Volunteer
Job Description
ADDRESS: Nez Perce / Clearwater National Forest; Moose Creek Ranger District 831 Selway Road; Kooskia, Idaho 83539
DEPT: Forest Service
DATES: 5/15/2021 – 9/15/2021
DESCRIPTION:
The Lochsa-Powell and Moose Creek Ranger Districts in Idaho are looking for volunteers who are enthusiastic about sharing the benefits of National Forest System Lands with visitors! Volunteer campground host opportunities are available for the 2021 seasons at the following locations: • Wilderness Gateway Campground (MP 121) along US HWY 12 • Powell Campground (MP 162) along US HWY 12 • O’Hara Campground (approx.7 miles up the Selway River (FS Road 223)
HOST DUTIES:
Selected candidates will be expected to:
· Wear a volunteer uniform and represent the Forest Service in a friendly, courteous and professional manner, while conducting visitor contacts
· Conduct daily campground rounds, initiating contacts to share information about recreation opportunities, answer questions and encourage visitors to comply with forest regulations
· Monitor campground sites for fee compliance and record daily occupancy levels
· Manage daily visitor site reservations and assist visitors in locating reserved campsites
· Assist with facility maintenance at campgrounds including, but not limited to: removal of debris and garbage from fire rings, campsites and surrounding grounds, sweeping and washing debris from picnic tables, daily maintenance of restrooms, mowing and weed-eating, sanding and painting site posts and picnic tables, filling potholes, and other light site maintenance as necessary
· Identify operational/maintenance problems and assist in implementing solutions
· Maintain informational signs in and around the campground
· Maintain tools and equipment in serviceable condition
· Provide their own RV or camp trailer and UTV/ATV, if desired. The use of a tent as the only means of housing is not permitted. Previous hosts have found the use of ATV’s or UTV’s to be extremely helpful in performing their duties. ATVs, UTVs, and motorcycles must meet Idaho State law (must be street legal) in order to ride on State and Forest Service roads. Pets may be permitted on a case by case basis. All pets in the campground must be on a leash, including host’s pets.
· The successful candidate must have, or complete, the following before starting work:
· Valid state driver’s license
· Valid First Aid certification
· Valid CPR certification
SCHEDULES:
Host opportunities typically run from approximately mid May through mid September, with a minimum 1 month commitment (3 months preferred). Hosts volunteer five days a week, including weekends and holidays, typically working 4-5 hours per day/20 hours per week. Hosts are on duty in the morning and evening, during daylight hours. Days off are taken mid-week on Tues/Wed or Wed/Thurs. Hosts are not required to stay on site during their days off. Exact start and end dates are negotiable.
SERVICES PROVIDED TO HOSTS:
Campground Hosts are welcome and encouraged to attend district orientation, which is typically held during the last week of May or first week of June. The session allows hosts to meet other district personnel and offers training in: first aid, CPR, communication protocols, and a review of district program highlights. COVID precautions will likely alter the orientation format, but hosts will be invited to join sessions whether conducted online or in person.
Volunteers are provided with required safety training and orientations for all assigned tasks. Equipment required for the positions include: a Forest Service radio for daily check-ins, an area map, a volunteer vest and hat, leather work gloves, disposable latex gloves, cleaning supplies, and Hepatitis A&B vaccinations. We successfully operated campgrounds in 2020 without transmission of COVID to hosts and we will be utilizing similar operating procedures in 2021.
Hosts are provided a designated camping slot with water and sewer hookups, free for the duration of their volunteer agreement. Neither O’Hara, nor Wilderness Gateway have electrical hookups. Hosts are reimbursed for food and gas (approximately $24-$28/day). Reimbursements for 2021 will be discussed with applicants prior to selection.