Volunteer
Job Description
4/4/2022 – 11/14/2022
Ocoee Ranger District
3171 Highway 64
Benton, Tennessee 37317
A campground host is a seasonal volunteer who agrees to serve in a National Forest Campground. Hosts are friendly, enjoy the outdoors and are eager to learn and share their knowledge. The host will manage reservations, clean out fire pits, clean bathrooms, pick-up litter, assist with various maintenance task, and engage with the visitors.
The Ocoee-Hiwassee Ranger District of the Cherokee National Forest is looking for a several couples that are motivated volunteers to serve as a campground host at Parksville Group Campground. Located near Parksville Lake, this popular campground is divided by Highway 30 into a 24 sites tent/group campground and a 16 site RV campground with electric. The group sites are well shaded and well-spaced set up with tent pads around a central fire ring, pedestals grills, and picnic tables. The RV sites are well shaded and well-spaced and will accommodate large RV’s, Campers, and Tents. The Group Site #3 offers the opportunity for two RVs to camp close together and some are located along a small stream. Group Camp site amenities are available on the right side of Highway 30 with grills, picnic tables, and lantern posts. Water hydrants are dispersed in the campground with 24 non-electric sites. Dump station is also available across the road in Parksville RV. Bathhouses are equipped with warm water and flush toilets. Convenient to the Ocoee River, Parksville Lake beaches and boat ramps, many miles of mountain bike/hiking trails and whitewater rafting, it’s a great central location for day trips. Directions: From the Ocoee Ranger Station, turn left onto Highway 64. Travel about 2.2 miles to Highway 30. Turn left; campground in 0.2 miles on both sides of Highway 30.
DUTIES
General duties of a Campground Host include:
• Assist campers by providing them with information, explaining basic forest regulations, act as eyes and ears of the Forest Service by monitoring use and reporting violations or emergencies to the proper authorities
• Host(s) will represent the Forest Service in public contacts, providing information and directions, and reporting vandalism and other problems to Forest Service personnel and Law Enforcement.
• Host(s) SHOULD NOT engage in any form of confrontation with the public.
• Post and manage reservations provided by recreation technicians.
• Clean and service restrooms multiple times daily. • Clean fire pits, pedestal grills, campsites, picnic tables, and general grounds maintenance
• Assist with Painting, Landscape Maintenance, Litter Pick-up
• Work safely while adhering to all USFS safety policies
• Host may also assist Recreation Technician with light carpentry duties, plumbing, and minor electric task.
• Host may be asked to check water systems to ensure they are functioning properly.
• Hosts must abide by all the same rules and regulations as the general visitor.
• Host(s) may assist Lead Technician with water or wastewater operations. Report leaks or breaks ASAP to Recreation Technician or Recreation Program Manager.
• Host(s) may assist with fee collection at campground or other recreation sites.
• Host(s) are allowed to operate a government golf cart only around campground area. Host(s) will review the job hazard analysis before operating the golf cart.
• Opening and Closing of gate each day if applicable.
• Host are required to be on site Friday-Monday. Other days can be negotiated.
QUALIFICATIONS
Hosts are to be neat in appearance and to keep a tidy and welcoming camp site. Host must follow all Campground Regulations and Food Storage Order. There is limited cell phone service in the area. Host must provide their own living quarters such as: RV or Camper Trailer. We offer full connections for campground host only such as: Water, Electric, and Sewer. Hosts should be in good physical condition and be able to work in a variety of weather conditions including rain, extreme heat, high humidity, and varying temperatures. All necessary tools, supplies, and personnel equipment (PPE), and training will be provided by the Forest Service.
SKILLS
Backpacking/Camping
Carpentry
Conservation Education
Drivers License
First Aid Certificate
Hand Power Tools
Heavy Equipment
Landscaping/Reforestation
Other Trade Skills
Visitor Information
Working with People
WORK ENVIRONMENT
We ask that hosts be available for a three-month commitment at minimum, or for a full season if possible. Parksville Lake Group Campground is open from mid-April to early-November. Hosts are expected to be always available to the public 4-5 days per week, including weekends and holidays. (Infrequent knocks on the camper door at all hours of the day and night should be anticipated). Days off will be scheduled for weekdays, usually Tuesday and Wednesday or Wednesday and Thursday. Hosts may be called upon their day off if needed. Volunteers should be fully dressed and wearing at least one component of a Forest Service Volunteer uniform during on-duty time. Please call for more information on this opportunity! For additional information, please contact Ken Thomas Ocoee-Hiwassee Lead Recreation Technician by email kenneth.v.thomas@usda.gov or Ryan Farr Ocoee-Hiwassee Recreation Program Manager by email justin.farr@usda.gov or by Gov Cell Phone 423-506-6385.
JOB HAZARDS
Slip, trip, and fall hazards
Electrical hazards
Equipment operation
Equipment maintenance
BACKGROUND/REFERENCE CHECK REQUIRED
Yes