Volunteer
Job Description
FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a09t000000C98GqAAJ/campground-big-scrub-campground
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ADDRESS: Ocala National Forest; Florida 34488
DEPT: Forest Service
DATES: 6/1/2021 – 9/30/2021
DESCRIPTION:
Volunteer campground host needed on the beautiful Ocala National Forest at Big Scrub Campground.
This position’s primary duties involve operation and maintenance of the Big Scrub Recreation Area. This position requires on site residence. The area is open year round. The Big Scrub Recreation Area is comprised of approximately 64 campsites with tables and fire rings. The area receives year round use with the busiest season being winter months and weekends. During the week the campground is typically quiet except through the holidays when some visitors stay for longer periods. Sites at Big Scrub are now on a reservation system (Reserve America) and 70% of the sites can be reserved. The remaining sites are on a first come/first serve basis and can be used for camping or day use.
The host(s) will normally be required to work beginning Friday evening through Sunday evening and sometimes longer on holidays or other busy times. Operational duties include checking in each visitor to the campground, monitoring the campers and communicating information to the campers. The host(s) will “check in” each guest upon arrival and monitor fee compliance daily during the primary use season and frequently during the slow season. The host is required to keep an accurate record of the area usage on forms provided by the FS.
Maintenance duties for this area include but not limited to:
- Daily cleaning of restrooms
- Litter pick-up and garbage removal including the day use area, campground, and fishing pier
- Cleaning grills
- Raking the swimming beach
- Removing dirt, mildew, and spider webs from signs, buildings, garbage containers, and tables
- Raking of leaves
- Sweeping sidewalks and shelters
- Minor repairs and maintenance to buildings and grounds under the advice of District recreation technicians
- Mowing grass as needed (depending on mower availability)
Volunteers must have a friendly, helpful manner and enjoy dealing with a variety of people. They should have some familiarity with the natural environment of the campground, and be able to share this basic knowledge with visitors. Good communication skills, tactfulness, and patience are important. The volunteer must always remember that visitors are associating them with the US Forest Service – a public service agency funded by the taxpayers.
The volunteer must abide by the “Standards for Ethics and Conduct” for Forest Service and other federal employees. The volunteer should never discuss political issues, religion, ethnic, or racial differences or other topics that may be offensive to the public. Derogatory or offensive language must never be used in conversation with visitors.
Wear of the FS volunteer components may be required on weekends. The volunteer will present a clean and well-groomed appearance. The resident volunteer site will be kept clean, neat, and in compliance with all Forest rules and regulations.
Safety on the job and safety of visitors is the number one priority. Before beginning new tasks the volunteer should familiarize themselves with the safety requirements. Volunteers should consult the FS safety handbook and any pertinent Job Hazard Analysis (JHA). Volunteers are required to attend monthly District safety meetings.
Operation of FS vehicles may be required to perform the duties of this position. The volunteer will be required to furnish a copy their driving record (if out of state) and a copy of a valid state driver’s license prior to receiving a government driver’s license. Additionally, the FS will perform a background screening.
Forest Service staff will provide you with a safe work environment and will identify any potential hazards in the working area. While we strive to create the safest environment possible, it is impossible to eliminate all potential hazards when working outside in nature. Feel free to volunteer coordinator for more information on these or other topics.
· Be Prepared! Dress Appropriately! Wear clothes that can get dirty, long pants, closed-toe shoes (no flip-flops or sandals), layers for changing weather, and rain gear if necessary. Bring a personal water bottle and sunscreen.
· Ticks: Ticks are common carriers of Lyme disease. Though you are unlikely to come in contact with them in San Francisco, they are common in Marin and San Mateo counties. Check your clothes and body after working/playing outdoors.
· Yellow Jackets: Yellow jacket nests are commonly found in trees and on the ground in natural areas. Yellow jackets are often difficult to spot, but if you see one, try to follow it back to a nest and clear the area. If you see multiple yellow jackets flying around an area, warn others about them. They are very protective of their homes and sting repeatedly if aggravated. If you disturb a yellow jacket nest, run away quickly in a zigzag pattern. If you know you are allergic, please take precautions for your safety.
· Poison Oak: The oil in poison oak can cause a severe rash, especially if you are highly allergic to it. Everyone should learn to recognize poison oak and avoid it. To identify poison oak, look for three lobed leaflets, which come in a variety of colors (from green to red) and are sometimes shiny or glossy in appearance. If any part of the plant touches your skin, clothing, or tool, talk to the park volunteer manager for further instructions on decontamination.
· Heat Exhaustion: Drink plenty of water while working! If you feel tired or lightheaded, sit down and rest in the shade.
· Sun Exposure: You can get sunburn on a cloudy day. Wear sunscreen and a hat for protection.
· Tool / Back Safety: Be aware of the tools you are using. Make sure you know the correct way to use and transport them. Keep space between you and other volunteers. To avoid repetitive motion stress, take regular stretch breaks. Use your legs when lifting or pulling heavy objects, and always try to avoid twisting when carrying or loading.
· Things You Might Find: Be observant and avoid things like broken glass, rusty metal, hypodermic syringes, unexploded ordnance, and pet feces. Glass, metal, and other trash can be picked up (wear gloves!). Alert the park volunteer manager if you find a needle or something you do not recognize—do not pick it up!