Volunteer
Job Description
ADDRESS: Voyageurs National Park; Voyageurs National Park Headquarters; International Falls, Minnesota 56649
DEPT: National Park Service
DATES: 6/1/2021 – 9/30/2021
DESCRIPTION:
Voyageurs National Park is looking for a volunteer to aid our Maintenance division. Head out on the lake and help us with upkeep of our 100+ campsites. The volunteer may work anywhere in the park performing some or all of these services: campground cleaning, campground maintenance, vehicle operations, and grounds, dock, and road maintenance.
This position is in the Maintenance division of Voyageurs National Park. The volunteer reports to the Facilities Management Chief, and may work anywhere in the park performing some or all of the services outlined below:
Campground cleaning
Campground maintenance
Vehicle operations
Grounds, dock, trail, and road maintenance
Volunteers working in this capacity will receive appropriate training, guidance and supervision from the assigned supervisor.
Benefits
RV campsite with hookups (minimum 32 hours a week to qualify)
Opportunity to attend a Motorboat Operator’s Certification Course
Annual Volunteer Park Pass, valid at all federal fee sites (250 hours needed to qualify)
Opportunity to experience the history and recreational resources of Voyageurs national Park
DUTIES
Campground cleaning/maintenance
The volunteer may perform routine cleaning of designated campsites by sweeping and disinfecting privies or outhouses, removing non-burnable materials and ashes from fire grate, sweeping and/or washing picnic tables, and picking up litter around campsite grounds and beaches. Maintenance may require rough carpentry, painting and staining, concrete repair, digging new outhouse pits, erosion control, and removing fallen or hazardous trees.
Vehicle operations
The volunteer will drive ½ and ¾ ton pickup trucks on occasion. During the summer, the volunteer may operate gasoline powered watercraft ranging from 16’ to 21’ in length and up to 200 H.P. outboards (with Motorboat Operator’s Certification training). During the winter, the volunteer may operate a snowmobile (upon completion of MN permitting and park orientation). The volunteer is responsible for checking and maintaining proper fluid levels, fuel mixtures, and other items required for safe operation of assigned vehicles. The volunteer is also responsible for keeping assigned vehicles in clean, neat condition with all tools and equipment properly stored.
Grounds maintenance
The volunteer may perform routine summer and winter maintenance to park grounds around visitor information centers, quarters, or other structures. Summer maintenance includes mowing grass with power push or riding lawn mowers, trimming grass around buildings and visitor use areas; installing, maintaining, and emptying garbage cans; and keeping grounds picked up and free of litter. Winter maintenance may include snow and ice removal or trail grooming.
Dock maintenance
The volunteer may assist with the installation or removal of floating docks in spring or fall. The volunteer may assist with construction of floating or crib docks and maintenance of existing visitor and staff dock structures to standards. All dock work is under the direction of the district Work Leader or Maintenance Supervisor.
Road maintenance
The volunteer may perform manual work by removing debris from culverts and ditches, brushing shoulders, removing downed trees and limbs from roadway, and removing stones from driving surface or filling depressions to maintain a smooth uniform driving surface.
The volunteer may perform any or all of the following duties in the course of completing their work. These duties are secondary to the primary duties and typically constitute 20% or less of the position duties.
May assist park staff with installing and removing floating docks, constructing new floating or crib docks, and making emergency repairs to correct hazardous dock conditions.
Going into the field to familiarize self with area resources.
Assisting, as needed, with basic emergency response.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform the duties of this position, the volunteer must have the following knowledge, skills and abilities:
Knowledge and experience in recreation hiking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, trail construction and design, and use of equipment and machines.
Knowledge of water-oriented work practices and safe boating operations. May be a passenger in or operate government boats and vehicles.
Ability to arrive at assigned site on time, follow directions, and independently perform assigned tasks once trained and oriented.
Ability to work in on maintenance tasks as part of a team.
Ability to use and maintain tools and equipment (hammers, saws, shovels, and rakes).
Ability to responsibly and professionally interact with members of the public, as well as colleagues and supervisors.
Ability to efficiently organize and/or plan equipment and materials necessary to accomplish daily work functions
Knowledge of NPS and park mission and goals.
Supervisory Controls
The volunteer works under the supervision of the Facilities Management Chief, Project Coordinator, or Team Leader. After receiving specific instructions, the volunteer performs routine assignments with park staff or independently. The supervisor is available when problems or unusual situations arise. Supervisor spot checks routine work for accuracy, with closer review performed for more difficult or non-routine assignments.
Complexity
The volunteer(s) work closely with park staff. Assignments are primarily repetitive, consisting of clearly defined tasks. Questions regarding non-routine tasks are referred to the supervisor.
Scope and Effect
The results of the incumbent’s activities contribute to visitor enjoyment and understanding of the park area and the public’s appreciation of the National Park Service mission. Trails, docks, outhouses, campsites, and other recreational structures provide the visitor with a positive park experience. These activities affect the NPS and its employees, visitors, land managers, and neighbors.
Personal Contacts
The volunteer has daily contacts with other volunteers and park staff. Contact with park visitors or other shareholders are rare and under the supervision of a Team Leader or the Project Coordinator.
SKILLS
General Assistance
Hand Power Tools
Heavy Equipment
Other Trade Skills
Working with People
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The volunteer must occasionally lift and carry heavy loads in excess of 30 lbs over uneven terrain. Heavy materials are often loaded and unloaded and transported to work sites. The position often involves frequent hiking to and from the work site, bending or working in a stooped position, and the use of hand tools. Work is done outdoors and subject to adverse weather conditions (rain, snow, sun, etc.). Local temperatures range from +90 degrees F. to -40 degrees F. Appropriate safety measures must be taken to avoid temperature extremes. Working outdoors involves the presence of numerous biting insects including ticks, mosquitoes, and flies. Trips to park field locations or local travel within or near International Falls, Kabetogama, or Ash River may be required, which may include travelling as a passenger on or operating a government vessel.