Volunteer Campground Host

FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a09SJ000005bvCX

ADDRESS: 3031 Tongass Avenue  Ketchikan, Alaska, 99901

DATES: 5/19/2025 – 9/26/2025

DEPT: Forest Service

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Ketchikan Misty Fjords Ranger District is seeking an enthusiastic person(s) to perform the duties of Recreation Host at the Ward Lake Recreation Area for 2025. The Ward Lake Recreation Area contains three campgrounds, Signal Creek (24 sites) and Last Chance (18 sites), Three C’s Group, three reservable day use sites and seven first come first serve day use sites and new for 2025 a reservable recreation cabin. The Recreation Area is located about 8 miles from downtown Ketchikan. It is a forested settings and provide abundant recreational opportunities from fishing and hiking to birdwatching and more. The host site is located at the entrance of the Signal Creek Campground. Reservations are required at all campsites through recreation.gov except for the group campground and reservable day use sites which are handled by the District office.

 

Black bears do frequent the area. Bear proof garbage cans and food storage lockers are provided. Hosts and rangers must work continuously to educate visitors regarding clean camping practices to prevent curious bears from becoming problem bears.

 

Host position will be filled with individual/pair who own their own accommodation (RV/Camper/Motorhome) to live on site; tents are not permitted. The campgrounds do not have hook-ups, but multiple water pumps are available. Cell phone coverage is limited.

 

About Ketchikan

Ketchikan is a town of approximately 8,000 people located on Revillagigedo Island in southeast Alaska. There are many restaurants, a public recreation center, public library, a mall, and a large arts community. There is no road access into Ketchikan – one must get here by ferry or plane – and there are about 30 miles of accessible road once here. The Tongass National Forest is a temperate rainforest, and Ketchikan receives an average rainfall of 162” per year. The average high temperature for the summer months is around 60⁰ F. More information about Ketchikan and southeast Alaska can be found online at: www.city.ketchikan.ak.us and www.fs.fed.us/r10/tongass.

 

Duties and Responsibilities:

Ensures that users of the site have reservations and only occupy their designated site during their assigned reservation period. Educates regarding rules and regulations of the site (quiet hours, occupant limit, etc.) and reports serious violations of regulations to the Forest Service Point of Contact or Law Enforcement as warranted. Cleans and maintains restrooms, fire rings, picnic shelters, and grounds upon check-out.  Ensures sites are clean for incoming reservation groups, and keeps roads and driveways clear.  Often, workday shifts are split with the host working mornings and evenings, when visitors are most frequently in the campgrounds. The Hosts’ hospitality leaves a lasting positive memory for visitors.

This opportunity requires extensive public interaction, a person or couple who has an affinity for public engagement is needed. Past campground host experience is helpful, but not required. Training will be provided by the Forest Service.

 

DUTIES

· Clean outhouses daily. Specifically, cleaning toilet riser, restocking toilet paper, and sweeping the floor.

·  Clean out bear proof food storage containers daily.

·  Pick up litter during daily walk-through of campgrounds and day use sites. Emphasize units recently vacated by campers.

· Light cleaning of recreational cabin when not reserved.

· Distribute firewood to campers. Firewood is in a locked shed and given to campers who donate money in a fee tube. Money is not handled by the hosts.

· Clean out fire rings/places as needed.

·  Report all major maintenance needs, vandalism, and other problems.

· Assist Forest Service staff with maintenance at campground as needed.

· Educate and inform visitors regarding the area and recreational opportunities

· Educate and inform visitors regarding rules and regulations, including bear aware information.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

· Ability and desire to interact extensively with visitors.

· Attention to detail.

· Willingness to clean and maintain restrooms, picnic sites, etc. All Personal Protective Equipment is provided by the Forest Service.

· Upbeat and positive attitude.

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions. Site is well-developed, but there are slip, trip, and fall hazards in any outdoor environment. Host must have their own RV and no hook-ups provided.

 

JOB HAZARDS

· General housekeeping

· Slip, trip, and fall hazards

 

Compensation:

· Host will receive a round-trip Alaska Marine Highway ticket for vehicle and RV from Bellingham to Ketchikan.

·  Host will receive reimbursement up to $1,000 for propane and fuel for generator.

· Use of bunkhouse facility for showers and laundry.

 

Tagged as: Couples / Duos, Single / Solo, SUMMER '25