Other
Volunteer
Job Description
FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a093d0000017Cbj
ADDRESS: 3031 Tongass Avenue Ketchikan, Alaska, 99901
DATES: 7/1/2024 – 9/15/2024
DEPT: Forest Service
JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Ketchikan Misty Fjords Ranger District is seeking an enthusiastic person(s) to perform the duties of Site Host at the Fish Creek Wildlife Observation Site in Hyder, Alaska. Site Hosts assist Rangers with the daily operation and maintenance of the site. They provide information on safety, salmon, and bear biology, monitor bear/human interactions, and assist in ticket sales.
Fish Creek Wildlife Observation Site is located in Hyder, a small, remote community in Southeast Alaska just across the border from Stewart, British Columbia and therefore accessible by road from the Lower 48. It is a world-renowned brown and black bear viewing site that receives about 10,000 visitors annually between July and September. The Site consists of 600 feet of boardwalk that parallels a portion of Fish Creek. There is a fee cabin and two vault toilets on site.
Host position will be filled with individual/pair who own their own accommodation (RV/Camper/Motorhome). There is a campground in Hyder and two in Stewart with hook-ups available. Cell phone coverage is limited.
About Hyder
Hyder is a small community of the road system in Alaska, just across the border from Stewart, British Columbia. Services available in town are a Post Office, gift shop, and a restaurant. Full services are located in Stewart. Information about Fish Creek Wildlife Viewing Site can be found online at https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r10/specialplaces/?cid=fsbdev2_038787.
Duties and Responsibilities
Ensures that visitors of the site have a ticket or sell tickets on site, follow the site rules and regulations, and monitor parking lots to assure compliance. Perform minor maintenance such as cleaning restrooms, sweeping platform, and picking up litter. The Hosts’ hospitality leaves a lasting positive memory for visitors.
This opportunity requires extensive public interaction, a person or couple who has an affinity for public engagement is needed. Good communication skills as many visitors have English as a second language and firm communication is sometimes necessary to diffuse potentially dangerous situations. Training will be provided by the Forest Service.
Duties
Clean outhouses daily. Specifically, cleaning toilet riser, restocking toilet paper, and sweeping the floor; Sell tickets through recreation.gov; Check tickets at gate; Educate and inform visitors regarding rules, regulations, and bear safety; Report all major maintenance needs, vandalism, and other problems; Assist Forest Service staff with maintenance as needed; Educate and inform visitors regarding the area and recreational opportunities.
Qualifications
– Ability and desire to interact extensively with visitors.
-Attention to detail.
-Willingness to clean and maintain restrooms. All Personal Protective Equipment is provided by the Forest Service.
-Upbeat and positive attitude
Environment
Work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions. Site is well-developed, but there are slip, trip, and fall hazards in any outdoor environment.
Job Hazards
· General housekeeping
· Slip, trip, and fall hazards
· Wildlife interactions
Compensation
· Host will receive a campsite either in Hyder or Stewart, BC which will either be direct payment or reimbursement depending on location Host prefers.