Job Description
CAMPGROUND: Tongass
DEPT: Forest Service
AVAILABILITY: 5/23/2020–9/9/2020
RV INFORMATION: Trailer/RV PadsDescription: Volunteer is expected to provide own travel trailer or RV. There are no sewer or water hookups. Host must empty greywater and blackwater holding tanks at the Sitka treatment plant RV dump station approximately 8 miles from the campground. There is no cost to use the dump station and volunteer will be reimbursed for use of POV as described above. Electrical service is provided (no charge) and host will be reimbursed for propane usage. Cell phone and internet coverage is not available in the campground vicinity. A Forest Service radio will be provided for communication.
DESCRIPTION
Volunteer Activities• Campground Host • Trail/Campground Maintenance • Visitor Information Photo Courtesy of FS DescriptionThe Sitka Ranger District of the Tongass National Forest is seeking a motivated campground host who enjoys being outdoors and interacting with people. Host(s) must provide their own travel trailer or RV. The recently reconstructed Sawmill Creek Campground is located 7 miles SE of downtown Sitka, Alaska. This is a small facility located in a beautiful setting along Sawmill Creek near the end of the Blue Lake Road. There are 4 campsites, a day-use shelter, a restroom and a trailhead within the campground. Less than a half mile beyond the campground lies Blue Lake, a reservoir, which provides hydroelectric power to the community of Sitka in addition to providing the community’s water supply. Blue Lake is backed up behind a 225ft tall concrete arch dam. To sustain downstream aquatic resources, a minimum flow of water is diverted from the lake and released into Sawmill Creek adjacent to the campground creating the ever-present sound of rushing water heard throughout the campground (https://www.kcaw.org/2013/09/05/blue-lake-hydro-nothing-small-in-sitkas-biggest-project/). Hosts represent the “eyes and ears” of the Forest Service and should be visible to the public and courteous in conveying the recreation facility rules as necessary. Hosts are expected to set a good example by role modeling a clean and uncluttered living site. Applicants should be in good health and physical condition (repeated bending and lifting is required). Duties include picking up litter in and around campsites, along roadways, pathways and in parking lot; cleaning campsites, fire rings and restroom to a required standard; providing light maintenance i.e. brushing, pruning and pulling vegetation, etc.; monitoring use of trails, trailheads, campsites (involves keeping mandatory handwritten records); dispensing split firewood for campers; keeping information current on information board and providing information to visitors as needed; contacting law enforcement and reporting problems to supervisor as needed; other necessary duties as assigned. All necessary tools, supplies, and safety equipment will be provided by the Forest Service, along with appropriate training. The volunteer service period runs from about May 20 through about September 6. There will be ample time allowed each week for personal business such as grocery shopping and laundry. Applicants may be subject to a possible background check as hosts handle sensitive information and have access to the police frequency on Forest Service issued radio. Accessing Sitka with a vehicle is possible via the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS). Ferry schedules are posted at http://www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs/index.html. Out of town hosts will be eligible for reimbursement for round-trip ferry travel between Sitka and AMHS ports with a road system connection including Haines and Skagway, AK, Bellingham, WA and Prince Rupert, BC. Reimbursement covers vehicle, passenger and cabin fare for sailings. Host(s) will be eligible for a nominal daily subsistence reimbursement $15/day. In addition, reimbursement is available for privately-owned vehicle (POV) use for weekly trips to Sitka for services and if POV is used to carry out official government duties described above. All reimbursements are made through direct deposit. Host(s) must commit to serve in Sitka for the specified dates above to qualify for certain reimbursements. HOUSING & AMENITIESType: Trailer/RV PadsDescription: Volunteer is expected to provide own travel trailer or RV. There are no sewer or water hookups. Host must empty greywater and blackwater holding tanks at the Sitka treatment plant RV dump station approximately 8 miles from the campground. There is no cost to use the dump station and volunteer will be reimbursed for use of POV as described above. Electrical service is provided (no charge) and host will be reimbursed for propane usage. Cell phone and internet coverage is not available in the campground vicinity. A Forest Service radio will be provided for communication.