Volunteer
Job Description
FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a093d000000ZpqPAAS/seasonal-interpretive-volunteer
——
ADDRESS: El Morro National Monument; HC 61 Box 43; Ramah, New Mexico 87321
DEPT: National Park Service
DATES: 6/17/2022 – 10/15/2022
DESCRIPTION:
El Morro is seeking interpretive volunteers. Help visitors connect to the park through interpretive programming and visitor information. Housing (subject to availability) is provided. This is a full-time (32-hours/week) volunteer opportunity.
About El Morro National Monument
All other rocks in America do not together hold so much history as do those of El Morro National Monument. Rising 200 feet above the valley floor, this massive sandstone bluff was a welcome landmark for weary travelers. A reliable waterhole hidden at its base made El Morro (or Inscription Rock) a popular campsite. Beginning in the late 1500s Spanish explorers and soldiers, followed by American surveyors, immigrants and soldiers, passed by El Morro. While they rested in its shade and drank from the pool, many inscribed their signatures, dates and messages. Ancestral Puebloans, living in an 800-room pueblo on top of the bluff over 700 years ago, began this trend by carving hundreds of petroglyphs. El Morro was proclaimed the second National Monument in the National Park system on December 8, 1906. The vast continuum of human history inscribed upon the rock and preserved in the ancient ruins makes El Morro National Monument a handbook of cultural history of the Southwest. The majestic bluff, shady pool, high desert forest (7200 ft.), and sweeping vistas make this a natural wonder as well.
Volunteer Position: Time Requirement
This is a full-time (32-hours per week) volunteer opportunity. A minimum commitment of 3 months is required. Preference may be given to applicants who can volunteer for 4 or more months.
Housing
Depending on availability, there are several housing options. Housing may take the form of:
1) An efficiency apartment
2) Shared housing in a 3-bedroom house. Each resident has a private bedroom. House is shared with 0 to 2 other tenants.
3) If the volunteer has a self-contained RV, an RV pad with full hookups is available.
Local Area
El Morro is situated in a rural setting and is a remote duty station. The park is located 45 miles southwest of Grants, NM (population 10,000) on State Highway 53. Grants is a small town that offers a full array of services. There is no public transportation between the monument and local towns. As such, the volunteer will need a personal vehicle.
Other
Successful completion of a federal investigative background check is required.
We are a fun group to work with! Come join our team and spend time in this hidden gem of a national monument!
DUTIES
What Does an Interpretive Volunteer Do?
Visitor Center
Visitor Center Interpretation duties will consist of staffing a front desk, orientating guests to the park, providing information on park activities and encouraging guests to recreate in a safe and environmentally conscious way.
Specific tasks may include but are not limited to answering questions, sharing safety messages, providing directions, recommending hiking trails, interacting with Junior Rangers, processing lost and found items, utilizing a 2-way radio, handling bookstore sales, operating a cash register, answering phone inquiries and voicemails, and other duties as necessary.
Interpretive Programs (Focused on the natural history and cultural significance of the park)
Interpretive Volunteers will have the opportunity to develop and present interpretive programs. These could include but do not have to be limited to 20-minute patio talks on the natural and/or cultural history of the park, 60-minute evening programs (summer only) and 90-minute guided walks focused on a topic of your choice related to the park. We also offer star parties, telescope viewing, and full moon hikes which you can play a role in or lead. We welcome ideas for Pop – up and other types of programing dependent on your interest and what experience you might bring to the park.
Other
There may also be opportunities for cross training in some divisions like: Assisting in emergency carryout’s, Search and Rescue (SAR), Resource Management, and Maintenance. In addition, there could be cross training opportunities to assist our sister park, El Malpais National Monument with staffing and/or programming.
DUTIES
A Day in the Life of an Interpretive Volunteer:
Staff the Visitor Center Front Desk
Present Interpretive Programming
Rove trails making informal contacts
Operate a government vehicle
Operate a government computer
Operate a cooperating association bookstore cash register
QUALIFICATIONS
Applicant should be able to do the following:
Research, write, and deliver interpretive programs
Operate a government vehicle safely
Practice and provide exemplary customer service
Work independently
Communicate with visitors
Respond with patience, tact, and empathy
Other Favorable Qualifications:
Previous experience working with visitors/customers
Comfort working outdoors in all weather conditions
Desire to learn more about the natural and cultural history of El Morro National Monument
Flexibility
Good teamwork skills
SKILLS
Conservation Education
General Assistance
Public Speaking
Visitor Information
Working with People
Writing/Editing
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Weather and Climate
The elevation of El Morro is approximately 7200 ft. Summer temperatures range from the 50s to 90s. The rainy season occurs in July and August with frequent, usually brief, afternoon thunderstorms which produce heavy rain and frequent lightning. Snowstorms in April and October aren’t uncommon and may produce light to heavy snowfall.
The park serves approximately 30,000 visitors annually and park interpreters may contact over 200 visitors per day during the busy season.
JOB HAZARDS
Slip, trip, and fall hazards
Equipment operation
Environmental conditions: lightning, summer monsoon events, high elevation, sun exposure
BACKGROUND/REFERENCE CHECK REQUIRED
Yes