Volunteer
Job Description
Park Resident Park Host (day use) at Bald Point State Park. Multiple opening Spring/Summer 2021
Maintenance
Bald Point State Park Office Phone #: 850-349-9146
Volunteer Information
Park Information: Bald Point State Park, located on the Ochlockonee Bay in Eastern Franklin county, is comprised of over 4,800 acres of upland pine, maritime oak hammock, and fresh and saltwater wetlands, as well as several miles of beach on the gulf of Mexico. Park facilities include several beach access points, five small picnic pavilions, one restroom, a kayak launch, the Chaires Creek fishing bridge, and one fishing pier. The park also has over 12 miles of multi-use trails. Bald Point is popular for its beaches during the summer, and its location at the mouth of the Ochlockonee bay affords excellent opportunities for fishing, kayaking and birdwatching year-round. Park visitation is primarily day-use, with the exception of one primitive camp site. There is no camp ground.
Resident Volunteer Amenities: Bald Point State Park has three resident volunteer sites located at the park’s maintenance shop. Each site has water, septic and 50 amp electric hookups. There is a washer and dryer available to volunteers.
Project Duration: 4-16 weeks
Hours Per Week: 20 (per site)
Description of Duties: Park Attendants perform a variety of duties such as stocking and cleaning restrooms, cleaning pavilions and grills, clearing walkways and use areas of debris (using gas blower or manual tools), picking up litter, and informing rangers about potential problems. Attendants are responsible for opening and/or closing park according to established guidelines provided by the park. Attendants must be courteous and helpful with all park visitors. Special projects may also be assigned related to Attendant interests, skills, and talents, with opportunities available for park maintenance, carpentry, trail monitoring and exotic plant removal.
Schedule: Rotating shifts, mornings and evenings. Special considerations can be discussed with supervisor. Per agency requirements, 20 hours of service per week are required in exchange for camping facilities. Duties may be shared with another occupant (must be registered as volunteer).
Benefits: Enjoy a beautiful setting and unique recreational opportunities while helping to protect and preserve a part of the “Real Florida.”
Goal of Job: Assist park staff by keeping park grounds and facilities clean and well maintained.
Knowledge/Skills/Experience Desired: Volunteer attendants must be capable of performing duties as described in the Description of Duties section above. Must be reliable, cordial, have patience in addressing park visitors, and practice good communication with park staff. Must have tact with the public and be able to work outdoors. Must be able to lift 25 pounds. Must be able to use manual and gas-powered tools (handheld blower, weed-eater). Knowledge of or interest in Florida State Parks and an appreciation for Florida’s natural and cultural resources is desirable.
Volunteers must support the Florida Park Service mission and policies when communicating with public, staff, and fellow volunteers. They represent the Department and Division as an unpaid employee.
All volunteers are required to track and report their volunteer hours monthly.
A uniform is required.
Area Information: Bald Point State Park is located in Alligator Point, FL. There are restaurants and small stores in Panacea, 6-10 miles/10-15 minutes from the park. Grocery stores, restaurants, Walmart, and most conveniences are available in the town of Crawfordville, 20 miles/30 minutes from the park. Tallahassee is the nearest large city, and is approximately 40 miles/1 hour from the park.
The nearest hospital, Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, is 43 miles/1:05 from the park.
The Forgotten Coast is an excellent place to explore Florida’s Big Bend and Panhandle culture. Within 30 minutes of the park you will find the towns of Panacea, Sopchoppy, Carrabelle, and St. Marks, and just over an hour to the west is the historic town of Apalachicola. Each of these places offers their own charm and culture, local restaurants, antique shops and other small businesses.
Outdoor recreation opportunities abound as well. St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, Ochlockonee River State Park, Wakulla Springs State Park, Tate’s Hell State Forest, Apalachicola National Forest, and Leon Sinks Geological Area are just some of the natural areas within 45 minutes of the park. There are many beautiful rivers and creeks close by that make wonderful paddling trips, and fishing is excellent throughout the area.
District 1.Bald Point State Park