Volunteer Activities
• Computers
• Other
• Science
• General Assistance

Photo Courtesy of USGS

The National Map Corps - Volunteer Map Editor

Volunteers collect structures data for The National Map using our online mapping application. Structures include schools, hospitals, post offices, police stations, cemeteries, and other important public buildings. Volunteers check the location of existing structure points against aerial imagery to verify that it is on the correct building, and confirm that the name and address information are correct using authoritative sources (e.g. official school district website). Volunteers also add missing structure points to the map, and remove points for structures that no longer exist. By updating and verifying structures data across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands, volunteers are making significant contributions to USGS National Structures Database, The National Map, and ultimately U.S. Topo Maps!

If you have access to the Internet and are willing to dedicate some time editing map data we hope you will consider participating! You do not need to live in any particular area to participate. Our editing guidelines explain how you can contribute data from anywhere.

Volunteers earn virtual badges for participating and are recognized for their contributions (with permission) via USGS and The National Map social media.

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Type: Other
Description: This volunteer activity is done from your home or anywhere with Internet access.

Are you able to meet people and make friends? Do you desire to give back to the community? Share a love of history, travel, and the National Park Service to visitors?

Then De Soto National Memorial is looking for you!  We are an innovative and fast-paced park, a unit of the National Park Service, looking for volunteers to join our team and be actively involved in a wide variety of opportunities at the park and beyond. 

Introduction

Several positions are open for the Visitor Center at De Soto National Memorial. As team members, volunteers will perform duties to support the interpretive operations and mission goals of the park. Visitor Center and information desk duties are primarily centered upon customer service and administrative support.

Major Duties

• Greet park visitors.
• Staff front desk providing park and general information to the public.
• Answer numerous and repetitive questions about the park in a professional manner.
• Educate visitors on the regulations of the park and safety concerns.
• Use telephone to provide information about the park.
• Operate a variety of audio/visual and other equipment used in connection with interpretative material (e.g.- show the park film in the theater, use the P.A. system to make announcements)
• Distribute maps, brochures, and other printed materials.
• Monitor and keep informational brochures stocked and available.
• Monitor and report safety concerns to park staff.
• Receive and report lost and found items following park protocol.
• Handle negative contacts and sensitive topics in a professional manner.
• Report all negative contacts to park staff.

Other Duties

May assist with preparations for programs or special events which include repair/maintenance of items used in programs or arrangement/movement of furniture and displays.

May perform a variety of administrative tasks (ex. Filing, opening boxes and paper bundles, stuffing envelopes, photocopying, reviewing text, maintain volunteer records.)

May rove park grounds and provide informal information, orientation, and/or interpretation to visitors.

Occasionally, volunteer may be tasked to conduct an informal interpretative talk or presentation.

Volunteers may cross train into other programs at the park such as assisting with Ranger-led Kayak tours, supporting Junior Ranger Summer Day Camps, and aiding rangers and fellow volunteers with Fishing Clinics.

Volunteer will not use government computer.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

Ability to work independently with little to no supervision and as part of a team.

Ability to communicate orally.

Ability to research and communicate facts about the resources at De Soto National Memorial.

Enjoy talking with and meeting people.

Ability to effectively deal with stressful situations, repetitive tasks, and large crowds (i.e.- field trips, etc).

Physical Demands

Requires sitting and standing for long periods of time.

Work Environment

Work is performed mainly in an office setting. The visitor center could get busy with over 300 visitors a day during the winter, in addition to field trips and day camps in the summer. Coastal weather is notoriously unpredictable and can change quickly. The area experiences thunderstorms, high winds, rain, high heat, cool temperatures, and hurricanes. It is often hot and humid and oftentimes the heat index exceeds 100 °F. 

