An eight-week park ranger internship at Icelandic State Park in Cavalier, ND, was just what Jamestown (ND) High School senior Olivia Maulding needed to further explore and confirm her interest in outdoor careers. Maulding, now a freshman majoring in crop and weed science at North Dakota State University in Fargo, says the internship found through Golden Path Solutions (GPS) was more than enforcing park rules, stacking firewood, and cleaning fire pits. It was an opportunity to step out on her own, assume more responsibility, and help define her future career plans.
“Working at the park showed me that I really love the outdoors and that finding a career in nature would be best for me,” Maulding says. “It solidified my choice to work outside. Being outdoors is just more breathable to me.”
North Dakota Parks & Recreation Field Operations Administrator Lynn Spomer is thrilled that Maulding had such a great experience and discovered her love for working in nature.
“This was a great opportunity for our organization to showcase what we can do for the younger generation,” she says. “We want to introduce more young adults to the outdoors, all of its careers, and what it does for them. Helping people explore, learn, and find joy is what we’re all about.”
Maulding credits GPS Solutions Manager Derek Grahn with helping her find, apply, and be accepted for this hands-on work experience. While using Golden Path’s online solution, Compass, Maulding opted in to connect with employers, received a call from Grahn, and the two started exploring possible internships. When she showed interest in a North Dakota Parks & Recreation park ranger Career Profile, Grahn made some calls, eventually leading to the opportunity in Cavalier.
“I had a great time working at Icelandic State Park,” she says. “I was there for about eight weeks working 40 hours per week Fridays through Tuesdays. I made sure people didn’t park on the grass, kept their dogs on leashes, and followed quiet hours. But it also gave me my first experience living on my own and taught me how to work closely with others.”
Maulding says her high school agriculture classes first piqued her interest in outdoor work, followed by an experience working at a crop farm. The park ranger internship brought it all together and prompted her to change her major from social studies education to crop and weed science at NDSU.
“Golden Path really made this opportunity possible,” Maulding says. “Grahn helped during the entire process and stayed in touch after the internship started to make sure I had everything I needed.”
For more information about opportunities through Golden Path Solutions contact info@goldenpath.net. To learn more about work-based learning at Jamestown Public Schools contact WBL Coordinator Jerry Waagen.