Volunteer
Job Description
FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a093d000000VvVnAAK/visitor-patrol-roadside-assistant
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ADDRESS: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
DEPT: National Park Service
DATES: 5/1/2022 – 11/30/2022
DESCRIPTION:
Visitor Patrol Volunteers work under direction of Law Enforcement Rangers to provide information and practical support for visitors in the Smokies. Positions are available in Cades Cove (TN), Sugarlands (TN), and Oconaluftee (NC).
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is looking for qualified Volunteers to be part of our 2022 Roadside Assistance Program. The program is overseen by the Visitor & Resource Protection Division. Volunteers work under direction of Law Enforcement Rangers and assist with a multitude of duties that support park visitors.
Desired background includes previous experience in the law enforcement or emergency services world. Such experience, though not required, will help Roadside Assistance Volunteers recognize hazards to be avoided. Understanding of park procedures, professional standard and the mission of the National Park Service is very important. We seek highly motivated and flexible individuals who will be able to handle high park visitation and the nature of emergency service work.
Benefits:
- Opportunity to live and volunteer within the park while adding to the positive experience of many park visitors.
- Work alongside highly trained Federal Law Enforcement Rangers and other National Park Service personnel.
- Be a part of a team during complex incidents as they occur in America’s most visited National Park.
- A residential campsite is provided with electric, water, sewer utilities for an RV at no cost. (Must work 40 hours per week for housing.)
- A uniform and appropriate training will be provided.
- Days off are usually set in 3 and/or 4-day increments to accommodate exploration and enjoyment of the area. Schedules are flexible to accommodate needs as volunteers usually work one or two months at a time.
- A designated courtesy patrol Jeep is equipped with yellow traffic enhancement lights and uniformed National Park Service look.
- All equipment and training are provided at no cost. This is a non-salary/non-competitive Volunteer Position
Availability in 2022:
Little River District-Gatlinburg TN – May, June, July, November
Oconaluftee District- Cherokee NC – May, June, July, August, September, October, November
Cades Cove District- Townsend TN – May, June, July, August
Some examples of duties include:
- Self-Initiate Patrols in Area of Responsibility:
- Monitor roadsides for visitors in need, safety concerns, and law enforcement situations.
- Educate Visitors and the Public:
- Inform individuals and groups when they are committing violations in an educational manner.
- Assist Visitors in Need:
- Assist with vehicle issues such as providing jumpstarts, providing fluids, assisting with changing a flat tire, calling for tow service, lockouts, etc.
- Providing courtesy rides to park visitors. Courtesy rides will be for stranded hikers, visitors with vehicle issues, and other visitors in need.
- Manage Traffic:
- Manage traffic associated with wildlife.
- Manage traffic at busy intersections during high traffic volume times.
- Assist with traffic control at crash scenes or other emergencies.
- Keeping Roadways Clear:
- Assist in removing tree limbs and other hazards in the roadway provided that it can be done safely while wearing proper PPE.
- Other Duties as Assigned:
- Assist with other duties as determined by the Law Enforcement Rangers on duty
- Assist with Search and Rescue efforts
Desired Skills:
- Law Enforcement- Emergency Services experience (past/present/retired)
- Interest in the National Park Service and public service
- Interest in Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s Emergency Services
- Positive attitude and ability to handle stressful situations
- Ability to communicate clearly and professional on the radio
- Ability work in remote areas under stressful conditions
Other Requirements:
- Volunteer must provide own RV, trailer, or motor home to qualify for an in-park residential campsite. Volunteers who do not wish to stay in the campsite must provide their own housing outside of the park. No other housing is available from the government. Couples are welcomed to work together which is very common but not required.
- Drivers License
- General Assistance
- Visitor Information
- Working with People
- Slip, trip, and fall hazards
- Equipment operation