Volunteer
Job Description
FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a093d000000blEjAAI/campground-host-offseason
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ADDRESS: Big Cypress National Preserve; 33100 Tamiami Trl. E.; Ochopee, Florida 34141
DEPT: National Park Service
DATES: 4/30/2023 – 9/1/2023
DESCRIPTION:
Join us here at Big Cypress in the ‘off-season’! Our off season begins around the beginning of May and runs until the middle of September. There are typically fewer visitors, but there is so much to experience at Big Cypress in the summer!
Campground hosts represent the National Park Service and are a valuable asset to the park’s campground operation. Hosts deal with a variety of people and personalities. Major duties and requirements of this position are listed below. Hosts are not required to take on law enforcement issues; however they do serve as very important eyes and ears in the campgrounds and aid in reporting any problems or situations to park rangers. Most of all, Big Cypress hosts ensure that park visitors have as safe and enjoyable a visit as possible. As emissaries of the NPS, hosts can make the difference between an adequate and an excellent camping experience.
Hosts will be issued uniform shirts, a jacket, and a hat but must supply their own khaki or dark brown pants, socks, and closed-toed shoes.
Campground Hosts will be asked to check in/out visitors to the campground. They should provide visitors with the rules and regulations of Big Cypress campgrounds, and do their best to answer any questions visitors may have. Campground hosts will be give maps of Big Cypress to give to visitors as well. We ask that our off-season hosts take on some of the campground maintenance. All volunteers will be properly trained upon arrival.
All volunteers will have excellent teamwork skills. Volunteers in these roles hold an open line of communication with their supervisors and fellow volunteers and park staff. Successful volunteers can take direction as well as exercise good judgment while adhering to preserve regulations. They will also enjoy meeting and talking with new people, and have the ability to effectively deal with stressful situations. For this position, a drivers license is necessary.
- Backpacking/Camping
- Visitor Information
- Working with People
The temperature outside can range from 50 to over 100 degrees. Humidity can make the feels like temperature exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Volunteers working outside will be subject to direct sunlight, potential exposure to bugs that bite or sting, and potentially (though rare) encounters with wildlife (including, but not limited to, snakes and alligators). Danger exists due to possible cuts, scrapes, bruises, and burns. Some of the campgrounds are very remote and there may be limited cell phone coverage.
Individual volunteers who are interested in volunteering but are in need of an RV pad must contribute 32 hours per week; couples in the situation must contribute 48 hours total. RVs must be fully contained and full hookups are included. The preserve offers RV Volunteers a free laundry facility and pool at the headquarters building. RV pads for this position will be located at the campgrounds (Midway or Bear Island as these are the only campgrounds open in the off-season). The ability of volunteers to commit to the full season, mid-May to September is beneficial, but not required
Social distancing and other precautions as a result of Covid-19 are still being taken at Big Cypress National Preserve. These will change with CDC guidance as interpreted by DOI.
- General housekeeping
- Slip, trip, and fall hazards
- Work practices
- COVID19 Guidelines
- Yes