Work Schedule

The park's current need for assistance is:

Sundays 1 pm – 5 pm 

Tuesdays 9 am – 1 pm (short term)

Thursdays 1 pm – 5 pm 

Saturdays, 1 pm – 5 pm 

Volunteer will notify the volunteer supervisor of planned absences within a reasonable amount of time, usually not less than one week, or as soon as possible when the volunteer cannot be available to perform scheduled duties due to sickness or other reasons.

Uniform

While on duty, the volunteer will wear a NPS volunteer shirt and name tag (provided). The volunteer will supply his/her own pants (jeans are not preferable for Visitor Center duties), and shoes. The volunteer should look professional at all times and follow the De Soto Volunteer uniform policy.

Housing

Housing is not provided.

Reimbursement

Volunteer will not be reimbursed for expenses.

*** When applying, please provide two references and a description of previous experiences to deso_interpretive_staff@nps.gov***

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Description: Housing will NOT be provided.

Volunteer Activities
• Conservation Education
• Visitor Information
• Fish/Wildlife
• General Assistance

Photo Courtesy of FWS

RV workcamper opportunities at National Key Deer Refuge. Trade volunteer hours for a place to stay in the beautiful Florida Keys. We are looking for RV workcampers to help staff the new Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges Nature Center on Big Pine Key, Florida during April-Sept. 2020. This building serves as a community and visitor center for all four Florida Keys NWRs. We'd need a time commitment of 2-3 months minimum. We require 24 hours/per person per week, and we encourage you to get outdoors and have fun on your time off!  Spring and Summer  are great for fishing, boating, kayaking, wildlife watching, diving or snorkeling and more!

Primary duties will include providing interpretive information to visitors and the local community. Other opportunities may be available as well- helping biologists in the field and maintenance duties depending upon your interest. A commitment of 24 hours/week/person is required and experience with other workcamping is a plus. Especially at other federal public lands such other National Wildlife Refuges or National Parks or even at state parks . The Florida Keys in the summer are a great place for people interested in the outdoors. It's perfect for birding, fishing, kayaking, snorkeling and diving. Our campsites are located in a quiet wooded area. We provide laundry facilities too. You may be required to undergo a background check. Follow our Facebook page for info on what we do-https://www.facebook.com/floridakeysrefuges/
Call Park Ranger Kristie for more info- 305-304-9625; we are booked through March 2020 so please no winter applications here but you can email your resume to keydeer@fws.gov You can also send questions to keydeer@fws.gov  

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Type: Trailer/RV Pads
Description: RV pads available. No tent camping. Water, Electric, Sewer provided. Laundry available too.

Are you skilled in administrative areas?  Would you like to volunteer at Everglades National Park? If so, we are looking for a Stenographer to help take notes during commitee and management meetings.  This will be a great opportunity to learn about the park, the system and how things are managed. 

Duties/Time Commitment:

Record actvities and take meeting notes for the following meetings:    

Wilderness Committee meeting, last Wednesday of every month, 1:00pm-4:00pm. 

 Pine Island District Management Team, once every three months or as needed. Time may vary. 

Potential other commitees/teams may want help in this area overtime as well. 

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Not Available

Volunteer Activities
• Other
• Tour Guide/Interpretation
• Visitor Information

Photo Courtesy of NPS

Main goals for this position to accomplish:

• Volunteers must be able to demonstrate using the proper weaponry, the skills regarding the care, loading, and commands of the historic weapon, as well as the knowledge of the cultural significance of events and the location.

Brief description of work to be performed:

• Historic Weapons Demonstrators must adhere to all NPS rules and regulations and only present programs in accordance with the themes and approaches approved by the park’s Historic Weapons Plan.
• Competency must be proven through the training and testing process provided by the Historic Weapons Supervisors. The Historic Weapons Demonstrator is required to complete and pass the Range Monitor and Demonstration Interpreter training and modules and subsequent Historic Weapons training and modules (musket and cannon).
• The Historic Weapons Demonstrator will be required to demonstrate their competency regarding the knowledge of the NPS range safety requirements, misfire procedures, appropriate demonstration techniques (including but not limited to gun cleaning and loading as well as commands used), and any park specific requirements to the satisfaction of Gulf Islands National Seashore Historic Weapons Supervisors.
• Historic Weapons Demonstrators must adhere to the proper uniform, safety, and training requirements of the Historic Weapons Plan. There is a level of professionalism that is asked of each Historic Weapons Demonstrator. 

