Meeting workers in different positions of the DNR and working in outside environment.
What I wish was different
More on hands experiences in relation to my field.
Advice
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Seasonal worker
May - August 2020 • Brighton, MI
What I liked
My coworkers were great, I enjoyed speaking with and helping park patrons, and I enjoyed the work.
What I wish was different
I wish the job had fewer janitorial duties.
Advice
Make sure you like your supervisor of the park you'll be working at. They have the most influence and their attitude determines how well people work.
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Explorer Guide
May - August 2019 • Champion, MI
What I liked
Working outside and teaching the public about nature!
What I wish was different
It would be nice to have an assistant or helper because it is a big park and can be a lot of work for one person at times.
Advice
Have fun with it and be creative, share ideas with other Explorer Guides around the state.
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Stepping Stones and Outreach
June 2019 • Northville, MI
What I liked
Great people, loved working with kids, spending time outside teaching nature skills and outdoor activities
What I wish was different
Nothing
Advice
You have to know how to read groups of people as soon as you meet them, and be super flexible in case anything goes wrong
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Outreach coordinator
May - August 2019 • Laingsburg, MI
What I liked
I got to work with children in an outdoor setting.
What I wish was different
Advice
Always be prepared for programs, and have a backup program
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Graphic design assistant
May - August 2019 • Lansing, MI
What I liked
I loved the work I was doing and the flexibility of the hours and the time off. They were very understanding of the other things I had to do on my summer break from school
What I wish was different
I wish that the location was closer to where I was living. I drove over an hour to work everyday.
Advice
Always apply to the job even if you don't think you will make it!
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state worker
June - August 2018 • Ontonagon, MI
What I liked
I loved the experience of being able to work in the field that I am going into. I loved my co workers and the whole experience! Can't wait to go back this summer!
What I wish was different
I wish I could have had more time in nature than in the building working the enterance, but I still had plenty of time to explore the park.
Advice
If you get the opportunity to have a job, even if it is a low level job, that has to do with your career path, take it! It's extremely helpful in helping decide if your career is right for you.
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Explorer Guide
May - August 2018 • East Tawas, MI
What I liked
I worked outside and learned a lot a bout nature, it did not even feel like a job!
What I wish was different
I wish I was able to come back next year, but I will be taking summer classes in Marquette instead.
Advice
Don't forget to stop and enjoy what nature has to offer!
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Summer Ranger
April - September 2018 • Holland, MI
What I liked
The schedule is very flexible. Need a day off? Management will work with you to make sure you can get that time off.
The day is always different. You aren't assigned to one job. One day you may be on land maintenance and janitorial duties. The next you might be working in the campground office. Then next you may be in charge of selling recreational passes. It keeps the job fresh!
Working with customers was definitely the highlight of my season. The work at parks are very customer oriented and you will always be in contact with park visitors. You meet many walks of life and are guaranteed to end the season with a plethora of entertaining customer stories.
You get to work closely with full-time rangers and you will get to know them very well. They are always have something for you to do and will keep you busy!
What I wish was different
Management often chooses favorites. Some workers get to work with full-time rangers more than others. A few received more overtime than others (but this is most likely because they were the ones that were almost always available to do the overtime, not necessarily favoritism).
Some coworkers had personal conflicts and interfered with the work environment. This caused friction between many people working at the park.
Day shift and night shifts had friction between them because oftentimes work was left undone and left for the next shift to complete.
Advice
If you love working outdoors, with people, and being constantly engaged in something at work, this is the place for you! I've worked here for 2 seasons and both were very different experiences. Each season you will get a new batch of coworkers so each experience will be different.
