Volunteer
Job Description
ADDRESS: Mark Twain National Forest; 401 Fairgrounds Road; Rolla, Missouri 65401
DEPT: Forest Service
DATES: 3/1/2021 – 9/30/2021
DESCRIPTION:
A host is a seasonal volunteer who agrees to serve in a national forest campground. Hosts are friendly, enjoy the outdoors and are eager to learn and share their knowledge.
Silver Mines offers a variety of recreational opportunities and is abundant with historic and geological wonders. This beautiful area is located along the St. Francis River, the only river in Missouri classified as “white water,” and is used for kayaking during the spring high waters. Silver Mines is located at a historic mining operation and is known for its Precambrian granite and felsite rocks. Silver Mines Recreation Area is named for the abandoned “Einstein Mine”, which was mined for Silver, Tungsten and Lead. The Einstein Silver Mining Company began mining in 1877, and mining ceased completely in 1946.
Campground Camping
3 primary campground loops and one lesser used loop offer 66 individual sites, 11 sites with electric hookup, 9 double sites, and 1 group site, each with table, fire ring, lantern post and a parking spur. Some sites will accommodate RV/trailer combinations of up to 50 feet. Fourteen sites are rated for tents only. Drinking water and vault toilets are conveniently located. No water hookups, showers or dump station facilities. On-site host will assist you. Campsite is most popular during spring kayaking season.
RV Camping
3 primary campground loops and one lesser used loop offer 66 individual sites, 11 sites with electric hookup, 9 double sites, and 1 group site, each with table, fire ring, lantern post and a parking spur. Some sites will accommodate RV/trailer combinations of up to 50 feet. Drinking water and vault toilets are conveniently located. No water hookups, showers or dump station facilities. On-site host will assist you. Electrical hookups available at both single and double sites at this location. No water or sewer hookups available.
Group Camping
1 group camp site which can accommodate up to 100 people and is available for reservations at www.recreation.gov.
Directions: From St. Louis, take Interstate 55 south to Hwy. 67 south; then, at Fredericktown, take Hwy. 72 west to Hwy. D following it to Silver Mines.
DUTIES
•Assist campers by providing them with information, explaining basic forest regulations, act as eyes and ears of the Forest Service by monitoring use and reporting violations or emergencies to the proper authorities
•Clean and service restrooms, fire pits, campsites and general grounds maintenance
•Paint
•Mow
•Pick up litter
•Work safely while adhering to all USFS safety policies
•Have fun
QUALIFICATIONS
Hosts are to be neat in appearance and to keep a tidy and welcoming camp site. Hosts should be in good physical condition and be able to work in a variety of weather conditions including rain, high humidity, and varying temperatures
SKILLS
Backpacking/Camping
Drivers License
First Aid Certificate
Hand Power Tools
Map Reading
Visitor Information
Working with People
WORK ENVIRONMENT
We ask that hosts be available for a two month commitment at minimum, or as long as a full season if possible. Hosts are expected to be available to the public at a minimum of noon every Friday until 6:00 pm Sunday (infrequent knocks on the camper door at all hours of the day and night should be expected, though). Volunteer should be wearing at least one component of a Forest Service Volunteer uniform during on-duty time. Sewage, electric and water hookups are available for the host site. There is cell service and a phone is provided for emergency use.