Qualifications:

• There is a minimum age of 16.
• Ability to work independently, as part of a team, and accept supervision.
• Excellent public speaking skills and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to work enthusiastically with diverse audiences.
• Ability to read, remember, and transmit accurate content according to interpretive goals.
• Sound judgment in response to challenging situations.
• Positive attitude and ability to build respectful working relationships.
• A federal background investigation is required.

Location where work will be performed:

• Historic Fort Pickens located within the Fort Pickens Area of Gulf Islands National Seashore.

Work environment:

• The national park has a humid subtropical climate. Volunteers work outdoors and are exposed to hot and humid summers and mild winters, strong winds, and occasional rain.
• Volunteers work in and around a historic forts and supportive structures.

Training:

• Volunteers are required to participate in a park-wide Volunteer Orientation for new volunteers.
• Volunteers are required to participate in and pass a 16 hour historic weapons course.

Uniform:

• Historic Weapons Demonstrators wear historical United States military costumes (provided) appropriate for the middle 1800s.

Length of commitment:

• Volunteers must commit to serving a minimum of 80 hours (excluding 16 hour training) annually and work 8 hour days.
• Demonstrators who volunteer 96 hours or more annually will receive special recognition and scheduling consideration.
• This position may be terminated by the volunteer or volunteer supervisor at any time.

Tools, equipment, and vehicles to be operated:

• Historic Weapons Demonstrators will operate a historic reproduction weapon during demonstrations.
• The equipment guidelines can be found in the Historic Weapons Plan.
• No vehicles will be operated within the scope of this position.

Physical requirements:

• Volunteers must be able to carry, lift, and maintain control of weaponry weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Volunteer must be capable of being a part of a team that will move a 1,800 pound reproduction cannon and 1,800 pound limber to and from the firing range.
• There will be standing for long periods of time and marching to and from the firing range with historic weapons.

Benefits to the volunteer:

• The volunteer’s work helps to establish the meaning and relevance of Gulf Islands National Seashore and influences guests’ opinions, attitudes, and enjoyment of the park.
• The volunteer has a direct effect on individual and group safety, interpretation, education, and appreciation of park resources and the NPS mission.
• Volunteers who earn 250 or more hours receive a free America the Beautiful Volunteer Pass, which allows free entry for one year at all federal recreation fee sites, in addition to other service awards.

Position supports which division:

• Resource Education Division

Supervisory controls:

• Volunteers will work under the guidance and support of nationally certified NPS Historic Weapons Supervisor Casimer Rosiecki, Park Ranger (Casimer_rosiecki@nps.gov).

Scope of contacts:

• Volunteers will serve as front-line representatives of Gulf Islands National Seashore and the U.S. National Park Service. They have constant engagement with diverse audiences during their service at the park.

Other comments:

• Please note this opportunity requires significant investment by the Gulf Islands National Seashore Resource Education Division. Positions are limited to the most serious inquiries.
• The procedure for the position placement is dependent on the volunteer’s success in the training and testing process.

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Description: No housing available

Volunteer Activities
• Conservation Education
• Fish/Wildlife
• Science

Photo Courtesy of NPS

Come be a part of vital research being done for South Florida National Parks! The primary duty of this position is to conduct marine fisheries (Creel) surveys at Flamingo in Everglades National Park and possibly at Biscayne National Park. Creel surveys are face to face interviews where the surveyor would be asking anglers a detailed set of questions about their fishing activity as they pull their boat out of the water. A possible secondary duty is to assist in monitoring the beaches of Cape Sable for sea turtle nesting activity. The volunteer will enter data and perform data management for the creel project.

