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No Worries
03-07-2011, 03:57 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, 05:12 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, 05:46 PM
That sounds badass. Wish I were in a position to do something like that.
Mikey
03-07-2011, 08:34 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, 08:44 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, 08:52 PM
Awesome story and great for someone with that kind of flexibility or willing to give up a routine.
Full Throttle
03-07-2011, 11:09 PM
I might have to do that. That seems pretty bad ass.
t-homo
03-07-2011, 11:20 PM
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, 12:20 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, 01:10 AM
I hung gutters with a guy. Good money since he paid me per job and super easy work.
EpyonXero
03-08-2011, 08:01 AM
I worked at summer camps but that sounds more fun.
the chi
03-08-2011, 08:23 AM
I'd love to do something like that, I may check out for my area. I think being stuck in a stupid office one day I may go berserk. I'll make sure to youtube it when it happens tho. :wink:
Rangerscott
03-08-2011, 09:39 AM
I'd rather live off of yalls pay checks. Cause Im an asshole like that.
wildchild
03-08-2011, 01:28 PM
I'd love to do something like that, I may check out for my area. I think being stuck in a stupid office one day I may go berserk. I'll make sure to youtube it when it happens tho. :wink:

I know that feeling very well. LOL
Particle Man
03-08-2011, 01:36 PM
I worked at summer camps but that sounds more fun.

This one time, at Band Camp...
racedoll
03-08-2011, 08:52 PM
I'd love to do something like that, I may check out for my area. I think being stuck in a stupid office one day I may go berserk. I'll make sure to youtube it when it happens tho. :wink:

Don't you mean a tree, Ms Keebler Elf? :lol:
tommymac
03-08-2011, 08:59 PM
Don't you mean a tree, Ms Keebler Elf? :lol:

Oh snap, she called you an elf :lol:
racedoll
03-08-2011, 09:02 PM
Oh snap, she called you an elf :lol:

Yeah, she'll probably kick my ass now for it too... :scared:
the chi
03-09-2011, 08:42 AM
:lol: My alternate identity requires my cover to be that of a disgruntled city employee stuck behind a desk and a glass window.
LeeNetworX
03-09-2011, 08:46 AM
No necessarily a Summer job, but a longer contract...If I were single, I would be applying for a comm tech job as a civilian contractor in Afghanistan. Sick money, and it definitely wouldn't be a boring job / situation.
tommymac
03-09-2011, 08:51 AM
No necessarily a Summer job, but a longer contract...If I were single, I would be applying for a comm tech job as a civilian contractor in Afghanistan. Sick money, and it definitely wouldn't be a boring job / situation.

I just wouldnt like the risk of being blown up. There were/are medical gigs over there as well that paid some crazy money
LeeNetworX
03-09-2011, 08:52 AM
I just wouldnt like the risk of being blown up. There were/are medical gigs over there as well that paid some crazy money

That's why I'd only do it if I were single.