Volunteer
Job Description
FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a093d000000jaGNAAY/mount-rainier-emergency-roadside-assistance-2023
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ADDRESS: Mount Rainier National Park; 55210 238th Avenue East; Ashford, Washington 98304
DEPT: National Park Service
DATES: 5/23/2023 – 10/11/2023
DESCRIPTION:
Emergency Roadside Assistance volunteers, known at Mount Rainier as “Ravens” (Rangers Assisting Visitors in Need), provide assistance to visitors in the Visitor Services and Resource Protection Division. They respond to lockouts, breakdowns, jumpstarts, and emergencies. They are our “super heroes,” rescuing people’s vacations. It’s hard work, but super rewarding! Mount Rainier is looking for one individual to finish out the summer/autumn season, and one person to work through the winter season.
Anticipated results:
As a member of the Park’s Ranger Protection Team you will be provided a unique experience to assist park visitors, provide emergency roadside assistance, and help contribute to the protection and preservation of park resources.
Training:
Volunteer will participate in park orientation session; safety training; maintenance procedures; on-the-job training; other training as designated by supervisor.
Benefits:
(1) Housing, if needed, for volunteers working a minimum of 32 hours per week;
(2) Coverage for tort liability and on the job injury available through VIP Program;
(3) Uniform and government vehicle provided;
(4) Waiver of park entry/camping fees;
(5) Be part of “Making a Difference” with a rewarding position within the ranger division of Mount Rainier.
Please note: All volunteers driving government vehicles must have valid driver license and written authorization from supervisor before driving. This position may require a background check.
Duties:
(1) Assist Rangers with traffic control in the Visitor Center Parking Lot and along Roadside;
(2) Operate a small truck or van on park roads;
(3) Provide battery jumps;
(4) Assist with vehicle lockouts (tools and training provided);
(5) Request tow trucks through Communication Center via park radio (portable radio provided);
(6) Provide emergency gas; assist with tire change; and other minor problems;
(7) Report accidents, incidents, hazards, or suspicious activity to Park Rangers.
Responsibilities:
(1) VIPs will document ALL volunteer work and services provided. This means effectively communicating with park dispatch and other ranger staff the services provided and assistance needed (law enforcement, tow truck, medical services, etc.). Volunteers will provide a weekly log of hours and services provided and turn it in to the supervisor at the end of each week.
(2) Work within parameters of this position description unless change is documented by your supervisor.
(3) Have a dedication to protection of the park mission and park resources.
Qualifications for the job:
(1) Valid driver license required. The incumbent will be operating a government vehicle.
(2) Must have basic mechanical and maintenance skills.
(3) Must be able to pass a background check.
(4) Willingness to assist with traffic control on park roads and parking lots.
(5) Must be able to interact with visitors in a friendly and helpful manner. Sometimes these contacts will be under stressful situations.
(6) Must be willing to use a park radio and communicate effectively and clearly with staff and the public.
(7) The ability to work without direct supervision.
(8) Ability to work outside in proximity to vehicles in cold, wet, snowy conditions at altitudes up to 5400’.
- Drivers License
- First Aid Certificate
- General Assistance
- Visitor Information
- Working with People
Mount Rainier is a 14,410′ active volcano ringed by glaciers, subalpine meadows, old growth forests, and trails. Between 1.5 and 2 million people visit every year, mostly but not exclusively during the summer. Winter’s snowpack can be 16 feet deep or more, and does not completely melt until July in most years. It begins to accumulate again in October, making for a very short and intense growing season dominated by riotous displays of wildflowers in the park’s high elevation meadows. Two of the park’s primary visitors are in this subalpine zone: Paradise, on the south side of the Mountain at 5400′ elevation, and Sunrise, on the northeast side at 6400′. The road to Paradise is kept plowed year-round, but Sunrise typically does not open until the end of June.
Three volunteer are hired in a typical summer: two at Paradise, who tag team during the summer, trading off schedules; and one at Sunrise, focusing on weekends. A winter “Raven” is also hired, but this is a separate position listing, since its duties are different.
Housing options include apartments at Park Headquarters near Ashford; cabins or RV sites at Longmire; or a bunkhouse at White River, near Sunrise. Housing is provided at no cost to volunteers.
- Yes