Along with active volunteers we are currently reviewing our extensive trail system in the park to determine if it is "user friendly." We set out to do this thinking that common sense would help drive our decisions as to what each trail designation should be. We have found it to be very complex and have not been able to make our established "rules" work without many exceptions. We continue to work on this project and hope to have a finished product soon.
Many of our park employees including myself have received training and certification each year from the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Endangered and Non Game Species Venomous Snake Response Team. This consists of training our staff on how to properly capture and relocate venomous snakes that may find themselves in harms way (park roads, picnic areas, etc.) so that both them and our public will not be injured. This consists of working with a rattlesnake and becoming comfortable with being around it and moving it. It is quite exciting each time we do it and I have grown to appreciate the snake that I was once afraid of.
If someone were interested in working as a State Park Superintendent, what advice could you give them?
Network! It sounds cliché but do as much networking as possible. Either volunteer or, even better, work as a seasonal employee and ask the staff that works there as many questions as you can think of. Internships during college can also be extremely beneficial. It definitely is "what you know" that will ultimately get you the job but "who you know" also doesn’t hurt.
Be patient! Now more than ever it is difficult to get a permanent position in the State Park Service. I had figured it would be at least 5 years after graduation that I would have an opportunity to be hired. I was lucky that my opportunity came a little sooner.
During and after you get your degree use your time wisely and work in any job that may give you experience for when your time comes for an interview. I spent my years between college graduation and when I was hired permanently in retail management at an outdoor store chain. The management skills I learned during that time are still with me today, (and the employee discount was pretty good too!)
Please share any further thoughts you may have about working in the state park system:
Choose this career and field because you are passionate about the job, not because you are interested in lots of money in your pockets. You will work long, hard hours but as long as you have a passion for what you are doing you will be happy and hopefully feel fulfilled.
<< See other New Jersey Interviews -- Search by state -- Search by job title>>
