Matanuska Summer Internship 2022
The Matanuska Glacier Park in Alaska is accepting applications for paid glacier intern positions this summer. This amazing summer experience affords students the ability to earn money over the summer while gaining hands-on experience working on a glacier in the mountains of Alaska.
They have hosted several successful groups of interns over the years from colleges and universities across the United States. Past students majored in environmental sciences, geology, biological sciences, glaciology, as well as some non-science majors (English, Government) seeking outdoors experience in Alaska. Some students even pursued independent research activities leading to Senior Projects and GSA abstract publications!
The Matanuska Glacier Park is a family-owned glacier tourism business located 2 hours north of Anchorage providing an improved access to the beautiful Matanuska Glacier, one of the largest road-accessible glaciers in Alaska. Post work free time allows for outdoor recreation during Alaska’s ~20 hours of summer daylight (camping, hiking, river rafting, ice climbing, etc.).
What we are seeking: Our Glacier Interns are entrusted with responsibility for guiding clients on tours over the ice. We select for candidates with excellent people skills, strong work ethic, professionalism, prior outdoor experience, positive outgoing attitude, and an academic background complimentary to this work (e.g., Earth Sciences, Life Sciences, Geology, Geography, Biology, Environmental Science, as well as motivated non-science majors with high GPAs and demonstrated outdoor experience). Candidates should have basic working knowledge of simple hand tools (axe, hammer, rake, shovel, etc.), a valid drivers license, and no criminal record. Use of drugs or intoxicants of any kind (legal or otherwise) is grounds for immediate dismissal. Reckless behavior will result in termination of employment. Dogs are not permitted. If selected, you will need to bring an Apple Smartphone with an AT&T coverage plan including unlimited text and voice (other phones and providers are not locally sufficient for communications on the glacier).
What the job entails: Summer interns rotate among different shifts and taskings, including: glacier guiding, general maintenance of the park and trails, cooking, firewood collection, cleaning, cashier/retail work in the gift shop, and other duties as assigned to support the park.
What is provided: Each summer position includes daily shift work for $500/month and guides may also earn tips from clients. We provide meals, shower, laundry, and a nice spot to camp with your tent throughout the summer. Onboarding training is provided as needed, to include an “Introduction to Glaciers” course taught by the Park Geologist (PhD).
Dates: Summer internship positions start in mid-May and continue through late August
HOW TO APPLY: Email the below application materials to blueice@mtaonline.net
1. Resume: Your resume should include:
• Biographical Data: name, address, phone number, email, age (do not include social security numbers)
• Academic History: include colleges or universities attended, majors & minors, GPAs, expected graduation date
• Employment History: list your employment history along with other relevant experience including supervisor contact (phone number and email)
2. Cover letter: Your cover letter should explain:
• Knowledge, skills, and abilities that will make you stand out among other applicants
• Start and end dates you are available this summer
• Foreign languages spoken & proficiency
• Physical or medical conditions that may impact your work
• Any other information we should consider
3. Professional References: Provide two letters from professional references with email & phone numbers; one reference must be a professor
4. Certifications: Prior to arriving onsite, you must present a current First Aid and CPR Certificate valid through at least 30 Sept 2022 (certification must be American Heart Association compliant, usually a 6+ hour class including a practical)
Questions? Please email any questions to blueice@mtaonline.net.