjoys the outdoors and wants to learn about nature. not to mention getting some travel in.

03-07-2011, 09:52 PM	#6
racedoll AMA Supersport Join Date: Nov 2008 Moto: '04 Kawasaki ZX6RR Posts: 3,392	Awesome story and great for someone with that kind of flexibility or willing to give up a routine.

03-08-2011, 12:20 AM	#8
t-homo WSB Champion Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 7,146	one of my friends actually works out in one of the parks in northern cali. says he gives tours to celebrities and rock climbs all day.

03-08-2011, 02:10 AM	#10
Rangerscott Viff6N Mutated Warrior Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Texas Moto: '01 Honda VFR 800 & '09 ER-6N Posts: 8,704	I hung gutters with a guy. Good money since he paid me per job and super easy work.