Volunteer
Job Description
FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a093d000000kiUIAAY/2023-kirch-flat-volunteer-camp-hosts
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ADDRESS: High Sierra Ranger District; 29688 Auberry Road; Prather, California 93651
DEPT: Forest Service
DATES: 5/1/2023 – 8/31/2023
DESCRIPTION:
Sierra National Forest is looking for energetic, hardworking, dedicated individual or pair of people to be Kirch Flat Campground Host(s).
Applicants with partners/spouses wanting to host together should apply as separate individuals and provide at least 3 professional references each. This will help better feature each person’s unique skills and abilities.
Hosting requires excellent customer service skills, a friendly and patient personality, the willingness and ability to perform daily cleaning and light maintenance, who also love being good stewards of the land. Host positions will be filled with individuals/pairs who own their own accommodation (RV/Camper/Motorhome) to live on site; tents are not permitted. A host site will be provided inside the Campground; however, no water or sewage hook-up available, only trash services. This is a remote campground, and there is no cell phone coverage.
To learn more:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sierra/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=45504&actid=29
The host will receive fee-free camping as part of the Camp Host Program.
Note: Pets permitted with proper vaccination documents, and rules apply.
Being a Host requires a multi-faceted set of skills including cleaning and maintenance, customer service, and also record keeping and management.
Cleaning/Maintenance: While following established safety protocols including wearing personal protective equipment, camp host(s) need to be physically able to clean restrooms buildings, toilets, grills, picnic tables, fire rings, pick up litter within facility boundaries, extinguish and report abandoned campfires, raking, weeding, and occasional pruning of vegetation.
Customer Service: Provide information (regulations, recreational opportunities, directions, where to make camping reservations, etc.), be visible to the public, wear host uniform components, and present a positive image of the U.S. Forest Service.
Record Keeping/Management: Complete/submit supply lists and maintenance requests, report observed violations to U.S. Forest Service personnel, contact designated county or federal emergency services if needed, accurately report hours of service and submit monthly timesheets on time, and maintain a balance between service time and personal time off duty. A mileage reimbursement may be available for use of personal vehicle.
All hosts must work weekends and will have 2 consecutive days off during the week. Any changes in this schedule must be discussed with the volunteer’s supervisor. Volunteer host hours vary each day, but on average, hosts serve 30 hour per week, per volunteer.
- Verbally communicate in a clear, professional, pleasant, and respectful manner with all forest visitors/campers and U.S. Forest Service personnel. Other language skills such as American Sign Language and Spanish can also be helpful, but not required.
- Walk on uneven terrain at altitudes above 1,000 feet.
- Bending and stooping frequently and able to lift and carry up to 30 pounds.
- Use shovels, rakes, brooms, and common cleaning supplies.
- Practice and promote all U.S. Forest Service safety practices and protocols relevant to host duties and visitor/customer interactions.
- A background check is required upon arrival which includes voluntary release form(s). Security credentials are not required.
- Drivers License
- General Assistance
- Hand Power Tools
- Public Speaking
- Visitor Information
- Working with People
Our host opportunity is located in a federal developed recreation site (campgrounds and/or picnic areas) on National Forest Lands. Recreation sites in the Sierra National Forest are generally moderate to high use locations which draw a wide diversity of visitors/customers with varied expectations for their outdoor recreation experiences. Work is entirely outdoors, and the Sierra Nevada mountains have hot/dry heat in the summers. Summer highs are in the 90s and low 100s with very little humidity. Job hazards include all the common hazards of outdoor life, cleaning/maintenance, and the human element. The environment, animals, and people encountered are unpredictable. Safety training is provided to mitigate these hazards and support hosts in creating the safest work environment possible. A “Good Host” attitude of being respectful, courteous, helpful, and friendly to all people is both a requirement of the position and a safety technique. Some hosts are natural “Good Hosts” and some learn with training and experience. We welcome all to apply!