Location(s):

Everglades National Park; Office Location: Daniel Beard Center; Field Locations: Flamingo boat ramps/marinas (Creel Survey), and Biscayne National Park (Bayfront Park in Homestead, and Cape Sable (Sea Turtle Nesting Beach Survey and Productivity Assessment).

Volunteer must be able to provide their own transportation to the duty station at the Daniel Beard Center (located near the Homestead entrance to Everglades National Park).  

Project Duration: Ongoing; preferred commitment is one year (January – December)

Available Dates: Year-round (for Creel Project), commencing about early December 2019; there are seasonal opportunities to help on the Sea Turtle Nesting Beach Survey and Productivity Assessment from May – September 2020.

Minimum days Per Week: Volunteer minimally needed on Saturdays and Sundays.   

Hours Per Week: Varies, depending on students class or work schedule; minimum needed 16 hours/week.

Qualifications: 

Successful candidates will be recent graduates or enrolled in a formal course of study relevant to the duties of the position (biology, wildlife management, marine science, etc.). A combination of education and appropriate experience is also acceptable. Candidates will have knowledge of the interrelationships of various natural resources. They will have the ability to work in remote areas, the ability to work both independently and in a team setting, and must be physically fit for outdoor work in all types of inclement weather and harsh conditions (thunderstorms, biting insects, and hot, humid climate indicative of south Florida). They must have effective communication skills and skills in using GPS, and be able to navigate using a map and compass. Candidate will be enthusiastic, organized, motivated, responsible, safety-conscious, show great interest in biology and the field of natural resources, and maintain a positive attitude.

Work Conditions:

The work is performed mostly outside, with exposure to heat, humidity, and bugs every day. Work may involve lifting some items up to 50 pounds such as bags full of safety equipment, but most items are light (1-2 pounds). The work involves walking, stooping, climbing, standing, and reaching.

Please contact Jason Osbourne with any questions at: jason_osborne@nps.gov.

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Not Available

Volunteer Activities
• Conservation Education

Photo Courtesy of NPS

The Every Kid in a Park Program (EKIP) is an environmental education program that connects fourth-grade students to Everglades National Park. Thanks to our volunteers, we can welcome over 90 fourth-grade classes to the park!

Volunteers will be stationed at one of five "field lab" tables on topics including alligators, birds, water, invasive species, and periphyton.

The EKIP Program will run four days a week, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from late-October until the end of March. Each program day will last approximately 3 hours, plus travel. Locations for this program include Royal Palm (RP) (40001 State Road 9336, Homestead, FL 33034) and Shark Valley (SV) (36000 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33194).

All volunteers must attend a training session on either of the following dates: September 13, September 25, or October 16. Training sessions will be held from 9:30-4:30 at ZooMiami. If you cannot attend a scheduled training event, please contact us so we can arrange an alternate date!

General duties may include the following:

• Assist with the setup and cleanup of lab stations.
• Staff a field lab station on one of the following topics: alligators, birds, water, invasive species, and periphyton.
• Present to student groups (~10 children plus a chaperone), as they rotate through field stations.
• Volunteers may give their short presentation up to five times per day.

Requirements/Qualifications

• At least 18 years of age.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Willing and able to commute to your assigned location.
• Interested in learning about the Everglades and relevant topics.
• Excited to share their knowledge with fourth-grade students.
• Able to attend one of our EKIP training dates: September 13, September 25 and October 16

Benefits to Volunteers

• Volunteers will receive an official uniform (polo shirt, hat and name tag)
• Meet and work alongside National Park Service Rangers and other program volunteers
• Opportunity to learn more about Everglades National Park and park divisions
• Training: NPS background, site tour, site history, curriculum to be covered
• Opportunities to gain volunteer recognition items, based on cumulative service

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Not Available

Experience, enjoy, and share your enthusiasm about Big Cypress with visitors! 

We need you to share your knowledge about Big Cypress and the surrounding areas here in south Florida. Give one day a week or a few hours once or twice per week. You will make a difference to visitors from around the world!

