Volunteer
Job Description
FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a093d000000n5iMAAQ/campground-host
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ADDRESS: Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve; Visitor Center; Mosca, Colorado 81146
DEPT: National Park Service
DATES: 5/15/2023 – 10/31/2023
DESCRIPTION:
We’re seeking 1-4 campground hosts to join our team at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. Come explore the tallest sand dunes in North America, enjoy mountain views, and take in the beauty of Colorado’s San Luis Valley.
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is hoping to fill these positions as soon as possible. Park staff is flexible and will consider alternative start dates and length of service dates.
This application is for two positions that are up to 6-month each, between May and October, 2023. The park is open to shorter lengths of time. For instance, 2-3 months or 3–4 month commitments will also be considered. One position will be based in Pinon Campground Loop 1, while the other will be based in Loop 2. Couples do not need to submit separate applications; you can include both people on one application.
Campground hosts provide a valuable point of contact for visitors staying in park campgrounds. Hosts are official representatives of the National Park Service (NPS) and are required to wear the NPS volunteer uniform while on duty.
Campground positions work 32 hours per week. Days off are typically scheduled mid-week and as three-day spreads (three consecutive days).
Campground Host duties include, but are not limited to:
- Roving the campground throughout the day between 7 AM and 9 PM
- Assisting campers finding campsites and/or reminding them about check-out times
- Educating visitors about campground regulations
- Removal of camping tags
- Providing a variety of visitor information
- Checking park passes, receipts, and campground reservations.
- Roving the campground throughout the day between 7 AM and 9 PM
- Assisting campers finding campsites and/or reminding them about check-out times
- Educating visitors about campground regulations
- Removal of camping tags
- Providing a variety of visitor information
- Checking park passes, receipts, and campground reservations
Most of these duties are performed outdoors at high elevations, but some require work under hot and cold temperatures, and outdoor environmental factors – wind, heat. The park elevation is 8200’
Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license and have the ability to:
- Provide good communication and customer service to domestic and international visitors of all backgrounds and abilities
- Work independently
- Learn about the park quickly
- Own a RV/Motor Home/5th Wheel
- General Assistance
- Map Reading
- Teaching
- Visitor Information
- Working with People
The Pinon Campground is large and busy, but the views are spectacular. Campground hosts are a valuable part of the Great Sand Dunes team.
The early and later parts of the season can be chilly in the morning hours. Once the sun rises over the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the temperature rises steadily. The park’s elevation is just over 8,000 ft; therefore, temperatures rarely get above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Average monthly temperatures can be found on our website: grsa-weather_averages51-10.jpg (1535×1206) (nps.gov) & Weather – Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
RV pads with full electrical hook-ups are provided. Free laundry facilities are located in nearby park housing area. Pay laundry facilities are located 30 minutes away in Alamosa, Colorado. Propane costs incurred will be reimbursed.
- General housekeeping
- Slip, trip, and fall hazards
- Equipment operation
- Work practices
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided by park staff. This will include high-visibility vests, gloves, and face masks.