Volunteer
Job Description
FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a09t000000CYK16AAH/granite-basin-recreation-area-hosts
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ADDRESS:
Prescott National Forest
735 North Highway 89
Chino Valley, Arizona 86323
DEPT: Forest Service
DATES: 8/31/2021 – 11/4/2021
DESCRIPTION:
The Prescott National Forest is accepting applications for volunteer host(s) in the Granite Basin Recreation Area at one of two locations, Granite Basin Day Use Sites and Yavapai Campground. Previous host experience is helpful but not required. Host must provide their own RV/Camper to host at this location.
Granite Basin Recreation Area is nestled at the foot of Granite Mountain at 5,600 feet in elevation in a mixed forest with grass and shrubs, and punctuated by granite outcrops. The area is popular for hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails as well as day use activities at Granite Basin Lake (5 acre) and hiking and equestrian use of the Granite Mountain Wilderness Area. The host site is shaded part of the day. Hosting is a rewarding volunteer opportunity and requires a person with excellent customer service skills, friendly and patient personality, willingness and ability to perform daily cleaning and light maintenance, and loves the outdoors. Host positions will be filled with an individual or pair of people who own their own accommodation RV/Camper/Motorhome to live on site; tents are not permitted. Utilities (except propane) will be provided.
Being a Host requires a diverse set of skills including customer service, cleaning and maintenance, record keeping, and time management.
Customer Service: While maintaining a social distance of at least 6 feet, provide information (regulations, recreational opportunities in the area, directions, where to make camping reservations, etc.); be visible to the public (wear volunteer uniform and present a positive image of the Forest Service). Hosts must also be able to politely and effectively communicate to forest visitors that physical distance is necessary for host and public safety. Hosts set the example, encouraging but not forcing visitors to maintain physical distance.
Cleaning/Maintenance: While following established safety protocols including wearing personal protective equipment, host must be able to clean restrooms/toilets, grills, picnic tables, fire ring; empty trash cans, pick up litter within facility boundaries; extinguish and report abandoned campfires; some raking, weeding, and occasional pruning of vegetation. Due to virus related sanitation protocols, cleaning and sanitation practices may differ from customer expectations. Hosts will communicate these protocols to customers in support of policy.
Record Keeping/Time Management: Maintain visitation logs; track reservations; complete and submit supply lists, maintenance requests, and other forms; report observed regulation violations to Forest Service personnel; contact designated county or federal emergency services if needed; track and accurately report hours of service to supervisor; maintain a balance between service time and personal time off. Note: Duties may include opening and closing entrance gates at adjacent facilities. Where gates need to be managed, a mileage reimbursement may be available for use of personal vehicle.
All hosts must work weekends to accommodate the busiest days. Hosts will have 2 consecutive days off designated during the week. Any changes in this schedule must be discussed with the volunteer’s supervisor. Volunteer host hours vary by day and location, but typically average 30 hour per week for each individual volunteer.
Applicants must be able to: 1) communicate in a clear, professional, pleasant, and respectful manner with all forest visitors/campers and Forest Service personnel, 2) walk on uneven terrain at high altitudes (above 5,000 feet), lift at least 30 pounds and use shovels, rakes, brooms, and common cleaning supplies; 3) have a current driver license, good driving record, and proof of vehicle/RV insurance required, 4) perform volunteer service efficiently and effectively, and 5) practice and promote all Forest Service safety practices and protocols relevant to host duties and visitor/customer interactions. A background check is required upon arrival which includes fingerprints and voluntary release form(s). Security credentials are not required. Pets permitted with proper vaccination documents, and are subject to agency regulations. In addition to the application, please include at least 3 professional/personal references.
- Carpentry
- General Assistance
- Landscaping/Reforestation
- Office/Clerical
- Visitor Information
- Working with People
The Granite Basin Day Use host site is at the Wekuvde Picnic Site and this host maintains a total of 5 small day use sites (Cayuse Equestrian Trailhead, Granite Lake Boat Launch, Metate Trailhead, Playa and Wekuvde Picnic Sites), all first come first served and receive moderate to high use. Combined these sites have about 24 tables, 5 toilets, and some grills and firerings. Yavapai Campground has 21 campsites (4 of these are double occupancy sites), and 2 toilet buildings each with 2 toilets. Most of the campsites are on the federal reservation system (recreation.gov). Yavapai Campground is part of the Granite Basin Recreation Area and as such, generally receives moderate to high use, and draws a wide diversity of visitors/customers who have varied expectations for their outdoor recreation experiences.
Work is entirely outdoors with temperature fluctuations ranging from freezing to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The area receives monsoon storms July through September featuring lightning, heavy rains, and flash floods. The area has the full compliment of central Arizona wildlife, which are occasionally seen in recreation sites. There are listed threatened and endangered species of plants and animals as well. Job hazards include all the hazards common to outdoor life, cleaning and performing maintenance, and the human element. The environment, animals and people encountered are unpredictable. Safety training is provided to mitigate common hazards and support hosts in creating the safest work environment possible. A “Good Host” attitude of being respectful, courteous, helpful, and friendly to all people is both a requirement of the position and a safety technique. Some hosts are natural “Good Hosts” and some learn with training and experience.