Let’s ask the experts! Over the next couple weeks, I’ll be doing a series of posts focusing on seasonal employees at Holliday Lake State Park. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to spend the summer working in a state park please stay tuned! Each employee highlighted has his or her own experience and I’ll just let them tell you all about it!
This interview is with Meagan.
What is your position at Holliday Lake State Park?
Contact Ranger
How many seasons have you worked in this position?
Four
What are some of your duties in this position?
Greeting customers, assisting guests as they arrive at the park, checking in campers
What is a typical workday like?
You open the contact station by retrieving the change bag from a permanent staff member and follow an opening checklist. The checklist includes items like: record the traffic counter number, check in any campers who came after closing the day before, prepare camping packets for those arriving on that day and other things to get ready for the day. Then you collect fees, answer questions, give directions and provide park information. Closing is similar to opening in the way you use a checklist again.
What have you learned about customer service or working with the public?
I have learned that patience is important, and the FOCUS program is of great assistance. (FOCUS is the Virginia State Parks customer service program)
What do you do when NOT working at HLSP?
I mostly go to school at Central Virginia Community College and spend time with family and friends.
How do you think working at a Virginia State Park has helped prepare you for the future? Or helped you meet your personal career and/or educational goals?
I would say that the park has helped me learn to multi-task, deal with tough situations, and other work skills.
Would you recommend a seasonal position in Virginia State Parks to a friend or family member? Or have you done so?
Yes and yes. I have recommended several people to apply to work at a state park.
Is there anything else you want to share about your time at HLSP?
Overall, I love my job at Holliday Lake State Park!
Meagan has been a wonderful asset to our contact station. Her bubbly personality and always-present smile have been constant over the last four years. Last summer she showed her cool-under-pressure skills during a serious emergency in the park that included a medical helicopter landing. This summer she will be moving to more of an office assistant position, but you may still see her in the contact station from time to time. If you call the park this summer, she will most likely answer the phone. She is too modest to share this, but she is a former Miss Five County Fair and a 4-H air rifle expert.
Check out Holliday Lake State Park’s job listings of other Virginia State Parks and apply if you’re interested. Don’t think you have to be a teenager to apply either; we have lots of seasonal employees who have let’s just say a little more life experience.