Volunteer
Job Description
FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a093d000000TxQxAAK/indian-boundary-campground-host
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ADDRESS: Tellico Ranger District – Tellico Plains, TN
DEPT: Forest Service
DATES: 4/10/2022 – 11/2/2022
DESCRIPTION:
A campground host is a seasonal volunteer who agrees to serve in a National Forest Campground. Hosts are friendly, enjoy the outdoors and are eager to learn and share their knowledge. The host will manage reservations, clean out fire pits, clean bathrooms, pick-up litter, engage with the visitors, and open and close front gate.
The Tellico Ranger District of the Cherokee National Forest is looking for individuals or couples, interested in serving as a campground host at Indian Boundary Campground. Indian Boundary Campground is the crown jewel of the Cherokee National Forest.
There are 87 campsites, 5 bathhouses, a 96 acre lake with a swim beach (with a bathhouse that all the hosts take turn cleaning) and a boat ramp. We also have an Overflow Campground that is primitive camping area adjacent to the campground. It has 2 CXT’s and 3 water faucets. There is also a dump station. The campsites all have electricity, but no water. Water faucets are spread throughout the campground. We also have a campground store operated by a concessionaire. Fishing in the lake is a big draw for campers and locals.
Visit campers in their sites when they first arrive (after they have had time to get settled in) and give them handouts that includes the rules, bear and food storage info.
Sweep and service restrooms and showers on a daily basis. Servicing includes re-stocking toilet paper, cleaning up any human waste that is not in the toilet bowl (i.e. on the floor, in the shower, sink, etc), emptying the trash, sweeping the floor of debris and removing hair and debris from counter tops and in the shower and cleaning the mirror.
Each loop host will be responsible for picking up trash on the beach, the picnic pavilion and beach parking area as well as sweeping the steps at the beach free of sand and debris on a daily basis. This duty is on a rotation schedule with each host taking turns.
Open and close the gate to the main gate daily according to posted hours. The gate hours will be followed (it is acceptable to delay closing during thunderstorms if it is a safety concern) with opening at 6 am and closing at 10 pm.
Assist with emergency operations such as clearing and closing the beach for medical helicopter evacuations. Training will be provided.
Post reservations daily and monitor that cards are correct and still in place. Furnish information to visitors about the campground and area.
Report problems to Mary Jane Burnette. If it is a weekend and Mary Jane is not here, report to Recreation Tech on duty. During the week there should be at least 1 recreation technician working (weekend folks are off on Sunday and Mondays). Water leaks need to be reported immediately. If it is a significant leak after working hours, you need to call Mary Jane at home.
Check campsites when campers leave to be sure they are safe and clean. Clean trash out of grills (if it is not too hot before the next camper arrives.
Hosts will clean picnic table tops as needed, pick up trash in and around campsite, and clean out fire rings regularly.
Hosts will clean information boards in their respective loop. This includes cleaning the lexan and removing cobwebs.
Call for help in emergency situations. DO NOT handle any law enforcement issues on your own (such drunks, guns, alcohol, etc.). It is fine to ask people to move their vehicles, turn their music down, put up their food, etc. If you have to ask someone to do something more than twice, call Shawn Reece or whoever is working the weekend. If it is during the week and a camper needs a visit from FS personnel, contact Shawn or Mary Jane.
One host should remain on site at all times. Coordinate when you leave with the other hosts so not everyone leaves at the same time or on the same day. Let the others know when you leave and when you get back.
Be courteous, helpful and present a Good Host image to the public. You are a volunteer representative of the USDA Forest Service and it is important to maintain a good attitude and image that reflects positively on you and the Forest Service. Treat people with respect and how you would like to be treated.
Hosts are given a $2.00 per day per diem (per couple or individual).
Hosts are provided, as available, a golf cart for official business only.
Hosts are provided access to a washer and dryer and a full hookup campsite.
Hosts are considered on duty when you are performing tasks included in your list of volunteer duties. If you are not performing these tasks, you are considered off duty.
Due to the amount of visitation and workload, hosts are not given 2 consecutive days off. Hosts coordinate with each on when they need to be out of the campground.
Hosts are to be neat in appearance and to keep a tidy and welcoming camp site. Host must follow all Campground Regulations and Food Storage Order. There is limited cell phone service in the area. Host must provide their own living quarters such as: RV or Camper Trailer. We offer full connections for campground host only such as: Water, Electric, and Sewer. Hosts should be in good physical condition and be able to work in a variety of weather conditions including rain, extreme heat, high humidity, and varying temperatures. All necessary tools, supplies, and personnel equipment (PPE), and training will be provided by the Forest Service.
- Backpacking/Camping
- Carpentry
- Conservation Education
- Drivers License
- First Aid Certificate
- Hand Power Tools
- Heavy Equipment
We ask that hosts be available for a three-month commitment at minimum, or for a full season if possible. Parksville Lake RV Campground is open year round. Hosts are expected to be always available to the public 4-5 days per week, including weekends and holidays. (Infrequent knocks on the camper door at all hours of the day and night should be anticipated). Days off will be scheduled for weekdays, usually Tuesday and Wednesday or Wednesday and Thursday. Hosts may be called upon their day off if needed. Volunteers should be fully dressed and wearing at least one component of a Forest Service Volunteer uniform during on-duty time.