Volunteer
Job Description
FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a093d000000oAncAAE/blue-ridge-music-center-visitor-center-volunteer
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ADDRESS: Blue Ridge Parkway; Milepost 384; Asheville, North Carolina 28803
DEPT: National Park Service
DATES: 5/8/2023 – 10/31/2023
DESCRIPTION:
Hosting over 16 million annual visitors, the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most visited units of the National Park Service. Each year staff, volunteers and partners assist thousands of visitors as they plan their visit to the parkway. Volunteers in this uniformed position are expected to provide a warm, welcoming atmosphere and the highest level of customer service. The volunteer assists visitors by providing accurate park information in person and over the phone in support of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The location of the Music Center is south of Galax, VA, near the border of NC.
Staffing Blue Ridge Music Center Visitor Center, including professionally representing the National Park Service by providing exceptionally high-quality customer service; opening and closing the facility; providing orientation, information, and interpretation to visitors; telling visitors about park activities; informing visitors of potential safety hazards; distributing maps and brochures as requested. May use cash register and sell bookstore merchandise; accurately collecting and accounting for monies.
The volunteer in this role assists park staff and serves park visitors through completing the following duties regularly:
· Open, close and staff the Visitor Center south of Galax, VA in the Plateau District.
· Greet visitors, providing orientation, information, and interpretation to visitors.
· Distributes maps and brochures as requested.
· Operates America’s National Park store including running the cash register and selling merchandise using Point of Sale system; accurately collecting and accounting for monies.
· Inform visitors of potential safety hazards.
· Check for sufficient brochure stock and replenish as needed.
· Taking inventory of supplies and informing supervisor when stock is low.
· Lift and carry brochure boxes weighing up to 25 pounds.
· Record visitor statistics on the monthly visitation form.
· Volunteer will record their own hours each time they work.
· Ability to communicate effectively.
· Ability to display a positive attitude and professional demeanor.
· Ability to wear a NPS Volunteer (VIP) uniform.
· Knowledge of NPS regulations desired.
· Ability to determine visitor needs and answer questions.
· Ability to remain courteous and calm in hectic circumstances.
· Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
· Ability to practice safety in all aspects of the job.
· Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
· Ability to work weekends and holidays.
· May be required to wear a mask indoors.
- Clerical/Office Machines
- General Assistance
- Office/Clerical
- Public Speaking
- Visitor Information
- Working with People
Milepost 212 on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Galax, Virginia on the VA/NC border. Work is performed in a visitor center. Work is primarily performed standing but requires walking, bending, and carrying light objects.
Ability to provide quality customer service; to communicate and interact effectively and respectfully with a great diversity of people. To disseminate general orientation and information and learn about the cultural and natural history of the park. To read maps and provide directions. May collect and account for monies and operate a cash register. Will need to deal effectively with high volume/high-stress situations. Standing for prolonged periods.