Campground Host(s)

FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a09SJ000007VPsX

ADDRESS: 11544 Alley Spring  Eminence, Missouri, 65466

DATES: 5/19/2025 – 9/2/2025

DEPT: National Park Service

JOB DESCRIPTION:

DESCRIPTION: Ozark National Scenic Riverways is seeking campground hosts to serve at the Alley Spring Campground, located near Eminence, Missouri. America’s first national park to protect a river system encompasses 134 miles of the Current and Jacks Fork rivers in southeast Missouri. The rivers are fed by hundreds of springs, with numerous springs contributing more than 50 million gallons each to the rivers. The park is a busy summer destination for camping and floating on the crystal clear, spring-fed rivers. Spring and fall offer breathtaking scenery and mild weather for outdoor recreation and sightseeing. Camp hosts serve the park from May to September at four developed campgrounds located at Big Spring, Alley Spring, Round Spring and Pulltite.

RESPONSIBILITIES and DUTIES:

·      Ensure campground visitors have reservations or are informed how to make reservations for a campsite.

·      Facilitate a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors by providing friendly, accurate, and timely information about the park, available interpretive programs, campground regulations, and general information about the region.

·      Educate visitors about rules and regulations for the campground and Park, and report issues or violations to park Law Enforcement Rangers or park dispatch.

·      Communicate professionally and cordially with visitors, park staff, and park concession staff.

·      Monitor and report campground maintenance issues.

·      Assist with minor campground upkeep, such as cleaning up fire rings/campsites as needed and litter collection.

·      Wear provided uniform shirt and hat while on duty so that visitors can clearly identify Host.

QUALIFICATIONS:

·      Ability to interact extensively with a wide variety of visitors and staff in a professional and congenial manner.

·      Ability to rove the entire campground, several times a day, on foot.

·      Ability to drive a golf cart as needed to travel thru campground.

·      Attention to detail.

·      Provide personal RV or camper for extended stay (no less than 90 days) which will be parked at the Camp Host site at the front of the campground.

·      Willingness to clean out fire pits or gather litter or trash from campsites if necessary.

·      Willingness to work independently with little supervision.

·      Background check required.

·      Reference check required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Most work is done outdoors in a variety of conditions. Weather is usually very warm or hot with high humidity. Summers can range from dry/drought conditions to periods of heavy rain and flooding.

Camp host sites are back-in sites with 30- or 50-amp service, potable water, and sewer hookup located near the front of the campground. Landline phones are available at Alley Spring, Round Spring, and Pulltite host sites. No internet is provided, and cell signal is limited in most campgrounds, but especially at Pulltite and Round Spring.

SEASON and SCHEDULE: The season typically begins in May, no later than the week before Memorial Day, and continues through Labor Day, though could extend until the end of September if mutually agreeable. Hosts typically volunteer five days a week, for a minimum of 32 hours per week. The schedule is tailored to address high use periods, and therefore includes weekends and holidays. Two days off occur mid-week. Scheduling details will be worked out with the Fee Program Manager. The Host duty day may begin as early as 7 am and could extend to late evening at times, with emphasis on visitor arrivals on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, and departures on Sunday mornings. Infrequent knocks on the door, at all hours of the day and night, should be expected.

Compensation: Concrete pad (back-in) with full hook-ups (electric, water, sewer) is provided for parking personal camper/RV. Host may also be eligible for up to $10/day reimbursement for the cost of meals.

CAMPGROUND DESCRIPTIONS:

Alley Spring Campground: Located 5 miles west of Eminence, Missouri, where you can find groceries, gas, and restaurants. Alley Spring is our park’s largest campground, located along the bank of the Jacks Fork River. Visitors can choose from 146 family sites (27 electric sites), 3 group sites, and 14 cluster sites. These sites are often packed in summer, and for good reason: the historic Alley Mill, floating, swimming, hiking, and more await! A variety of sunny or partially shaded spots are available. Several restrooms are scattered across the campground, with a shower house centrally located.

Big Spring Campground: Located just south of Van Buren, Missouri, which has groceries, gas, and restaurants and other small-town amenities. The campground offers a variety of sunny or shaded sites, all within walking distance of Big Spring and the Current River.  Includes 128 family sites (23 electric sites) and 2 group sites with a new shower house at the edge of the campground. A variety of hiking trails cover the area, making this a great destination year-round.

Round Spring Campground: Located 15 miles north of Eminence on Hwy 19, Round Spring Campground hosts 56 family sites (6 electric) and 8 group sites in and along the forest, offering a more quiet, intimate experience with nature. The shower house is located near the family sites. This location has easy access to Round Spring and the Current River. Nearby trails connect to Echo Bluff and Current River State Park, making this campground a popular hub for hiking and floating.

Pulltite Campground: Located approximately 30 miles south of Salem and 20 miles north of Eminence, a short distance off Hwy 19. Pulltite Campground includes 55 family sites and 3 group sites. Campsites are nestled in the woods along the Current River, offering a classic campground feel with easy river access. Although there are no electric sites, the orientation of all sites fairly close to the river makes this one of the park’s most popular campgrounds. This is also one of the busiest launch points for floaters.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please contact Terry Sauceda by email at terry_sauceda@nps.gov

Tagged as: SUMMER '25