Volunteer
Job Description
Look for the listing titled, “* * 2023 August – October / September – November * * Park Resident Toll Collector at the Springs! Full Hook-up! ”
Manatee Springs State Park proves boardwalks aren’t only for the beach. The park’s 800-foot boardwalk runs through a majestic cypress forest overlooking one of Florida’s breathtaking first-magnitude springs.
People have enjoyed the cool waters of Manatee Springs for more than 10,000 years, from early Paleo Indians to modern park visitors. The first-magnitude spring releases an astounding 100 million gallons of water daily. This makes it a popular cooling-off spot and a great place to stroll on the park boardwalk and gaze into watery depths.
True to its namesake, manatees can be seen in the cooler months, and birds, mammals and fish are spotted year-round. The park also offers 8.5 miles of nature trails and a safe connection to the 32-mile Nature Coast State Trail, so don’t forget to bring your bicycles!
OVERVIEW:
Duties/Responsibilities (Including 5% other duties as assigned):
The days you are scheduled we need you to open &/or closing Ranger Station, answer phones, check-in campers, operate Day-Use & Reserve America cash registers, answer questions, keep Ranger Station clean.
- Count deposits and bank boxes for Day-Use and Cash Registers.
- Be responsible for all money from your shift.
- Answer questions and take messages over the phone.
- Record data such as rain fall, hi/low temps, weather, diver logs, camper reports, camper lists, and more.
- Communicate with field staff over radio.
- Register campers, review the campground rules with them, and maintain camper reports.
- Keep Ranger Station cleaned.
- Stock brochures in racks.
- Raise and lower flags.
- Collect entry fees for day visitors.
- Register SCUBA Divers.
- Requires Friendly Customer Service!!!
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Schedule: Varies depending on length of park hours.
- Uniform Required: Volunteer Vest, Volunteer Shirt, and Name Tag provided. Volunteer must provide Black Shoes, socks, and Belt.
- Park Resident Ranger Station Hosts must be able to work total of 20 hours a week per sit minimum, including weekends and holidays.
- Represent the Florida Park Service in a professional manner.
- Follow the park’s policies and guidelines
- Report to supervisor or Park Ranger punctually during scheduled days
- Be reliable in fulfilling assignments doing a quality and professional job
- Demonstrate honesty, teamwork and good moral behavior
- Work as a team with fellow volunteers as well as paid staff and respect mutual roles
- Work safely and smartly paying close attention to avoid mishaps
- Provide adequate notice of absence to Volunteer coordinator
- Interpret basic information to visitors (spring conditions, natural resources, campground information etc)
- Fill out a weekly time sheet and turn it in to the Volunteer Coordinator each week
- Must be able to interact with chemicals and cleaning supplies
REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES:
- Cash Register experience desired.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Experience with a campground setting.
- Knowledge of campground and park regulations is helpful, but not required.
- Have an ability to speak and interact with visitors in a friendly manner
- A willingness and desire to help others
- Excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills
- Must be able to lift 25 pounds on own
- While cleaning experience (vacuuming, mopping etc) is desired; training is available so willingness to clean is desirable.
- Attention to detail
- Good work ethic
- Knowledge of local area and resources helpful
- Ability to provide superior assistance to a diversity of visitors
- Ability to take directions and execute them well
- Ability to maintain a professional appearance during shift
SCHEDULING REQUIREMENTS:
- Ranger Station Volunteers must be able to work shifts total of 20 hours a week minimum per site, including weekends and holidays.