Volunteer
Job Description
FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a093d000000blW5AAI/visitor-center-assistantinterpreter
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ADDRESS: Aztec Ruins National Monument; 725 Ruins Road; Aztec, New Mexico 87410
DEPT: National Park Service
DATES: 8/1/2022 – 7/31/2023
DESCRIPTION:
Visitor Center Assistant/Interpreter at Aztec Ruins National Monument
Perfect for a solo person or couples, the volunteer(s) will assist in visitor center operations including: guest orientation, providing information to visitors and answering questions, informal interpretation, roving the trail, giving interpretive programs (15-30 minutes), and working with park staff on various projects.
In exchange for 32 volunteer hours per week, volunteer(s) will have use of an on-site RV/trailer pad, and use of volunteer bathroom, shower and laundry building with ice machine.
The time commitment is for two months with possible extension. Openings begin August 1st.
Note: Please include your preferred timeframes in two month increments.
DUTIES
This position is a National Park Service volunteer employee according to the provisions of Public Law 91-357, the Volunteers in the Parks Act of 1969.
Represent the National Park Service and Aztec Ruins National Monument when in uniform. Must be able to work effectively with people of all ages, cultures, backgrounds, and levels of knowledge.
· Front Desk
o Assist at the information desk by answering questions, providing directions, and generally assisting visitors in a friendly and prompt manner.
o Consistently provide visitors with well-researched, accurate, and relevant information about the site and other NPS areas.
o Support Aztec Ruins cultural sensitivity goals by sharing multiple perspectives of this place, and interacting with visitors in a way that respects all cultural views.
o Assist bookstore customers, inventories and stocks merchandise.
o VIP may be asked to operate Western National Parks Association (WNPA) register with proper training provided by WNPA.
o Provide assistance with field trips visiting the park, including orientations, general support, and potentially leading educational activities.
o Familiarity with Junior Ranger program, and providing assistance with interactive opportunities (grinding corn, etc.).
o Engage with the public through alternative means, including Junior Ranger mailouts, fulfilling ‘Flat Stanley’ requests, and brochure requests.
· Tours
o Conduct ‘roving’ interpretive patrols of the park, sharing information, answering visitor questions and providing assistance on the trail.
o Monitor park resources to help visitors and the park safe.
o Lead existing “spot talks” and/or “voluntourism” programs daily to engage kids and adults alike, or VIP may develop a program based on their own interests.
· Special Events
o Will assist with special events (American Indian Cultural Arts Festival, Summer Solstice, Lecture Series events), including preparation and deconstruction process, and crowd control.
While working in this volunteer position, the volunteer may use common office equipment such as computers, printers and various forms of educational outreach or special event materials.
VIP safety is paramount. The work for this position is conducted both indoors and outdoors. Volunteers should be prepared to handle general outdoor hazards and basic office hazards. Violations of safety policy are grounds for dismissal.
As a representative of the National Park Service, VIPs must act in accordance with The Hatch Act, 5 U.S.C. §§ 7321-7326, which restricts involvement in partisan political activity. Partisan political activity is any activity directed toward the success or failure of a partisan candidate, political party, or partisan political group; for example, discussing current political events with visitors or colleagues at the Front Desk.
VIPs, just like park staff, are protected from harassment of any nature. If a volunteer experiences or is a witness of harassment, this must be reported. If a volunteer is found to be harassing others, this is grounds for dismissal.
Potential Hazards:
Hazards that could be encountered may include stinging or biting insects, rattlesnakes, potentially hazardous wildlife, steep slopes, high winds, lightning strikes, and running arroyos. There is a potential for heat stroke in the summer. Summer highs are in the mid-90s with temperatures occasionally exceeding 100°F.
Benefits to Volunteer:
· Personal enrichment and experience working in a National Monument setting
· RV pad with view of archeological sites
Goal/Outcome of Job:
· Contribute to and improve the experience for visitors at the park
· Complete work that would otherwise not get completed without volunteer help
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge/Skills/Experience Desired:
· Knowledge of southwestern cultures and archaeology
· Ability to provide complete and accurate information
· Proficiency in public speaking and personal communication
Special Requirements:
· VIP may be required to work indoors and outdoors in a variety of weather. Summers are hot and dry and winters can be cold and snowy
· May be required to operate a government vehicle
· May be required to lift, move and organize different types of programming materials
· May be required to stand or sit intermittently for long periods of time
SKILLS
Conservation Education
Drivers License
Public Speaking
Visitor Information
Working with People
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work takes place in a visitor center and office setting, and outdoors on a trail and in an ancient 900 year old Ancestral Puebloan great house.
Aztec, NM is located in the Four Corners region. It is high desert with hot and dry summers, a hot and rainy summer monsoon season, and cold and dry winters. Basic amenities are located in the city of Aztec, with all major services available in Farmington, NM, which is a 15 minute drive away, and in Durango, CO, which is a 45 minute drive away.
JOB HAZARDS
Slip, trip, and fall hazards
Temperature extremes
BACKGROUND/REFERENCE CHECK REQUIRED
Yes