Volunteer
Job Description
FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a093d000000mC94AAE/interpretive-volunteer-summer-2023
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ADDRESS: Bryce Canyon National Park; Highway 63; Bryce, Utah 84764
DEPT: National Park Service
DATES: 4/2/2023 – 10/21/2023
DESCRIPTION:
Bryce Canyon National Park is seeking interpretive volunteers. Help visitors connect to the park through interpretive programing and visitor information stations.nPosition is available April 2, 2023, through October 21, 2023. Singles or couples are welcome. RV pad is available.
By joining our team here at Bryce Canyon National Park, you’ll have the opportunity to live in a place that some only dream of visiting. Bryce Canyon NP is known for our enchanting hoodoos, which exist here in vibrant abundance! The park also offers amazing wildlife viewing, endless hiking opportunities, stunning night skies, and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing during the winter. Explore the park more at www.nps.gov/brca
While Bryce Canyon is an unparalleled place to live and work, it does have its own set of challenges. We welcome almost three million visitors annually; concentrated in our summer season between the main Bryce Amphitheater and our 18-mile scenic drive. During our high visitation, guests might have challenges finding parking, navigating the trails, or finding a campsite. Empathy, courtesy, problem-solving, and creative thinking are some of the skills you will use during your workday.
Housing is also a challenge. We offer one RV space at this time. No other housing is available.
What Does an Interpretive Volunteer Do?
Visitor Center
Visitor Center Interpretation duties will consist of orientating guests to the park, providing information on park activities and encouraging guests to recreate in a safe and environmentally conscious way. Specific tasks may include but are not limited to answering questions, sharing safety messaging, providing directions, recommending hiking trails, interacting with Junior Rangers, processing lost and found items, operating a 2-way radio, answering phone inquiries and voicemails, and other duties as necessary. This is our greatest area of need; you can anticipate that at least one half of your duties will be in the VC.
Interpretive Programs
Interpretive volunteers will have the opportunity to develop and present interpretive programs. These could include 20-minute talks on the park’s geology, impromptu pop-up tables on animal adaptations, talks or roves at the rim, and assist with special events like our Astronomy Festival (June) and Geofest (July). There will be many other events related to the park’s Centennial this year. In past years, most programming has had an Astronomy or Geology focus. Efforts are underway to include the historical and cultural complexities of this magical place.
Other
Other duties may consist of informal interpretation on shuttle buses, hiking trails and visiting viewpoints for the purpose of chatting with visitors, answering questions, and helping them get the most out of their Bryce experience. There may also be opportunities for cross training in some divisions, including Search and Rescue (SAR), Resource Management, and Maintenance.
Training
Where possible, volunteers are trained with the same materials and timeframe as rangers. You will be supplied with a volunteer uniform.
We value your contribution and hope to make this a rewarding experience for all!
A Day in the Life of an Interpretive Volunteer:
- Staff the Visitor Center Front Desk
- Present Interpretive Programming
- Rove trails making informal contacts
- Operate a government vehicle
- Operate a government computer
*These items are subject to change in consideration of COVID.
Position Details:
Minimum Hours per week worked: 32
1-2 Volunteers to start early – mid March – RV spot provided.
1-2 Volunteers to start April – October – RV pads can be provided.
*April – October minimum 3 month commitment.
Applicants should be able to do the following:
- Research, write, and deliver interpretive programs
- Operate a government vehicle safely
- Practice and provide exemplary customer service
- Work independently
- Communicate with visitors (English language and non-English speaking)
- Be a team-member
- Respond with patience, tact and empathy
Other Favorable Qualifications:
- Previous experience working with visitors/customers
- Experience with interpreting geologic processes
- Experience with interpreting astronomy and the night sky
- Familiarity with telescopes and night sky objects
- Comfort working outdoors in all weather conditions
- Flexibility
- Conservation Education
- Drivers License
- Public Speaking
- Visitor Information
- Working with People
Weather and Climate
In summer the days tend to be pleasant, with daytime highs in June typically in the high 60’s to low 70’s (F), High 70’s to low 80’s in July and August, while September is similar to June. The rainy season occurs in July and August with frequent, usually brief, afternoon thunderstorms which produce heavy rain and frequent lightning. Snowstorms in April and October aren’t uncommon and may produce heavy snowfall.
During the fall and winter temperatures can be highly variable. From October to May temperatures fall below freezing nearly every night. The park experiences its coldest and snowiest periods from December through February. Spring storms in March and April can still produce heavy snowfall that may impact travel in the region. At 8,000 feet, Bryce has cold winters and weather can be severe producing more than 100 inches of snow. All staff is expected to present programs and staff outdoor contact stations, COVID dependent. We perform duties in all weather conditions, including temperatures ranging between 10 and 65 degrees in winter.
Note: Bryce Canyon National Park elevations reach 9,100 feet (2778 meters). People with heart or respiratory concerns should be especially careful to not overexert themselves.
- Slip, trip, and fall hazards
- Equipment operation
- lightning, summer monsoon events, high elevation, sun exposure, freezing temperatures. Winter/ Shoulder Season Specific: Snow, Winter Road Conditions