Duties: Will vary depending on what you would like to do. Working the visitor center, maintenance, administration, the possiblilities are endless!  

Volunteers who will be going out in the field will need a valid U.S. driver's license.

Individuals must be comfortable interacting with a widely diverse public of all ages and interest levels. A willingness to learn and share your knowledge with visitors in a meaningful manner is helpful. While you may answer the same questions many times the smiles you get when you share in helping them discover what they are looking for is rewarding to all involved. A passion for public lands, a taste for adventure, and a sense of humor are also very useful as a volunteer.

Please include three (3) references and their contact information on you application.

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Description: As a year-round local volunteer there would be no housing available.

Volunteer Activities
• Conservation Education
• Tour Guide/Interpretation

Photo Courtesy of NPS

The Division of Environmental Education is currently hiring incredible volunteers to help with winter programming for area schools.  The schedule is FULL of super excited kids and teachers ready for a year of hands-on, interactive, experiential education opportunities.  

We are seeking volunteers to help in the following areas:  

• Biscayne Explorer (day program)
• Fish ON! (boat based program)
• In-Classroom Programs.  

Programs are scheduled every day of the week except Wednesdays so there are a lot of opportunities to match this opportunity to your schedule.  Programs are scheduled from 9-2p and take place at the Dante Fascell Visitor Center.

Local volunteers only as we do not offer housing..

A background investigation is required.

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Description: Housing not available.

Make Big Cypress more beautiful! Clean up downed vegetation. Move vegetation to appropriate locations that are away from sidewalks, parking lots or other areas where visitors walk. Must be able to pick up loads of at least 10 pounds. Trim native and non-native vegetation using appropriate tools. Pull out or dig up non-native vegetation. May be planting native vegetation. Must be able to use hand trowels, lopers, and shovels. Must be able to bend and kneel as appropriate.

Time requirement: 2 to 8 hours/day. May do once, one day/week or more often as needed.

Must wear appropiate clothing-light weight long pants and closed-toed shoes (no sandals). Wearing a light weight long-sleeved shirt is also recommended. 

Must bring a filled water container. If volunteering longer than four hours should bring a lunch also.

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Not Available

Experience, enjoy, and share your enthusiasm about Big Cypress with visitors! We need you to share your knowledge about Big Cypress and the surrounding areas here in south Florida. Give one day a week or a few hours once or twice per week. You will make a difference to visitors from around the world!

Duties: Volunteers will assist the Preserve primarily staffing visitor centers including answering questions, operating computer cash registers to sell items for the Florida National Parks Association, answering phones, and helping visitors learn more about their National Preserve.  You may also help with roving boardwalks and collecting statistics.

For an extra challenge be trained and present thematic interpretive programs to Preserve visitors.    

Volunteers who will be going out in the field will need a valid U.S. driver's license.

Individuals must be comfortable interacting with a widely diverse public of all ages and interest levels. A willingness to learn and share your knowledge with visitors in a meaningful manner is helpful. While you may answer the same questions many times the smiles you get when you share in helping them discover what they are looking for is rewarding to all involved. A passion for public lands, a taste for adventure, and a sense of humor are also very useful as a volunteer.

Please include three (3) references and their contact information on you application.

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Not Available

Make Big Cypress more beautiful! Enjoy the sunshine and experience the humidity! Help Big Cypress National Preserve visitors see native wild plants around their visitor centers. 

Remove downed vegetation. Must be able to pick up loads of at least 10 pounds. Trim native and non-native vegetation using appropriate tools. Dig up non-native vegetation. May be planting native vegetation. Must be able to use hand trowels, lopers, shovels, and wheel barrows. Must be able to bend and kneel as appropriate. 

Time requirement: 2 to 8 hours/day. May do once, one day/week or more often as needed.

Must wear appropriate clothing: light weight long pants and closed-toed shoes (no sandals). Wearing a light weight long-sleeved shirt and a hat ids also recommended.

