Job Description
CAMPGROUND: Curecanti National Recreation Area
DEPT: National Park Service
AVAILABILITY: 5/3/2020–9/12/2020
RV INFORMATION: Trailer/RV Pads
DESCRIPTION
Volunteer Activities• Campground Host • Visitor Information DescriptionCurecanti National Recreation Area is managed by the National Park Service and includes three reservoirs including Blue Mesa Reservoir, the largest body of water in Colorado. The area has myriad opportunities for outdoor recreation including fishing, boating, hiking, and access to adjacent public lands including Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. These camp host positions are front-line ambassadors responsible for providing a welcoming environment to campers and visitors to the recreation area. Camp hosts work 32 hours per week with two consecutive days off per week. The two days off will typically be scheduled mid-week as hosts are expected to work weekends and holidays. These hours can be worked by an individual or divided between a couple. Volunteers are required to wear the National Park Service Volunteer uniform (shirts, trousers/shorts and hats are provided); hosts are responsible for providing their footwear. Host positions begin May and continue through Labor Day. A season long commitment is preferred. If desired, the camp host may have the opportunity to extend their season into mid/late September. Camp hosts are to expected to arrive in time for pre-season training. Unfortunately, no stipend is available for these positions. A list of benefits to the host is provided below. At the preseason training, Volunteers will receive an orientation to the park and training to fulfill all assigned duties, including: Providing a welcoming environment to campers in their campground. Being prominently located as a resource for campers; this includes providing accurate, concise information to the public and communicating the information in a professional manner. Hosts are expected to assist visitors who stop by the host campsite. Performing “rounds” in the campground twice a day (typically early morning and evening) by foot or by vehicle for the purpose of answering visitor questions, checking fee compliance and educating visitors on park resources and regulations. Operating a government-owned golf-cart or pick-up in their assigned campground for the purpose of making contacts with campers. (Stevens Creek and Cimarron campgrounds are patrolled by foot) Using handheld radios to communicate with staff and other volunteers in a professional manner. Assisting park staff with management of the campground. Informing visitors of park regulations in a friendly manner. Assessing situations and reporting emergencies or major violations to law Enforcement staff. Assisting visitors with campground fee payment procedures which are all self-registration stations. Hosts do not collect fees. Notifying park maintenance staff of campground maintenance needs. Hosts are not expected to perform maintenance duties themselves. Benefits to the Host: A complimentary campsite in the host’s assigned campground, including electric, water, sewage and at some locations a landline telephone service is provided. Although the electrical service is adequate, it does not allow for the simultaneous operation of two air conditioners, washer and dryer, microwave, coffee pot, etc. Wi-fi connection is not available, but a landline phone is provided. Free use of laundry room at Elk Creek housing area is available. Meeting new people, discovering and exploring the western slope of the Rocky Mountains. Cimarron Campground Description: Cimarron Campground is located on US Highway 50, 20 miles east of Montrose, CO. Cimarron is home to a historic train exhibit, Morrow Point Dam, and the head of Crystal Reservoir. The small visitor center at Cimarron is closed, but there are self-guided train exhibits next to the campground. There are 21 campsites, covered picnic shelter, ranger station/residence, and restroom building. Campground is flat, with trees, sage, and boulders and is located at the base of the impressive Black Canyon with soaring cliffs. You can access the Crystal Reservoir in the Black Canyon by car from the host site, which is about a mile away. There is some hiking along the river and good access for shore fishing. Montrose is the closest town for shopping, restaurants, and other amenities. Host site amenities include 30A electric, water, sewer, and a landline phone. Cell phone reception is limited. This campground is isolated and most of the human contact will be from campers; the campground is seldom full but has seen a rise in use due to increased use at nearby Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Desired Skills and Characteristics of Camp Hosts: Professional, friendly and eager to provide good customer service and to make visitor welcomed. Self-motivated, self-starter, and independent. Enjoys exploring and learning about a new location independently and sharing that new found knowledge with visitors to the campground. Takes advantage of their free time to get to know the region. Desire to be an ambassador to the public on behalf of Curecanti National Recreation Area. Physical demands –can be lots of walking and bending. HOUSING & AMENITIESType: Trailer/RV Pads