Park Host

Totem Bight State Historical Park
Totem Bight is located 10 miles north of Ketchikan. It is the only park in the Alaska State system dedicated to the Southeast Alaskan native culture, displaying the art and architecture of the Tlingit and Haida. The park exhibits 14 totem poles and a clan house, hand-crafted 75+ years ago by Native carvers in the area. A short self-guided trail winds through the rainforest to the totem display which faces an ocean passage. In the summer, commercially guided tours from the cruise ships frequent the park. The park is a day use facility, not a campground. Nighttime visitors are rare. Summers are mild and misty. Winter season weather is wet and sometimes windy, with occasional ice but very little snow. Winter season daylight hours are reduced but never less than 7 hours daylight.
Host Duties: Assist staff with garden, light grounds maintenance and janitorial duties; open and close the historic clan house daily. Fold interpretive guides (about 50 a day). Deter vandalism/criminal mischief; contact the appropriate law enforcement or EMS agency for emergencies; and inform the Park Specialist of any problems. If approached by park visitors, Inform visitors of the park regulations, and policies. Monitor commercial sign-in sheets. Winter season may include occasional moderate snow shoveling.
Special Projects: Assist staff with any special events or with other special activities or maintenance projects on an occasional basis.
Required Skills: Must be able to work independently and follow procedures without direct supervision. Must have good speaking skills and enthusiasm for working with the public. Must be in good health and physical condition.
Desired Skills: Valid Drivers’ License. Knowledge of gardening, grounds upkeep and use of powered groundskeeping equipment. First aid and CPR certified.
Amenities: $250/month subsistence payment (summer season only), fresh water (3000 gallons per season), free Wi-Fi internet, waste water dump tank (500 gallons per season) free solid waste disposal & free electricity provided. Caretaker RV site is located next to the beach, facing the west with beautiful sunsets, including a fire ring and picnic table. 4 mile bike trail and borough bus immediately accessible. Other services located in Ketchikan. Must provide own propane/heating fuel.
Season: Summer 6 months, from 5/1 – 9/30. Winter 10/1-4/30/24 Full season preferred but not required. Outside daytime employment requires pre-approval. Must be on location nights and most weekend days. Two days off a week, usually in the middle of the week. Summer season estimated 17.5 hours of labor a week, 12 hours of labor a week in the winter.
Note: Must have own RV or Camper. Couple preferred.

To apply or for more information:

Contact: Ketchikan area Park Specialist
Phone: (907)247-8574
Email: dnr.pkssoutheast@alaska.gov
Submit online at: Alaska State Parks Volunteer Program

Tagged as: Couples / Duos, Pay/Wages, State Park, SUMMER '25