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Job Description
CAMPGROUND: Grand Portage National Monument
SOURCE: Volunteer.gov
AVAILABILITY: 5/11/2020–9/7/2020
RV SITE: SITE DETAILS: Trailer/RV PadsDescription: RV pads, hook-ups, internet service and laundry are available to our volunteers who commit to stay through Labor Day.
Volunteer Activities• Archaeology • Construction/Maintenance • Conservation Education • Research Library • Historical Preservation • Office/Clerical • Other • Trail/Campground Maintenance • Tour Guide/Interpretation • Visitor Information • Natural Resources Planning • Science • Back Country/Wilderness • General Assistance Photo Courtesy of NPS DescriptionSUMMER 2020–Living History, on Lake Superior’s North Shore COME JOIN US FOR A SUMMER ON GRAND PORTAGE BAY! Note: This volunteer opportunity is for couples only. Please submit two applications and note somewhere in your application that you are applying as a couple. Grand Portage National Monument commemorates the cross-cultural interaction and exchange among Ojibwe people and early Europeans that influenced the 18th century exploration of the northwest and the expansion of the Great Lakes fur trade industry. The National Park Service works collaboratively with the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa to interpret and support the heritage and lifeways of the Ojibwe people and to preserve the premier sites, route, and unique historic values of the Grand Portage, known to the Ojibwe as Gitchi Onigaming, the Great Carrying Place. Share the stories of intertwining lives and cultures at Grand Portage during the late 18th century. Volunteer interpreters portray the time period 1785-1802 in and around the North West Company’s inland headquarters. Interpreters communicate the story of Grand Portage through demonstrations, formal programs, and informal visitor contacts. We are looking for couples who are eager to learn and try new things. If you like variety, check us out! A typical 3-day work week varies and could include: the Ojibwe Village talking about the lives and annual cycle of local native tribes, the Heritage Center inforamtion desk, and the Kitchen demonstrating historic cooking. Rarely will you be in the same station twice in one week. All new interpreters learn the ropes by shadowing veteran guides. Grand Portage NM volunteers contribute three (consecutive) eight-hour days per week. Time commitment begins the last week in May; we ask for a commitment through Labor Day. In exchange for the commitment, we offer RV parking, full electric, water/sewer hook-ups, and free laundry access. Commitment can be longer, it is up to you, we often have volunteers wanting to stay until the end of September. Before you arrive, you will receive our traveling library to learn more about the history of the Grand Portage, the North American fur trade, and the Ojibwe people and culture. When you arrive, you will participate in two weeks of interpretive and mandatory training and two weeks of shadowing experienced interpreters. This position has been identified as “Strenuous.” Many activities on the living history site require lifting, carrying, and hauling items such as firewood, water buckets, wigwam poles, and/or outdoor props. The position requires periods of sustained talking or otherwise communicating with the public. All volunteers must be able to complete an 8-hour shift that will include walking, standing, and/or working outdoors or in non-climate controlled buildings. The living history site is located on the Minnesota shore of Lake Superior, where there is a nice lake breeze and it rarely reaches ninety degrees. The park sees approximately 250-300 visitors daily during the busy season. Grand Portage National Monument is located at the northeastern “tip” of Minnesota. Our borders are Lake Superior, Canada, and the Grand Portage Ojibwe Reservation. A number of outdoor recreational opportunities will keep you busy on your four consecutive days off, bring a kayak and explore the crystal clear waters of Lake Superior, hike the 8.5 mile historic Grand Portage, canoe the Boundary Waters Canoe Area lakes, visit a nearby NPS unit or state park, or take a Canadian adventure (there are three Provincial Parks in day-trip range), or just relax, and enjoy the day! If you are interested in learning more about this volunteer opportunity, Apply Online Now! The Volunteer Coordinator will receive your application and contact you to continue the application process. Thank you for wanting to make a difference on your public lands! We look forward to hearing from you! HOUSING & AMENITIESType: Trailer/RV PadsDescription: RV pads, hook-ups, internet service and laundry are available to our volunteers who commit to stay through Labor Day.