Volunteer
Job Description
FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a093d000000m7U0AAI/great-basin-visitor-center-operations
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ADDRESS: Great Basin National Park; 100 Great Basin National Park; Baker, Nevada 89311
DEPT: National Park Service
DATES: 5/21/2023 – 8/12/2023
DESCRIPTION:
This is a volunteer position under the supervision of the Interpretive Supervisor or delegated to a park guide/ranger for the Division of Interpretation. The volunteer’s primary duty station is at the Great Basin Visitor Center. The volunteer’s primary responsibility will be to assist in front desk operations and provide map talks. There may be limited opportunities to rove trails or provide guided walks. Special fields of interest and expertise of the Volunteer could be integrated into projects
Volunteers will staff the Great Basin Visitor Center in Baker, Nevada. Main duties will include providing information to visitors, including trip planning, suggestions for activities such as hiking and camping, driving directions for the surrounding area, information about cave tours and other ranger programs, and general advice. There will be opportunities for informal interpretation, especially discussing the purpose of this national park and what the larger Great Basin is. The volunteer will also provide information by answering phone calls. Must be able to coordinate with other staff to ensure accuracy of information. Other duties will include playing the park movie upon request, answering radio calls, and sharing information with the other visitor center.
This volunteer will also be responsible for opening and closing the building, including counting money and completing a shift report to account for sales. Volunteer will sell items from the Western National Parks bookstore, operating a cash register and credit card machine. Will be accountable for sales and change fund each day. Must pass a federal background check before work may begin.
Volunteers will staff the Great Basin Visitor Center in Baker, Nevada. Main duties will include providing information to visitors, including trip planning, suggestions for activities such as hiking and camping, driving directions for the surrounding area, information about cave tours and other ranger programs, and general advice. There will be opportunities for informal interpretation, especially discussing the purpose of this national park and what the larger Great Basin is. The volunteer will also provide information by answering phone calls. Must be able to coordinate with other staff to ensure accuracy of information. Other duties will include playing the park movie upon request, answering radio calls, and sharing information with the other visitor center
This volunteer will also be responsible for opening and closing the building, including counting money and completing a shift report to account for sales. Volunteer will sell items from the Western National Parks bookstore, operating a cash register and credit card machine. Will be accountable for sales and change fund each day. Must pass a federal background check before work may begin.
The volunteer will also:
- Strive to use methods and language to meet the needs and understanding of the park visitor.
- Provide accurate information about the park and surrounding area.
- Encourage compliance with park regulations through understanding.
- Learn and consistently follow all safety practices applicable to job and surroundings in which work is performed. When appropriate, submits constructive suggestions to reduce or eliminate safety hazards to employees and visitors.
KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED FOR THE POSITION:
- Be able to open, close, and operate a cash register.
- Be able to assist in all areas of bookstore operations.
- Be able to describe cave formations, cave processes, and general geology of the area.
- Understand the National Park Service Mission (Organic Act) and know the basic history of the NPS.
- Understand the Great Basin National Park mission, along with the basic history of Great Basin National Park.
- Understand basic management policies of Great Basin National Park and the National Park Service
The volunteer will contribute to the effective operations of Great Basin National Park’s interpretive program. The volunteer’s contact with the public will enhance the quality of the visitor experience and may influence the park visitor’s opinion, attitude, and enjoyment of the park.
- Clerical/Office Machines
- Drivers License
- First Aid Certificate
- Map Reading
- Public Speaking
- Visitor Information
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- This position requires standing for long periods of time and lifting boxes up to 25lbs.
- If helping with guided walks on trails or in cave, or assisting at astronomy programs, receive training, prepare programs and practice all safety protocol for these activities.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- Great Basin Visitor Center, which is the primary work site, is located at an elevation of approximately 5,300 feet.
FYI:
- Lehman Caves VC is located at an elevation of approximately 6,800 feet.
- Alpine Lakes Loop and Bristlecone trails are located at 10,000 feet and above.