So, You Might Want to Work in a Park?

Devil's Lake State Park is a great place to work!

It's busy and there's always something happening in the summer. You'll see people who are at their happy best (and occasionally otherwise!) You can meet people from all over the world. If you love parks, like people and enjoy serving them, and would enjoy a beautiful work setting – maybe summer work at Devil's Lake is for you.

It's a great job for students, teachers with summers off, retired people, or anyone who wants to work in a unique place like Devil's Lake. The park looks for qualified applicants who are energetic, service-oriented,reliable, and good with people.

What can you do?

• Visitor Services–work in the park Visitor Center giving information, selling vehicle admission stickers, registering campers, and using computers.
• Maintenance–work with grounds and facility upkeep, mowing lawns, cleaning buildings, and doing other basic tasks such as painting and trail work.
• Ranger– Work in a variety of tasks including law enforcement and visitor assistance. Certain certification, qualifications, and education are required.

Workers should be 18 years old, though sometimes a younger person may be hired with an appropriate work permit. Deadlines for applications are as early as February 1 for rangers, and March 1 for visitor services and maintenance. You can get an application from the park or online. Be sure to contact the park for this year's deadlines or for up-to-date details. Most work is from Memorial Day to Labor Day, but sometimes work may be available for spring and fall weekends. Some housing may be available in the summer.

Devil's Lake Concessions

The concessionaire also hires workers for the Chateau, the Ice Age Store, and for the South Shore store. One might work in food service, retail sales, or boat rental. Applications and resumes may be sent to “Concessions” at the park address or contact the concessionaire directly at (608) 356-3381.

Volunteering

Many people volunteer their skills and services at Devil's Lake State Park. The tasks in which they volunteer are as varied as their backgrounds: driving tractors, painting, battling invasive plant species, giving public nature programs, working in the Visitor Center or Nature Center, trails maintenance, directing traffic, helping with special events… whatever you can do, the park may be able to use your help! Many of the park volunteers are members of the Friends of Devil's Lake State Park [exit DNR].

Campground Hosts

Devil's Lake State Park uses campground hosts in each of four different campgrounds. Each host is provided a free campsite with electrical hookups. Hosts' tasks include being available and helpful to visiting campers. Other assignments are varied and worked out with the park superintendent in accordance with the hosts' skills, interests, and abilities.

Internships

Most years, Devil's Lake has at least one or more students working through a college internship program. This park role is usually custom designed, depending on the requirements of the school as to work, variety, pay, hours, length of term, and accountability. Internships may be done at any time of the year.

For campsite availability, call (888) WI PARKS ((888) 947-2757) or check the Web. For other information, ask Devil's Lake State Park, (608) 356-8301.