Other
Volunteer
Job Description
FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a093d000000kcniAAA/visitor-services-volunteerrocky-knob-visitor-center
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ADDRESS: Blue Ridge Parkway; Milepost 384; Asheville, North Carolina 28803
DEPT: National Park Service
DATES: 5/15/2023 – 10/31/2023
DESCRIPTION:
Join the Interpretation and Education Team of the Blue Ridge Parkway as we welcome and assist park visitors from around the country (and the world!) as they enjoy “America’s Favorite Drive!” This position is based at the Rocky Knob Visitor Center, milepost 167. Housing (an RV Site) may be an option for those willing to volunteer 32 hours a week during the exciting summer season (May through October) of 2023.
Hosting over 16 million annual visitors, the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most visited units of the National Park Service. Each year staff, volunteers and partners assist thousands of visitors as they plan their visit to the parkway.
Volunteers in this uniformed position are expected to provide a warm, welcoming atmosphere and the highest level of customer service. The volunteer assists visitors by providing accurate park information in person and over the phone in support of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
DUTIES INCLUDE:
Staffing Rocky Knob Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center, including professionally representing the National Park Service by providing exceptionally high-quality customer service, opening and closing the facility, providing orientation, information, and interpretation to visitors. telling visitors about park activities, informing visitors of potential safety hazards, distributing maps and brochures as requested, operating a cash register and selling bookstore merchandise, accurately collecting and accounting for monies.
The volunteer in this role assists park staff and serves park visitors through completing the following duties regularly:
- Open, close and staff the Visitor Information desk at Rocky Knob in the Plateau District.
- Greet visitors, providing orientation, information, and interpretation to visitors.
- Distributes maps and brochures as requested.
- Informal interpretation.
- Operates America’s National Park store including running the cash register and selling merchandise using Point of Sale system; accurately collecting and accounting for monies.
- Inform visitors of potential safety hazards.
- Check for sufficient brochure stock and replenish as needed.
- Taking inventory of supplies and informing supervisor when stock is low.
- Lift and carry brochure boxes weighing up to 25 pounds.
- Change the date on the passport stamp.
- Record visitor statistics on the monthly visitation form.
- Volunteer will record their own hours each time they work.
- Ability to communicate effectively.
- Ability to display a positive attitude and professional demeanor.
- Ability to wear a NPS VIP uniform.
- Knowledge of NPS regulations desired.
- Ability to determine visitor needs and answer questions.
- Ability to remain courteous and calm in hectic circumstances.
- Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
- Ability to practice safety in all aspects of the job.
- Ability to work independently with little or no direct supervision.
- Ability to pass a Federal Background Check.
- Ability to work weekends and holidays.
- May be required to wear a mask indoors.
- Clerical/Office Machines
- General Assistance
- Public Speaking
- Visitor Information
- Working with People
- Light housekeeping (sweeping, dusting, etc.)
- Conservation Education
- Drivers License
- General Assistance
- Public Speaking
- Visitor Information
Milepost 169 on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Floyd, Virginia
Work is performed in a small contact station. Work is primarily performed standing or sitting position but requires walking, bending, and carrying light objects. Other duties may also involve working in an outdoor environment. Outdoor tasks will be performed during varying temperatures and weather conditions. No outdoor work will be performed in the presence of thunder or lightning.
- General housekeeping
- Slip, trip, and fall hazards
- Ergonomic problems