Current Position: Park Manager, Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, Freeport, Maine
How long have you been with Maine State Parks and in what capacity?
I have been at the park for 22 years, including working as Park Receptionist (1985-1986), Park Ranger (1987-1989), and Park Manager (1990-Present).
How did you become involved in working as a Park Manager?
I graduated in 1983 from the University of Maine at Orono with a BS in Recreation and Parks Management. I wanted to work in the management of an outdoor recreation facility.
Describe a typical day at your job.
(If there is no such thing as a typical day, then please tell us about your primary responsibilities and duties.)
Managing operations and maintenance of a day use park. Typical duties include: recruiting, hiring, and supervising park employees; enforcing rules and regulations; maintaining, cleaning, and repairing facilities; and reporting income and use statistics and operating and maintenance costs; managing and providing interpretive programs.
How many hours a week do you work in this position?
40-48 hours per week.
What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?
I enjoy working outdoors, maintaining the facilities and providing interpretive programs.
What do you find to be the greatest challenges of your job?
Managing operations and maintenance with a small staff; we only have 4 employees: Manager, Ranger, and two Receptionists.
What kind of training/schooling is required in your position?
A high school diploma or equivalent, and two years experience in park maintenance and operations or equivalent.
Is there any kind of training or general experience that you wish you had before taking your job?
More experience in plumbing, electrical work, and small engine repair.
What are a few of the projects that you've been working on recently that have been the most interesting?
Working with the Maine Conservation Corp in building a bridge and other trail work. Learning new interpretive programs on Geology and Native American nature legends. Monitoring nesting ospreys and providing interpretive programs on ospreys with the use of a new spotting scope.
If someone were interested in working as a Park Manager at a state park, what advice could you give them?
Acquire related schooling if possible. Acquire as much maintenance experience as possible and experience in working with the public. Get your foot in the door in an entry level position for the experience and to learn about other opportunities in parks. Be willing to move around the state to take advantage of advancement opportunities.
Please share any further thoughts you may have about working in the state park system:
It is a rewarding career personally and professionally, if not always financially. Most positions in Maine are seasonal, especially entry level positions. Be willing to stick with it for a number of years, gaining a variety of experience before year-round opportunities open. The more responsibility you are prepared to take on, the better your chances for advancement.
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