Will need a filled water container. If volunteering longer than 4 hours, please bring a lunch. 

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Not Available

Volunteer Activities
• Conservation Education
• Tour Guide/Interpretation
• Visitor Information
• Back Country/Wilderness
• General Assistance

Photo Courtesy of NPS

Come experience the wonder of the 10,000 Islands of Everglades National Park right in your backyard! Everglades is looking for local volunteers to help staff the Gulf Coast Visitor Center in Everglades City and assist with ranger programs. Gain knowledge of this incredible national park by sharing its value with visitors. Volunteers benefit by joining a fun team working for "America's Best Idea"!

Visitor Services/Interpretation Volunteers will assist the Gulf Coast Interpretation staff with:

• answering orientation and resource knowledge questions at the Gulf Coast Visitor Center in Everglades City, FL (including assisting visitors with backcountry permits and answering the telephone)
• delivering programs (including but not limited to walks, talks, and canoe/kayak programs)
• may help with collateral duties, such as, maintaining a native plant garden by weeding and watering, vacuuming & dusting, and participating with special events on and off-site

In addition, volunteers may be assigned to assist with any other miscellaneous duties as assigned and in accordance with National Park Service standards. Duties also may include driving a government vehicle.

Must be willing to commit to one 8-hour shift per week. Year-round and seasonal opportunities available.

Training Provided:

• Volunteer may participate in seasonal and district training, if available
• Volunteer will be provided interpretation training and research time if expected to present programs

Physical Demands/Safety Concerns:

• Volunteer may stand for long periods of time
• Canoe/kayak for up to 8 hours
• Walk up to 3 hours along uneven terrain
• Be on a moving boat for up to 6 hours
• Work in a hot, sunny, and humid climate
• Potential to encounter poisonous plants, biting insects and animals, including venomous snakes.

Other considerations:

• Everglades National Park can be a hot, humid, and buggy climate, especially in the summer months.
• Volunteer must be self-motivated and work well independently.
• This position can take place during hurricane season and the volunteer must have an evacuation plan for both themselves and their property in the event of a hurricane.
• Housing is not provided.

Park Description:  Everglades National Park encompasses 1.5 million acres of sawgrass prairie, mangrove coastline, tropical hardwood forests, slash pine forests and cypress swamps that provide great camping, canoeing and fishing opportunities. Hundreds of islands in Florida Bay and the Gulf Coast provide feeding and nesting habitat for thousands of wading birds.

Volunteers will gain intimate knowledge of a unique subtropical ecosystem and have an opportunity to explore and learn about the Everglades. Come join us for a rewarding experience!

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Not Available

Volunteer Activities
• Botany
• Pest/Disease Control
• Soil/Watershed
• Trail/Campground Maintenance
• Science
• General Assistance
• Weed/Invasive Species Control

Photo Courtesy of NPS

Do you like digging in the dirt? Come help us beautify the grounds of the Gulf Coast Visitor Center of Everglades National Park! Everglades is looking for local volunteers to help maintain our native plant gardens and trails at our site in Everglades City. Leave a lasting legacy seen by thousands!

Gardening & Grounds Volunteers will assist the Gulf Coast Interpretation staff with:

• Maintaining the native plant garden beds, by pruning and planting native vegetation and weeding out non-native vegetation

• Assisting with garden planning and design

• Picking up downed vegetation and removing overgrown vegetation to keep walking trails clear

• Using appropriate tools, such as hand trowels, pruners, loppers, rakes, shovels, etc.

• Monitoring grounds for and removing invasive plant species

• Cleaning plant identification placards and other informative signage

In addition, volunteers may be assigned to assist with any other miscellaneous duties as assigned and in accordance with National Park Service standards. Duties also may include driving a government vehicle.

Must be willing to commit to at least one monthly 2-8 hour shift. Year-round and seasonal opportunities available.

