Job Description
FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a09t000000CCEQOAA5/interpretation-volunteer
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ADDRESS: Cape Hatteras National Seashore; 8210 Bodie Island Lighthouse Road; Nags Head, North Carolina 27959
DEPT: National Park Service
DATES: 8/29/2021 – 10/15/2021
DESCRIPTION:
The sound of ocean waves, the starry night sky, or the calm of the salt marsh, you can experience it all. Shaped by the forces of water, wind, and storms these islands are ever changing. The shifting sands extend below the surface, giving rise to dangerous sandbars that have claimed thousands of ships, and earned the area the name Graveyard of the Atlantic. The Bodie Island Lighthouse was established to warn ships of these hazards. Come experience the OBX in a truly unique way.
This position is based out Bodie Island District within Cape Hatteras National Seashore. As team members, volunteers will perform duties to support the interpretive operations and mission goals of the park. Visitor center and information desk duties are primarily centered upon customer service and administrative support.
Major Duties
- Actively participate in a safe workplace culture.
- Staff front desk providing park and general information to the public.
- During lighthouse season, staff visitor contact points within lighthouse (top and base) and grounds.
- Talk in front of large groups of visitors with safety talk at the lighthouse base.
- Answer numerous and repetitive questions about the park in a professional manner.
- Educate visitors on the regulations of the park and safety concerns.
- Use telephone to provide information about the park.
- Distribute maps, brochures, and other printed materials.
- Monitor and keep informational brochures stocked and available.
- Handle negative contacts and sensitive topics in a professional manner.
- Monitor and report safety concerns to appropriate staff member.
- Receive and report lost and found items.
- Ability to work independently with little to no supervision and as part of a team.
- Ability to research and communicate facts about the resources at Cape Hatteras.
- Skill in oral communication and tactful discussion of controversial subject matter.
- Ability to maintain a positive attitude and consistently be courteous and polite to visitors.
- Enjoy talking with and meeting people.
- Ability to learn quickly and retain basic knowledge.
- Ability to follow written and oral directions, ask clarifying questions to ensure understanding of expectations.
- Ability to effectively deal with stressful situations.
- General Assistance
- Visitor Information
- Working with People
Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor environments. Outer Banks weather is notoriously unpredictable and can change quickly. The area experiences thunderstorms, high winds, rain, high heat, extreme cold, tornados or waterspouts, and hurricanes. It is often hot and humid and sometimes the heat
index exceeds 100 °F. The environmental conditions at the lighthouse may include high humidity and hot temperatures as well as working in crowded areas with high volumes of public use. The Seashore is also home to a number of insects including biting flies, chiggers, mosquitos, sand gnats, and ticks.