Volunteer
Job Description
FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a093d000000ny97AAA/preventative-search-and-rescue-and-bear-management-volunteer
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ADDRESS: Big Bend National Park; 1 Panther Junction; Big Bend National Park, Texas 79834
DEPT: National Park Service
DATES: 6/5/2023 – 9/30/2023
DESCRIPTION:
The volunteer’s primary role in the program will be to provide coverage in the Chisos Basin area, disseminating hiker safety information with the goal of preventing hiker injury and illness. The volunteer will also have the opportunity to assist the wildlife biologist in black bear management.
During a normal duty day, volunteers will be asked to provide PSAR education to hikers along trails or at trailheads. Volunteers may utilize park vehicles in order to facilitate their movement throughout the park. They may also operate a park radio, and report emergency incidents as they occur in their area of responsibility (AOR). A volunteer will not be required to perform any assignment that a volunteer is uncomfortable with or that a supervisory ranger deems unsafe. Volunteers also have the responsibility for reporting any medical condition or illnesses that may affect their performance and safety.
Volunteers will have the opportunity to work with the wildlife biologist on bear-human conflicts in the Chisos Basin as they arise. The volunteers of this position will receive training on how to safely haze black bears from developed areas (known as exclusion areas). Volunteers may be asked to assist with crowd control, when there is not a safe and clear retreat route for black bears in exclusion areas. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to engage in wildlife monitoring practices which includes setting up wildlife cameras and sorting wildlife camera photos.
· During a PSAR rove, volunteers will be expected to:
Give thorough and accurate hiker safety presentations to overnight and day hikers. These presentations may include, but will not be limited to:
- Information concerning safe hiking times and destinations.
- Appropriate hiking times, i.e., early rather than midday.
- Proper drinking and eating habits.
- Proper footwear and equipment.
- Heat illness and its effects on hikers.
- Resource protection and interpretation.
· Recognize and treat hikers with medical concerns, appropriate to their certified level of training.
· Additional assignments (which will be discussed and agreed upon between the supervising ranger and each volunteer) may include, but will certainly not be limited to:
- Litter carry-outs
- Search and rescue missions
· Volunteers will check in/out with a supervising ranger and/or the Big Bend Communications Center each time they come to volunteer. This will allow the volunteers to receive daily assignments, re-supply equipment needs and debrief on daily issues.
· Other duties as assigned.
· Valid Driver’s License. Must be at least 18 years of age.
· Valid CPR certification (may or may not be required)
· Some form of wilderness medical training (may or may not be required)
o Wilderness 1st Aid.
o Wilderness Advanced 1st Aid
o Wilderness 1st Responder
o Wilderness EMT
o Outdoor Emergency Care
o Other courses, training, or education may be allowed by the PSAR Supervisor on a case-by-case basis.
- Drivers License
- First Aid Certificate
- Map Reading
- Visitor Information
- Working with People
Special assignments, emergency situations and other circumstances may require a volunteer to begin work prior to 8 AM and work later than 4:30 PM. The above situations may also require volunteers to remain on duty for extended periods of time. Some duties may also require strenuous physical activity such as carrying heavy items over rugged, precipitous, and sometimes unstable terrain. Ability to lift/carry 40 lbs. Ability to hike up to 15 miles with elevation change.
Volunteers will be asked to work in a range of weather conditions including temperatures up to 100 degrees F. However, a volunteer will not be required to perform any assignment or task that they are uncomfortable with or that a supervisory ranger deems unsafe.