Job Description
CAMPGROUND: Hidden Valley Campground
DEPT: National Park Service
AVAILABILITY: 2/11/2020–5/4/2020
RV INFORMATION: Trailer/RV PadsDescription: Please see volunteer description.
DESCRIPTION
Volunteer Activities• Campground Host • Visitor Information • General Assistance Photo Courtesy of NPS DescriptionJoshua Tree National park is currently recruiting campground hosts that will be stationed at Hidden Valley Campground from February 24th through May 3rd, 2020. There is some flexibility in start and end dates. Joshua Tree National Park General Information Joshua Tree National Park is the eighth largest in the lower 48, set in the Southern California high desert, where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet. The park has variations in elevation and terrain that make a surprisingly diverse resource, from giant boulder stacks to a spindly Joshua Tree forest to craggy mountain peaks of six different mountain systems. The park has a rich Native American and mining history as well. The park has a way of altering interpretations of just what a desert can be, and draws an eclectic group of visitors. Joshua Tree National Park is located within 45 minutes from Palm Springs and approximately three hours from Los Angeles, San Diego, and Las Vegas. A full range of shopping facilities, grocery stores, schools, churches, hospitals, and other services are available in local communities. There are also art galleries, restaurants, a farmers market, festivals, parks, and one of America’s last drive-in movie theaters. Several major universities and colleges are located in the surrounding areas. The spring climate is warm with abundant sunshine most days. Visitation has gone up by 112% in the last few years, so this park is extremely busy during peak season. More information is available on the park’s website at www.nps.gov/jotr. Hidden Valley Campground This campground host position is a challenging opportunity set in beautiful Hidden Valley Campground. This is a dry campground at 4,400 feet elevation with no water, electric, or cell service. There are 44 first-come first-served camp sites, some that will fit RVs. Each site is unique and set among large rock formations that glow in campfire light. A major job duty is managing the full campground and informing the public of places to camp outside the National Park, which can be difficult. This position may involve working hours into the early evening. Because it is a major site for experienced rock climbers and climbing guide services, this campground also hosts our volunteer Climber Stewards and is the location of our weekend “Climber Coffee” gathering. Campground Host Responsibilities This park is heavily visited and successful applicants must be dedicated, observant, and patient Campground hosts are 32 hour/week customer service volunteer positions that involve regular interaction with and orientation of campers Work weekends and holidays Climbing experience or familiarity with climbing culture is preferred Welcome visitors to campground and provide information on the park and rules Meaningful cooperation with park personnel that produces positive results Handle the occasional upset or irate camper in calm, professional manner Morning and evening campground inspections Pull expired permits Perform light maintenance duties like trash pickup Assist visitors with safety information and respond appropriately to emergency situations Complete and submit forms including daily log and monthly timesheets Collaborate well with others that have diverse interests and view, including visitors and co-workers Work independently, be a self-starter, adapt to frequent change Live happily in a remote area with few amenities Provide and maintain a safe driving record, valid driving license, and dependable personal transportation Compensation After 250 hours of volunteer work, an annual interagency pass will be awarded. Hosts will stay in the Hidden Valley campground with no hook-ups, but the park will provide pumping bi-weekly. Water and cell service can be accessed 10 miles away at the park’s west entrance gate. For more information, call Judy Sokoll at 760-367-5553 or email Judy_Sokoll@nps.gov HOUSING & AMENITIESType: Trailer/RV PadsDescription: Please see volunteer description.