Campground Host – Mt. Pisgah Campground

Campground hosts represent the National Park Service and are a valuable asset to the park’s campground operation. Hosts deal with a variety of people and personalities. Major duties and requirements of this position are listed below. Hosts are not required to take on law enforcement issues; however they do serve as very important eyes and ears in the campgrounds and aid in reporting any problems or situations to park rangers. Most of all, Blue Ridge Parkway hosts ensure that park visitors have as safe and enjoyable a visit as possible.  As emissaries of the NPS, hosts can make the difference between an adequate and an excellent camping experience.

MAJOR DUTIES

·        Actively participate in a safe workplace culture.

·        Maintain personal campsite in accordance with all park regulations, thereby setting a good example for other campers.

·        Assist visitors with finding a campsite. If campsites are full, visitors will be directed to other campgrounds or available lodging.

·        Inform and educate visitors on park and camping regulations.

·        Rove campground to provide visitors with local, regional, and park information.

·        Provide informal interpretation to visitors.

·        Lead visitor-engagement activities as assigned.

·        Hang reservation tags for incoming campers with pre-paid sites.

·        Assist park personnel in keeping the campground area clean and free of litter.

·        Report any hazards in or out of the campground to an immediate supervisor.

·        Stock and/or clean comfort stations as needed.

·        Inform fee staff of sanitation problems and maintenance hazards. If fee staff is not available, report directly to maintenance.

·        Periodically make rounds of the campground in order to update records and remind campers of rules and regulations. Any law enforcement issues will be reported to park rangers.

IMPORTANT: Host will not attempt to enforce any regulations by acting in a law enforcement capacity. Host will use educational and informational approach when appropriate to gain compliance with park regulations. Only commissioned law enforcement rangers will take enforcement actions.

·        Occasionally assist visitors after hours.

·        Communicate with park staff via park radios.

 

FEE COLLECTION DUTIES

 

·        May be responsible for collecting appropriate fees at the campground following established accountability guidelines for handling government funds.

·        May operate an electronic cash register, computer, or Point of Sale system, perform opening and closing shift functions, issue entrance receipts, park passes, or federal recreation passes in accordance with established guidelines.

·        May process refunds or upgrades as needed according to established guidelines.

·        May complete shift reports to verify money collected, accountable stock sold and all machine transactions from a shift using receipt tapes and a register of voided/refunded transactions.

·        Safeguards funds collected and personal accountable stock.

·        May assist with campground self-registration collection activities.

·        May conduct compliance checks of campground users to ensure proper payment of fees.

 

OTHER DUTIES

·        Assist park personnel with campground maintenance projects (i.e., painting, weeding, clean fire rings, etc.)

·        Upon request, assist with park personnel during emergency operations (i.e., traffic control)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES REQUIRED

 

·        Must be at least 21 years of age.

·        Favorable background investigation.

·        Surety bond secured by the park in the volunteer’s name.

·        Ability to work independently with little to no supervision and as part of a team.

·        Ability to communicate orally.

·        Enjoy meeting and talking with people.

·        Ability to effectively deal with stressful situations.

·        Ability to work on uneven terrain.

·        Have a professional and courteous demeanor.

·        Ability to tolerate a variety of weather and working conditions.

·        Must possess a valid state driver’s license.

·        Ability to drive a golf cart to travel around campground.

·        Knowledge/skills in outdoor recreation or natural sciences are beneficial.

·        CPR/AED training is helpful.

·        Previous experience is desirable but not a requirement.

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Sitting, standing, bending, and walking for extended periods of time.  Raking, shoveling, wielding loppers, and handling other small equipment for extended periods of time.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work is predominately outdoors. Mountain weather is unpredictable and can change quickly. The area experiences thunderstorms, high winds, rain, heavy fog and wildlife.

WORK SCHEDULE

·        Work schedule will be coordinated with the volunteer’s supervisor.

·        At minimum 32 hours per week, including holidays and weekends.

·        Split shifts may be required.

·        Will receive two (2) consecutive days off per week.

·        Disruptions can occur any time of the day or night. Time worked will not include overnight hours except where active host duties are actually performed.

·        Volunteer will notify the volunteer supervisor of planned absences within a reasonable amount of time, usually not less than one week, or as soon as possible when the volunteer cannot be available to perform scheduled duties due to sickness or other reasons.

 

UNIFORM

While on duty, the volunteer will wear an NPS volunteer shirt and name tag (provided). A ball cap will also be provided for outdoor use. The volunteer will supply his/her own khaki or brown pants, brown belt, and brown shoes. The volunteer should look professional at all times and follow the Blue Ridge Parkway volunteer uniform policy.

The NPS ball cap assigned is a uniform piece and should not be worn unless engaged in NPS duties.

GOVERNMENT VEHICLES/PERSONAL EQUIPMENT

·        Volunteer may drive a golf cart or government vehicle to travel around campground.

ü Spouse of a Host: The spouse must be signed up as a VIP and riding along for the purpose of conducting government work.

·        Personal vehicles/equipment will not be used in the performance of assigned duties.

HOUSING

 

·        Volunteer must provide his/her own lodging (camper, trailer or motor home).

·        Sewer/water/electric provided by the campground.

 

PETS

 

Pets are welcome to accompany their owner if they are socially acclimated and non-aggressive. Pets are to be contained in the owner’s residence or on a leash at all times. Pets are prohibited from government vehicles and campground buildings; they should not be left tied outside the campground kiosk. Please prevent excessive barking and properly dispose of pet waste.

REIMBURSEMENT

Volunteers will not receive monetary compensation for their service, nor will they be reimbursed for expenses.