Alcatraz Island is one of the most unique places to work in the Bay Area, and many Parks Conservancy team members keep coming back year after year.
Behind the historic grounds, fascinating programming, and illuminating exhibits are staff members devoted to unforgettable visitor experiences. We chatted with the Alcatraz team about what keeps them coming back to the island:
Brian Stannard, Cellhouse Tour Guide, 5 years at the Parks Conservancy
"My coworkers talk about how special the boat ride in and out of here is. We’re like, 'We’re never going to be able to quit this place.' I’ve got an overview of all the history, but some days I’m like, 'I want to learn more about the Red Power Occupation,' and that’s a totally separate thing from 'I want to learn about the gangster era of the 1930s.'"
Edwin Sera, Cellhouse Audio Tour Manager, 29 years
"I enjoy the job. All the staff is great. It’s fun working here. I learn something new all the time about the history of Alcatraz. I like being around the visitors from all over the world. I like to look for people who look exactly like me. I’m looking for my perfect doppelganger!"
Gabe Pineda, Assistant Retail Manager, 8 years
"I enjoy that at any given moment, something interesting and unique can happen on Alcatraz. Not every day is the same. For instance, today we’re opening a new exhibit ['Birds in a Changing Climate']. It’s days like this that make me want to keep coming back."
Ana de los Reyes, Visitor Representative at Cellhouse Tour, 24 years
"I keep coming back because I love working with the [Alcatraz] family. I learn a lot of history of Alcatraz and I meet a lot of people from different countries."
Marilyn Lagandaon, Alcatraz Inventory Manager, 7 years
"The reason I come back is the people. We attract a lot of people who are passionate about the history of the island, the parks, or making a really good guest experience, or they’re really creative. Everyone who comes in as part of our team, it’s really enjoyable to spend time with them and get to know them and grow with them."
Looking to join the team? Find your park opportunity on our careers page.
