Volunteer
Job Description
FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a093d000000VVpWAAW/ward-lake-campground-host
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ADDRESS: Ketchikan Misty Fjords Ranger District; Ketchikan, Alaska
DEPT: Forest Service
DATES: 5/23/2022 – 9/11/2022
DESCRIPTION:
The Ketchikan Misty Fjords Ranger District is seeking an enthusiastic person to perform the duties of Campground Host at the Ward Lake Recreation Area for 2022. Ward Lake is in Ketchikan, Alaska on the Tongass National Forest.
The Ketchikan Misty Fjords Ranger District is seeking an enthusiastic person to perform the duties of Campground Host at the Ward Lake Recreation Area for 2022. The Ward Lake Recreation Area contains two campgrounds, Signal Creek (24 sites) and Last Chance (18 sites), as well as The Three C’s (group campsite) and is located about 8 miles from downtown Ketchikan. The campgrounds are in a forested settings and provide abundant recreational opportunities from fishing and hiking to birdwatching and more. The host site is located at the entrance of the Signal Creek Campground. Reservations are required at all campsites through recreation.gov except for the group campground which is handled by the District office.
Black bears do frequent the area. Bear proof garbage cans and food storage lockers are provided. Hosts and rangers must work continuously to educate visitors regarding clean camping practices to prevent curious bears from becoming problem bears.
Host position will be filled with individual/pair who own their own accommodation (RV/Camper/Motorhome) to live on site; tents are not permitted. The campgrounds do not have hook-ups but multiple water pumps are available. Cell phone coverage is limited.
REQUIRED DAYS: Sunday, Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
HOURS AVAILABLE: Flexibility is needed and split hours works best, however at a minimum 8 hours, 5 days a week including weekends.
About Ketchikan
Ketchikan is a town of approximately 8,000 people located on Revillagigedo Island in southeast Alaska. There are many restaurants, a public recreation center, public library, a mall, and a large arts community. There is no road access into Ketchikan – one must get here by ferry or plane – and there are about 30 miles of accessible road once here. The Tongass National Forest is a temperate rainforest, and Ketchikan receives an average rainfall of 162” per year. More information about Ketchikan and southeast Alaska can be found online at: www.city.ketchikan.ak.us and www.fs.fed.us/r10/tongass.
Additional Items:
· Host will receive a round trip Alaska Marine Highway ticket for vehicle and RV from Bellingham to Ketchikan (no berth provided).
· Mileage reimbursement for miles traveled during work and once a week into town for supplies. (rate of $0.585 per mile). Mileage rate is subject to change.
· Host will receive reimbursement for propane and fuel for generator.
· Use of bunkhouse facility for showers and laundry.
Ensures that users of the site have reservations and only occupy their designated site during their assigned reservation period. Educates regarding rules and regulations of the site (quiet hours, occupant limit, etc.) and reports serious violations of regulations to the Forest Service Point of Contact or Law Enforcement as warranted. Cleans and maintains restrooms, fire rings, and grounds upon check-out of camp sites. Ensures sites are clean for incoming reservation groups, and keeps roads and driveways clear. Often, workday shifts are split with the host working mornings and evenings, when visitors are most frequently in the campgrounds. The Hosts’ hospitality in the campgrounds, leaves a lasting positive memory for visitors.
This opportunity requires extensive public interaction, a person or couple who has an affinity for public engagement is needed. Past campground host experience is helpful, but not required. Training will be provided by the Forest Service.
DUTIES
· Clean campground outhouses daily. Specifically, cleaning toilet riser, restocking toilet paper, and sweeping the floor.
· Clean out bear proof food storage containers daily.
· Pick up litter during daily walk-through of campground. Emphasize units recently vacated by campers.
· Distribute firewood to campers. Firewood is in a locked shed and given to campers who donate money in a fee tube. Money is not handled by the hosts.
· Clean out fire rings as needed.
· Report all major maintenance needs, vandalism, and other problems.
· Assist Forest Service staff with maintenance at campground as needed.
· Educate and inform visitors regarding the area and recreational opportunities
· Educate and inform visitors regarding rules and regulations, including bear aware information.
-Ability and desire to interact extensively with visitors.
-Attention to detail.
-Willingness to clean and maintain restrooms, picnic sites, etc. All Personal Protective Equipment is provided by the Forest Service.
-Upbeat and positive attitude
- Drivers License
- General Assistance
- Visitor Information
- Working with People
-Work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions. Site is well-developed, but there are slip, trip, and fall hazards in any outdoor environment. Host must have their own RV and no hook-ups provided.
- General housekeeping
- Slip, trip, and fall hazards