MA DCR Park Fellows Program 2008 Application for Mentors
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The role of the mentor is critical to the success of the Park Fellows Program as it will provide the Fellows with an opportunity to learn from you as they consider their future careers. While DCR will provide a consistent framework for the program, each Fellow’s experience will be unique based upon the rotation of assignments and your interaction with them.

The role of the mentor will include arranging a variety of work and learning experiences for each Fellow keeping in mind that you are:

• Leading the Fellow’s experience over the 12 weeks through a rotation of activities
• The consistent guiding point of contact and the consistent advisor for the Fellow
• The ‘tour guide’ for the Fellow’s experience: pointing out highlights; giving direction; helping keep Fellows on track; and answering questions
• Advising the Park Fellow on a ‘special project’ requirement for the Park Fellow Program to be selected in consultation with the Mentor by mid-summer, and presented at the conclusion of their summer fellowship. (Special project should focus on an area of interest to the Park Fellow and be of benefit to the DCR Park, region, or the agency generally.)

During the 12-week period, June 2 – August 22, 2008, Park Fellow assignments should vary to provide exposure to many aspects of the agency. At a minimum, mentors should arrange for work in, or exposure to, the following substantive and experiential learning areas:

1. Operational overview of the Massachusetts State Park System
2. Natural resources management
3. Partnerships vital for building robust park programs
4. Interpretive programs essential for connecting the public to our parks
5. Facility management
6. Exchanges to other DCR Districts or Regions
7. Workshops, staff meetings, or training opportunities

Expectations:

• Mentors are asked to develop a summer calendar with a rotation of duties, activities, and site visits for the Park Fellow. (Suggestions and examples will be provided.)
• On the first day, Mentors should provide an orientation to the Park Fellow, including an overview and expectations, a walk-though the facility and introductions to other staff.
• Mentors are asked to have Park Fellow check-in with them regularly (weekly at minimum) and to clearly explain who else the Park Fellow will be working with and assigning daily supervision.
• Mentors should help the Park Fellow consider and select a topic for their Special Project, to be completed during the second half of the summer, and presented at the end of the Fellowship.
• Park Fellows Program Staff will be reaching out to the Mentors during the summer to get feedback on Park Fellow progress.
• A Mentor orientation is required and will be held on May 13, 2008.
• It is estimated that at least one-half day per week (in total) will be devoted to mentoring a Park Fellow.  

Please consider applying. EACH experienced DCR supervisor and manager has something to offer these potential future park professionals. Your strengths may be communications, operations, hands-on carpentry, facilities management or many other valuable skills. We encourage you to share your experience with the next generation of the DCR Workforce.  

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