Volunteer
Job Description
FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a093d000000WAJpAAO/interpretation-and-visitor-services-volunteer
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ADDRESS: Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve; 11999 State Highway 150; Mosca, Colorado 81146
DEPT: National Park Service
DATES: 5/1/2022 – 9/30/2022
DESCRIPTION:
The tallest dunes in North America are found at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. The vast dunefield is the centerpiece of a diverse landscape of grasslands, wetlands, forests, alpine lakes, and tundra. We are seeking volunteers to help staff the Visitor Center and greet visitors from all over the world.
The Interpretation and Visitor Services Volunteer will assist in the interpretation department of the park, providing accurate up-to-date orientation and information; connecting visitors to the site through informal interpretation in a friendly manner; and communicating park rules and regulations. The volunteer will assist with the everyday operation of the visitor center, and will rove trails and dunes. The volunteer will sometimes assist with crowd control, and with special events (on-site and off-site). The volunteer will be assigned a free RV site with full hook-ups in the park. The RV must be no longer than 25′ in length, no exceptions. The park will provide a volunteer uniform, propane reimbursements, and training opportunities. Interpretation and Visitor Services Volunteers benefit the overall operation of Great Sand Dunes NP&P and positively contribute to the mission of the National Park Service.
All volunteers accessing NPS buildings and government vehicles must:
- Complete and present a Certification of Vaccination form (OMB Control No. 3206-0277). If they have NOT attested to being fully vaccinated, they must also possess and present a negative COVID-19 test result from within the 3 days immediately prior to the date of entry; and
- Maintain completed form (and test result, if necessary) on their person for the duration of their visit and present it to the volunteer manager or supervisor, as needed; and
- Comply with all public health protocols in place at the park or office, such as masking, social distancing, and hand washing.
For more information, please contact the volunteer manager.
The Volunteer-in-Parks (VIP) will assist in the interpretation department of the park providing accurate up-to-date orientation and information; connecting visitors to the site through informal interpretation in a friendly manner; and communicating park rules and regulations.
Specific duties include:
- Staffing the visitor center
- Roving the trails and dunes
- Answering phones and using park radios
- Assisting with Junior Ranger Program by distributing activity books and badges/patches
- Assisting with maintaining interpretive and informational handouts, bulletin boards, and signs around the park
- Processing and safeguarding lost and found items in accordance with park policies
- Distributing and receiving park and local community information, responding to park inquiries via email or mail
- Reporting law enforcement, safety, and maintenance issues to appropriate staff
- Assisting with crowd control and with special programs as needed
- Effective communication skills
- Enjoy meeting, talking with and helping people from all over the world.
- Ability to work with others in an indoor and outdoor environment
- Ability to follow instructions and rules
- Must follow all park rules and regulations
- Must abide by all volunteer ethics standards and rules
- Must follow all safety guidance and policies
- A valid state drivers license is required, and volunteer will operate a government (or private) vehicle as part of official duties
- General Assistance
- Visitor Information
- Working with People
The park is located at 8,200 feet elevation. Some duties will be performed inside the visitor center, and some will be performed outdoors. Some duties require work under hot or cold temperatures with outdoor environmental factors such as wind or heat.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is a wonder set in the San Luis Valley of southern Colorado. While the landscape draws visitors come from all over the world, the night sky is also part of this special park’s appeal. With a combination of dry air, little light pollution, and high elevation, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is an excellent dark sky viewing location. In 2019,Great Sand Dunes was certified as an International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark Sky Association.
- Slip, trip, and fall hazards
- Park is located at 8,200 ft. elevation
- Yes