Other
Volunteer
Job Description
FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a093d000000aQD3AAM/visitor-center-and-interpretation-volunteer-spring-2023
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ADDRESS: Death Valley National Park; Death Valley, California 92328
DEPT: National Park Service
DATES: 1/15/2023 – 4/15/2023
DESCRIPTION:
As a volunteer for the Interpretation Division of Death Valley National Park, you will serve as a part of the front-line staff at the park visitor center by helping in providing orientations, information, and interpretation to a clientele of national and international visitors. You will also promote visitor safety, resource protection, and visitor understanding. Additionally you will occasionally rove to various park locations in order to provide informal interpretation to park visitors.
Main Goals for This Position to Accomplish:
Serve as a front-line volunteer by staffing the park visitor center to provide orientations, information, and interpretation to a clientele of national and international visitors
Promote visitor safety, resource protection, and visitor understanding
Rove park locations to provide informal interpretation
Training:
Volunteer training is led by park staff. The park library is a recommended resource for independent learning about the park. Free online trainings will also be available from ProValens Learning (www.provalenslearning.com)
Reports:
All volunteers will be asked for a self-assessment during an exit interview and a short report highlighting suggestions for the future, key successes, and outstanding problems/limitations. Volunteers will also be expected to track and report all hours worked during their volunteer opportunity.
Tools, Equipment, and Vehicles to be Operated:
Volunteers will not operate park computers unless they have completed a Homeland Security Clearance and have been given DOI network rights. VIPs will have access to government vehicles. Interpretive resources, props, radios, and safety equipment will be available for check-out.
Volunteers are welcome to bring and use their own equipment, but the park will not be responsible for damaged personal equipment and will not reimburse volunteers for lost or damaged property. When available and appropriate, VIPs are encouraged to use park equipment, such as cameras or vehicles.
Location(s) Where Work Will Be Performed:
Volunteers will report to and work at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center (FCVC). Additional duties may be performed in other front country areas of the park.
Benefits to the Volunteer: The volunteer may enjoy the following benefits:
Government trailer housing location available. VIPs must have a Trailer or RV for this position
Training covering both technical subject matter and communication skills
Development of work experience and skills in the field of interpretation
Enjoyment of sharing the wonders and resources of Death Valley National Park with visitors
Weekends allow for visits to High Eastern Sierra Mountains, LA, Las Vegas, and other surrounding areas
Fall and Winter Seasons offer the best time to explore the 3.4 million acres of Death Valley
Position Supports Which Division(s):
Directly supports operations in the park, including interpretation and resource management objectives.
Scope of Contacts:
The volunteer aids the park staff with projects and information desk duties. Contacts with park visitors, including school age children, non-English speaking visitors, and senior citizens is to be expected. Volunteers will be expected to support the National Park Service mission and maintain a professional demeanor when interacting with the public. The position is uniformed; parts of the uniform will be provided.
Volunteer Rewards:
Since this position is unpaid by the National Park Service, it falls under the Volunteers in Parks Program (VIP). The mission of the National Park Service is to preserve America’s natural, cultural, and historical legacies. This makes for a unique and respected federal agency. Aside from the reward of a positive affiliation with the agency, the returns from volunteering depend upon the goals of each individual volunteer. In short, the experience is what you make it to be. 250 hours logged will earn a Volunteer Annual Pass.
DUTIES
Brief Description of Work to be Performed:
Open and close Furnace Creek Visitor Center operations
Assist Park visitors with trip planning, and orientation of surrounding areas to ensure enjoyment and safety both in person, at the visitor center front desk, and via phone
Answer visitor inquiries via phone, mail, or through park email
Research Park resources • Work alongside NPS staff
Use the park phone and radios for communication and to report emergencies
Pass out Junior Ranger booklets, evaluate completed booklets, and swear in Death Valley Junior Rangers
Assist with stocking and restocking park maps, handouts, and visitor guides at the visitor center and other park kiosks
Check whether visitors have paid their fee or hold an annual pass
Rove Park overlooks and trails to provide informal interpretation that connects visitors to park resources
Drive government vehicles safely
Use Park computers
Give out the morning report via radio
Collect and record stats of phone calls, mail requests, and visitor contacts
Assist with other park team projects
Asist with ranger led programs such as hikes, talks, and night sky programs
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge and Skills Required to Successfully Fill the Position:
Ability to communicate accurate information to visitors with varied knowledge levels and communicate park mission and objectives, all while respecting the personal beliefs of the visitor
Skills associated with working with children of all ages, including the ability to maintain discipline, instruct, and ensure safety
Skills in and related to dealing with an extremely varied visitor audience in a high stress, fast-paced work settings
COVID-19 Safety
Ability to adhere to guidance and policies associated with the mitigations of the COVID-19 virus as outlined in the Employee COVID-19 Handbook
Length of Commitment
At least 6 weeks (unless otherwise specified), which includes at least 2 days of training. Volunteers must be prepared to commit to a full-time work schedule. “Full time” is defined as a 32–40-hour work week on a regular schedule with two to three days off per week. Volunteers may be required to work weekends.
SKILLS
Clerical/Office Machines
Drivers License
General Assistance
Map Reading
Public Speaking
Visitor Information
Working with People
Writing/Editing
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Physical Requirements of Work:
Death Valley summers are some of the hottest on the planet. Some work will be performed according to the park’s Heat Policy to protect staff — i.e. you will not be allowed to work more than X minutes depending on the current weather conditions and extreme heat. Late fall, winter, and early spring conditions are very comfortable.
Requires being able to hike at higher elevations when necessary.
Requires standing for up to five hours per day and lifting up to 50 pounds.
Tasks may require hiking and/ or driving over various landscapes with uneven and rocky terrain for long periods of time.
Tasks may require working in some inclement weather such as rain or wind
JOB HAZARDS
General housekeeping
Slip, trip, and fall hazards
Work practices
Ergonomic problems
BACKGROUND/REFERENCE CHECK REQUIRED
Yes