Volunteer
Job Description
FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a09t000000CAgkgAAD/interpretation-and-visitor-services-october-24march
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ADDRESS: Bryce Canyon National Park; Highway 63; Bryce, Utah 84764
DEPT: National Park Service
DATES: 10/24/2021 – 4/9/2022
DESCRIPTION:
Bryce Canyon National Park is seeking volunteers for the division of Visitor Services (Interpretation) for October 24th-March!nnNote: There is a separate announcement open for Interpretation Volunteers for now-October 24th.
If you join our team here at Bryce Canyon National Park, you’ll have the opportunity to live in a place that some only dream of visiting. We are known for our hoodoos (irregular columns of rock), which exist here in vibrant abundance! Hoodoos can be found on every continent, but here is the largest concentration found anywhere on Earth. Situated along a high plateau at the top of the Grand Staircase, the park’s high elevations include numerous life communities, fantastic dark skies, and geologic wonders that defy description.
If this sounds enticing to you…read on!
Staff and visitors alike are regularly taken aback by the astounding landscape that is Bryce Canyon. Bryce Canyon is not a single canyon, but a series of natural amphitheaters or bowls, carved into the edge of a high plateau.
While Bryce Canyon is an unparalleled place to live and work, it does have its own set of challenges. We welcome almost three million visitors annually. This visitation is concentrated to hiking adventures and viewpoints largely located along the 18-mile scenic drive, and getting a coveted spot in one of our campgrounds can get pretty tricky in the height of summer visitation. Patience, tact, and empathy are key to successful operations here in Bryce.
Visitor Services Operations
Visitor Center
Visitor Center Interpretation duties will consist of providing front line information, orientation, and interpretive services for visitors in the day-to-day operation of the Park at the Visitor Center and various locations throughout the park. Specific tasks may include, but are not limited to answering questions disseminating PSAR messaging, providing directions, recommending hiking trails, interacting with Junior Rangers, processing lost and found items, operating a 2-way radio, returning phone inquiries and voicemails, and other duties as necessary.
Interpretive Programs (Geology and Astronomy Focus)
Interpretive Volunteers in Bryce Canyon develop and present a variety of programs including 20-minute geology talks, 90-minute cultural history rim walks or snowshoe hikes depending on snow, 20-minute constellation tours, telescope viewing opportunities, youth-based junior ranger programs, informal pop-ups, evening programs (summer only), and curriculum-based education programs (fall/winter/spring only).
Other
Other duties may consist of roving on shuttle buses, hiking trails and visiting viewpoints for the purpose of chatting with visitors, answering questions, and assisting them gain the most of their visit. There may also be opportunities for cross training in some locations (working with vegetation crew, First Aid/CPR/AED training, search and rescue training and assisting in emergency carry outs, maintenance, etc.)
A Day in the Life of an Interpretive Volunteer:
- Staff the Visitor Center Front Desk
- Present Interpretive Programming
- Rove trails making informal contacts
- Operate a government vehicle
- Operate a government computer
*These items are subject to change in consideration of COVID.
Applicants should be able to do the following:
- Research, write, and deliver interpretive programs
- Operate a government vehicle safely
- Practice and provide exemplary customer service
- Work independently
- Communicate with visitors (English language and non-English speaking)
- Be a team-member
- Respond with patience, tact and empathy
Other Favorable Qualifications:
- Previous experience working with visitors/customers
- Experience with interpreting geologic processes
- Experience with interpreting Astronomy and the night sky
- Familiarity with telescopes and night sky objects
- Comfort working outdoors in all weather conditions
- Flexibility
- Conservation Education
- Drivers License
- General Assistance
- Map Reading
- Public Speaking
- Teaching
- Visitor Information
- Working with People
Weather and Climate
In summer the days tend to be pleasant, with daytime highs in June typically in the high 60’s to low 70’s (F), High 70’s to low 80’s in July and August, while September is similar to June. The rainy season occurs in July and August with frequent, usually brief, afternoon thunderstorms which produce heavy rain and frequent lightning. Snowstorms in April and October aren’t uncommon and may produce heavy snowfall.
During the fall and winter temperatures can be highly variable. From October to May temperatures fall below freezing nearly every night. The park experiences its coldest and snowiest periods from December through February. Spring storms in March and April can still produce heavy snowfall that may impact travel in the region. At 8,000 feet, Bryce has cold winters and weather can be severe producing more than 100 inches of snow. All staff is expected to present programs and staff outdoor contact stations, COVID dependent. We perform duties in all weather conditions, including temperatures ranging between 10 and 65 degrees in winter.
Note: Bryce Canyon National Park elevations reach 9,100 feet (2778 meters). People with heart or respiratory concerns should be especially careful to not overexert themselves.
- General housekeeping
- Slip, trip, and fall hazards
- lightning, summer monsoon events, high elevation, sun exposure, freezing temperatures