Volunteer
Job Description
FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a093d000000XdurAAC/shoshone-national-forest-north-zone-big-game-campground-hostvolunteer
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ADDRESS: Shoshone National Forest; 203A Yellowstone Ave.; Cody, Wyoming 82414
DEPT: Forest Service
DATES: 5/24/2022 – 9/8/2022
DESCRIPTION:
The amazing Shoshone National Forest is accepting applications for Campground Host Volunteers at Big Game Campground. This campground is on the Wapiti Ranger District near Cody, Wyoming. Previous host experience is helpful but not required.
As the nation’s first National Forest, the Shoshone is looking for Volunteers to fill our campground volunteer opportunity. We are looking for interested volunteers who are willing to help with the management of this area by maintaining it during the date range of May 24th through September 8th. Come enjoy this location with scenic views and wildlife.
The volunteer is responsible for the following duties:
· Inspecting and maintaining campground, such as picnic tables, fire rings, and food storage containers after use for cleanliness and repair
· Maintaining cleanliness of restrooms and insuring they are stocked with toilet paper daily
· Assisting Forest Service personnel with campground maintenance as needed, as well as keeping track of reserved campsites daily
All necessary supplies and materials needed for the stated duties will be provided by the Forest Service. Expected arrival date will be May 24th, with the estimated separation date of September 8th, 2022.
The volunteer week consists of 5 days per week, with a $30 per day stipend. A host site for your RV or camper is available in the campground. The volunteer service day should not exceed 8 hours. Volunteers should be able to walk up to 2 miles with frequent breaks and lift at least 25 lbs on a routine basis.
All Hosts must provide their own housing. We provide gasoline (for generators only), water, and propane. There is a dump station close by at the ranger station.
Being a Host requires a multi-faceted set of skills including customer service, cleaning and maintenance, and also record keeping and management.
Customer Service: While maintaining a social distance of at least 6 feet, provide information (regulations, recreational opportunities in the area, directions, where to make camping reservations, etc.); be visible to the public (wear volunteer uniform and present a positive image of the Forest Service). Where a social distance of at least 6 feet cannot me maintained, all volunteers must properly wear a mask which covers the mouth and nose. Hosts must also be able to communicate to forest visitors politely and effectively with whom they must talk to, that the mask and/or distance is necessary for host and public safety. Hosts set the example and will encourage but not force visitors to also distance themselves from others and wear a mask when in closer contact with others not in their own household.
Cleaning/Maintenance: While following established safety protocols including wearing personal protective equipment, be able to clean restrooms/toilets, grills, picnic tables, fire ring; empty fire pits, pick up litter within facility boundaries; extinguish and report abandoned campfires; some 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.
Record Keeping/Management: maintain visitation logs; monitor reservations; complete/submit supply lists, maintenance requests, and other forms; report observed regulation violations to Forest Service personnel; contact designated county or federal emergency services if needed; track and accurately report hours of service to supervisor; maintain a balance between service time and personal time off.
All hosts must work weekends to accommodate the busiest days and hosts will have 2 consecutive days off designated during the week. Any changes in this schedule must be discussed with the volunteer’s supervisor. Volunteer host hours vary by day and location, but typically average 30 hour per week per volunteer.
Applicants must be able to communicate in a clear, professional, pleasant, and respectful manner with all forest visitors/campers and Forest Service personnel; walk on uneven terrain at high altitudes (above 5,000 feet); lift up to 25 pounds; use shovels, rakes, brooms, and common cleaning supplies; practice and promote all Forest Service safety practices and protocols relevant to host duties and visitor/customer interactions. Security credentials are not required. Pets permitted with a proper campground leash law that applies.
- Backpacking/Camping
- Carpentry
- Conservation Education
- First Aid Certificate
- General Assistance
- Hand Power Tools
- Landscaping/Reforestation
- Map Reading
- Public Speaking
- Visitor Information
- Working with People
This host position is located in Big Game Campground. Developed recreation sites in the Shoshone National Forest are generally high use locations, do to being so close to Yellowstone National Park, which draw a wide diversity of visitors/customers who have varied expectations for their outdoor recreation experiences. Work is entirely outdoors with temperature fluctuations ranging from freezing to over 90 degrees Fahrenheit and the area receives dry lightning, heavy rains, high winds, and sometimes snow. The area also has the full complement of Wyoming wildlife, which are not uncommon in recreation sites. This includes grizzly bears, black bears, buffalo, mountain lions, wolves, rattle snakes and many more non-venomous snakes, antelope, deer, elk, birds of prey, spiders and insects, and more. There are listed threatened and endangered species of plants and animals in the area as well. Job hazards include all the common hazards of outdoor life, cleaning and 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.
- General housekeeping
- Slip, trip, and fall hazards
- Equipment operation
- Equipment maintenance
- Fire protection
- Work practices
- Workplace violence
- Agitated visitors, grizzly bear area