Visitor Center and Interpretation Volunteer

Main Goals for This Position to Accomplish:

• Serve as a front-line volunteer by staffing the park visitor center to provide orientations, information, and interpretation to a clientele of national and international visitors
• Promote visitor safety, resource protection, and visitor understanding
• Rove park locations to provide informal interpretation

Training:

• Volunteer training is led by park staff. The park library is a recommended resource for independent learning about the park. Free online trainings will also be available from ProValens Learning (www.provalenslearning.com)

Reports:

• All volunteers will be asked for a self-assessment during an exit interview and a short report highlighting suggestions for the future, key successes, and outstanding problems/limitations. Volunteers will also be expected to track and report all hours worked during their volunteer opportunity.

Tools, Equipment, and Vehicles to be Operated:

• Volunteers will not operate park computers unless they have completed a Homeland Security Clearance and have been given DOI network rights. VIPs will have access to government vehicles. Interpretive resources, props, radios, and safety equipment will be available for check-out.
• Volunteers are welcome to bring and use their own equipment, but the park will not be responsible for damaged personal equipment and will not reimburse volunteers for lost or damaged property. When available and appropriate, VIPs are encouraged to use park equipment, such as cameras or vehicles.

Location(s) Where Work Will Be Performed:

• Volunteers will report to and work at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center (FCVC). Additional duties may be performed in other front country areas of the park.

Benefits to the Volunteer: The volunteer may enjoy the following benefits:

• Free RV site with hook-ups or government housing
• Training covering both technical subject matter and communication skills
• Development of work experience and skills in the field of interpretation
• Cross training with other divisions
• Enjoyment of sharing the wonders and resources of Death Valley National Park with visitors

Position Supports Which Division(s):

• Directly supports operations in the park, including interpretation and resource management objectives.

Scope of Contacts:

• The volunteer aids the park staff with projects and information desk duties. Contacts with park visitors, including school age children, non-English speaking visitors, and senior citizens is to be expected. Volunteers will be expected to support the National Park Service mission and maintain a professional demeanor when interacting with the public.

Uniform Requirements:

• The position is uniformed, and parts will be provided. Short-sleeve shirts, long sleeve shirts, and a volunteer hat will be provided. Pants must be brown or khaki/beige color. Sturdy boots recommended. Belts, pants, and boots are not provided.

Volunteer Rewards:

• Since this position is unpaid by the National Park Service, it falls under the Volunteers in Parks Program (VIP). The mission of the National Park Service is to preserve America’s natural, cultural, and historical legacies. This makes for a unique and respected federal agency. Aside from the reward of a positive affiliation with the agency, the returns from volunteering depend upon the goals of each individual volunteer. In short, the experience is what you make it to be. 250 hours logged will earn a Volunteer Annual Pass.