Visitor Center Host

Provide orientation and interpretation to visitors: Answer visitor questions, provide brochures, maps and details on Big Bend National Park, including trails, gravel and paved roads, camping facilities, interpretive programs, concessions, and business services inside and outside the park. A professional, friendly and helpful attitude at all times is essential.

Issue permits: Write backcountry hiking, camping and river permits at some visitor centers. Provide safety warnings and ensure permittee understands the regulations of backcountry use.

Visitor center operations: Open and close the visitor center on time. While the visitor center is open, duties will include housekeeping, posting information on bulletin boards, and raising and lowering the U.S. flag. The volunteer will report any operational concerns or issues and forward information for maintenance work requests.

Bookstore sales: Act as a trained sales clerk for Big Bend Natural History Association (BBNHA) items. Make change and complete credit card transactions correctly. Stock and reorder merchandise from BBNHA office as needed. Balance register at the end of the day.

Fee collection: Collect entrance and backcountry fees for individuals entering the park. (most fees are collected at the entrance station, but some visitors pass through there after hours). Sell and track the number of annual passes, as well as senior and access passes. Operate fee collection register and balance register at the end of the day.

Wear a uniform: Volunteer must wear a proper uniform when on duty only, in public contact situations. Volunteer uniforms are provided by the park.

Other: Volunteers may complete special projects, possibly with resource management, trail maintenance, backcountry patrols, recycling or other projects based on the needs of the park and the abilities and interests of the volunteer. Volunteers may research, develop and conduct interpretive programs. Volunteers may drive a government vehicle and assist on river shuttles and patrols.

Gun law notice: Under 43 C.F.R. § 20.511, Departmental volunteers in the course of their official duties are prohibited from possessing firearms on property under control of the Department. Because of the stated purpose of the sponsors of Section 512 to provide uniformity under applicable state law from bureau-to-bureau, the potential liability issues that could result, and the absence of any criminal penalties applicable to this regulation, this Departmental policy continues to apply to all NPS/FWS employees and volunteers during their official duties. Volunteers who are not on official duty may possess firearms on Departmental lands under the same conditions applicable to members of the general public, according to P.L. 111-24, Section 512. For this purpose, volunteers are considered the same as other employees when engaged in their official activities.