Volunteer
Job Description
FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a093d000000Wh8nAAC/2022-hosts-for-campground-day-use-sites
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ADDRESS: Prescott National Forest; 735 North Highway 89; Chino Valley, Arizona 86323
DEPT: Forest Service
DATES:
DESCRIPTION:
Prescott National Forest is looking for energetic, hardworking, fun-loving individuals and couples for Campground and Day Use Host Volunteers. Opportunities are located on the Bradshaw Ranger District near the city of Prescott, Arizona. Previous host experience is helpful but not required.
Applicants with partners/spouses wanting to host together should apply as separate individuals and provide at least 3 professional references each! This will help better feature each person’s unique skills and abilities.
We are looking for people with excellent customer service skills, friendly and patient personalities, a willingness and ability to perform daily cleaning and light maintenance who also love being good stewards of the land. Volunteer hosts own their own accommodation (RV/Camper/Motorhome) to live on site; tents are not permitted. Utilities (except propane) will be provided where available. Sites without host site utilities have water and sewer within the campground. Host able to operate off-grid for the season are greatly needed. Some campgrounds have 2 hosts requiring each to share duties and cover during each other’s days off.
Note: Pets permitted with proper vaccination documents, and rules apply.
Being a Host requires a multi-faceted set of skills including cleaning and maintenance, customer service, and also record keeping and management.
Cleaning/Maintenance: While following established safety protocols including wearing personal protective equipment, be physically able to clean restrooms buildings, toilets, grills, picnic tables, ramadas, fire rings; empty trash cans, pick up litter within facility boundaries; extinguish and report abandoned campfires; raking, weeding, and occasional pruning of vegetation. Due to virus related sanitation protocols, cleaning and sanitation practices may differ from customer expectations. Hosts will need to be prepared to communicate these protocols to customers in support of policy and posted protocols.
Customer Service: While maintaining physical distance of at least 6 feet, provide information (regulations, recreational opportunities, directions, where to make camping reservations, etc.); be visible to the public, wear host uniform components, and present a positive image of the Forest Service. Where physical distance of at least 6 feet cannot me maintained, all volunteers must properly wear a mask covering the mouth and nose. Hosts must also politely and effectively communicate to forest visitors the mask and/or distance is necessary for host and public safety. Hosts set the example and encourage but not force visitors to also follow established CDC recommendations.
Record Keeping/Management: Maintain visitation logs; complete/submit supply lists and maintenance requests; report observed violations to Forest Service personnel; contact designated county or federal emergency services if needed; accurately report hours of service and submit monthly timesheets on time; maintain a balance between service time and personal time off duty. Some locations may require hosts to open and close entrance gates at adjacent facilities. Where gates need to be managed, a mileage reimbursement may be available for use of personal vehicle.
All hosts must work weekends and hosts will have 2 consecutive days off during the week. Any changes in this schedule must be discussed with the volunteer’s supervisor. Volunteer host hours vary each day, but on average, hosts serve 30 hour per week, per volunteer.
- Verbally communicate in a clear, professional, pleasant, and respectful manner with all forest visitors/campers and Forest Service personnel. Other language skills such as American Sign Language and Spanish can also be helpful.
- Walk on uneven terrain and perform duties at altitudes above 5,000 feet.
- Bending and stooping frequently and able to lift and carry up to 30 pounds.
- Use shovels, rakes, brooms, and common cleaning supplies.
- Safely drive a golf cart (not available for all locations), have a current driver license, good driving record.
- Proof of vehicle/RV ownership and insurance is required.
- Practice and promote all Forest Service safety practices and protocols relevant to host duties and visitor/customer interactions.
- A background check is required upon arrival which includes fingerprints and voluntary release form(s). Security credentials are not required.
- General Assistance
- Office/Clerical
- Visitor Information
- Working with People
All host opportunities are located in federal developed recreation sites (campgrounds and/or picnic areas) on National Forest Lands. Recreation sites in the Prescott National Forest are generally moderate to high use locations which draw a wide diversity of visitors/customers with varied expectations for their outdoor recreation experiences. Work is entirely outdoors with temperature fluctuations ranging from freezing to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit and the area receives monsoon storms July through September featuring lightning, heavy rains, and flash floods. The area also has the full compliment of central Arizona wildlife, which are not uncommon in recreation sites. There are listed threatened and endangered species of plants and animals in the area. Job hazards include all the common hazards of outdoor life, cleaning/maintenance, and the human element. The environment, animals, and people encountered are unpredictable. Safety training is provided to mitigate these hazards and support hosts in creating the safest work environment possible. A “Good Host” attitude of being respectful, courteous, helpful, and friendly to all people is both a requirement of the position and a safety technique. Some hosts are natural “Good Hosts” and some learn with training and experience. We welcome all to apply!
- General housekeeping
- Slip, trip, and fall hazards
- Workplace violence
- Re: Workplace violence – This is rare, however hosts may occasionally have an agitated customer. Training is provided to prevent escalating conflict.
- Yes