Volunteer
Job Description
FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a093d000000WhxeAAC/visitor-center-host
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ADDRESS: Black Hills National Forest; 1019 North Fifth Street; Custer, South Dakota 57730
DEPT: Forest Service
DATES: 5/23/2022 – 9/9/2022
DESCRIPTION:
The Pactola Visitor Center is located near the Pactola Reservoir in the central Black Hills on the Mystic Ranger District. It offers engaging exhibits and displays related to the natural and cultural history of western South Dakota. At times, it also provides educational and interpretive programming for guests, and staff are available to answer frequent questions and provide assistance. Located on a rocky outcropping above the reservoir, the facility offers an overlook that captivates attention.
Visitor center host volunteers are supervised by the Recreation Program Manager or an assigned Forest Service staff member (or delegate) through the Supervisor’s Office in Custer, South Dakota. The amount of direction will be related to the complexity of the shift and/or assigned tasks for the shift(s). For this reason, visitor center host volunteers will need to have the ability of working alone or within a team setting.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Visitor center host volunteers during the summer season (May – September) will assist the Black Hills National Forest through front-line visitor services, interpretive programming, and other educational duties as assigned within the Recreation Program. Work assignments may involve individuals, small families, or large groups of people, with hectic and (sometimes) stressful working conditions during weekends and holidays.
For transparency purposes, volunteers may be asked to participate in several specific-work projects that involve, but are not limited to, the following assignments:
● Visitor Center Information and Desk Duty – Answering questions pertaining to the visitor center (and surrounding area); questions may be routine and occur on a daily basis, such as (“Where’s the restroom?” “Are there vending machines?” “Do you have a Junior Forest Ranger Program?” “How far is it to the closest town?”), while also distributing applicable brochures, educational handouts, trail guides, program flyers, and various Forest materials.
● Cleaning – Assisting with the cleaning duties inside the visitor center and surrounding facilities, such as the main desk, exhibit and display areas, and restrooms (i.e.: wipe down counter tops, straighten merchandise in store, run vacuum cleaner, Windex windows, disinfect sinks and toilets, stock paper towels, etc.).
● Assist Forest Staff, Interns, and Other Volunteers – Assisting with program set-up and tear-down, serving as an “assistant” chaperone with large groups, and working as a “gopher” during educational activities and/or other special events near the visitor center.
● Special Event Programming – Serving as a potential Forest “Interpreter” in relation to special activities, such as Junior Forest Ranger Days, scouting activities, star gazing nights, and other date-specific educational events.
● Research and Data Collection – Utilizing reference materials and online search sites for completing projects as assigned, such as updated trail guides, educational brochures, new exhibits and displays, etc.
● Office Duties – Filing agency records, copying resource materials, entering data, folding and collating brochures, and other administrative assignments as needed.
● Cash Register Operation – Operating a cash register and credit card machine for sales transactions with a non-profit cooperative partner – Black Hills Parks and Forests Association.
Equipment Usage:
Visitor center host volunteers may use the following equipment daily, as deemed necessary by the Recreation Program Manager or assigned Forest Service Staff member:
– Public Address System (PA) – Audio / Video Equipment – Laptop or Computers – Printer / Copier – Vacuum Cleaner – Phone and/or Radio – First Aid Kits – Binoculars – Cash Register – Credit Card Machines
– Landscaping Tools – Cleaning Products
Vehicle Usage:
Visitor center host volunteers, 18 years of age and older with a valid driver’s license, may drive Forest Service vehicles after successfully completing an on-site training requirement. NOTE: Personal vehicles are used to travel to and from the visitor center.
Training Requirements:
Training will be conducted on-the-job and will be provided by Forest Service staff and/or other supporting staff. NOTE: Volunteers with current certification in CPR/First Aid Training are preferred; however, these trainings will be offered while new volunteers are on-site in order to complete this requirement for serving at the Pactola Visitor Center.
Housing, Uniforms, and Personal Equipment:
Visitor center host volunteers may be offered housing on the Forest through a bunkhouse arrangement or RV trailer pad in a nearby campground. If needed, the Forest may provide funding assistance with rental fees for volunteers residing in private campgrounds or other nearby attractions. Housing and RV trailer site options may vary from year to year and from season to season, depending on staff and volunteer numbers. Furthermore, volunteers will be provided all the necessary equipment, uniform attire, and safety gear associated with the successful completion of the assigned tasks within their assigned area.
Visitor center host volunteers need to use good judgment in dealing with the general public and possess enhanced communication skills for all types of questions, comments, feedback, and constructive dialogue. More so, volunteers need to be open to following directions and instructions from Forest Service staff, interns, and other volunteers.
- Conservation Education
- Public Speaking
- Visitor Information
- Working with People
Visitor center host volunteers typically work indoors and are subject to an interior working climate. This working atmosphere includes heaters and air conditioning, as appropriate with the exterior weather conditions. Visitor center host volunteers may also work outdoors, such as providing roving interpretation, visiting with guests, and providing a presence in the parking lot and landscaped picnic areas. While working outdoors, visitor center host volunteers will be provided with appropriate uniform attire and related gear for safety, sun exposure, heat, etc.
Physical Demands:
Visitor center host volunteers are required and will need the ability to walk short distances and climb short flights of stairs; the position will also sit and/or stand in one space for extended periods of time; carry light weight items (less than 20 pounds) for restocking and/or cleaning.
- General housekeeping
- Work organization and process flow (including staffing and scheduling)
- Working with a Diverse Public
- Yes