Training Provided:

• Volunteer may participate in seasonal and district training, if available

Physical Demands/Safety Concerns:

• Volunteer may stand, bend, or kneel for long periods of time
• Use of appropriate PPE required.
• Work in a hot, sunny, and humid climate
• Some heavy lifting necessary
• Potential to encounter poisonous plants, biting insects and animals, including venomous snakes.

Other considerations:

• Everglades National Park can be a hot, humid, and buggy climate, especially in the summer months.
• Volunteer must be self-motivated and work well independently.
• This position can take place during hurricane season and the volunteer must have an evacuation plan for both themselves and their property in the event of a hurricane.
• Housing is not provided.

Park Description:  Everglades National Park encompasses 1.5 million acres of sawgrass prairie, mangrove coastline, tropical hardwood forests, slash pine forests and cypress swamps that provide great camping, canoeing and fishing opportunities. Hundreds of islands in Florida Bay and the Gulf Coast provide feeding and nesting habitat for thousands of wading birds.

Volunteers will gain intimate knowledge of a unique subtropical ecosystem and have an opportunity to explore and learn about the Everglades. Come join us for a rewarding experience!

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Not Available

Volunteer Activities
• Campground Host
• Construction/Maintenance
• Conservation Education
• Trail/Campground Maintenance
• Tour Guide/Interpretation
• Visitor Information
• General Assistance

Photo Courtesy of NPS

Have we been looking for you all our life!?  We are looking for one or two boats (double or single occupancy) who would be interested in lending their talents to Biscayne National Park in exchange for the chance to 'winter' in South Florida.  If you can donate 32hrs/week/person, we can give you dockspace and hookups Nov/Dec, 2019-April 30, 2020...free of charge.  (preference given to individuals who can commit to the whole season but shorter time commitments may be possible.)

Some duties will include working at a remote island, informal interpretation with island campers, informing visitors about island regulations, general maintenance, assisting with environmental education camps, and various other tasks.  Park staff will work with hired individuals to steamline park needs with individual's talents.  

The ideal person/people should be fit and work well on a team.  They should be flexible with their time and talents, and enjoy working with the public.  Independent work a MUST.

Weekend work is required.  Some night work required.  NPS experience preferred, though not required.  No pets.  No children.  Harbor Hosts are responsible for transportation from mainland to Boca Chita Key.  Draft of boat should be no more than 3.5 feet due to depth of Boca Chita harbor . Boat must be able to be self sustained while at Boca Chita Key as there are no hookups.  Mainland dock has water and electricty (50 or 30 amp) hookups for days off.  Pump out station at marina next door.  

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Description: Harbor Hosts must provide own live-aboard boat.

This volunteer will assist the Shark Valley Interpretation staff with the operations of the Visitor Center answering questions about Everglades National Park, Shark Valley and general area information. Assist Everglades Association employee with sales register and/or operate independently when associate is not there.

In addition, the volunteer will assist the Shark Valley Interpretation staff with programs; including but not limited to guided walks, talks, and assisting with bike rides, wet walks in the Everglades on an as needed basis. A portion of the duties will entail assisting with visitor center operations.

The volunteer will have the chance to learn each of these duties and a priority list will be established in which to work from at district volunteer orientation.

• Volunteer will participate in Seasonal Training in FY20

• Volunteer will participate in District Training

• Volunteer will have 2-weeks Interpretation/program training/research time before being expected to present programs

For questions or more specific information, please contact Phillip Greenwalt at  (305) 225-2001 or phillip_greenwalt@nps.gov..

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Not Available

Big Cypress National Preserve

Interpretation Division - Archivist

Primary Objective:

This volunteer opportunity is in Big Cypress National Preserve in beautiful Southwest Florida. This volunteer will serve to organize digital files and image caches on the Interpretation Division’s main server, creating ease of navigation and common sense file paths for users to reach desired destinations.  

Duties:

Volunteer must be able to work either independently or cohesively with other volunteers, visitors, and Preserve staff in a respectful and professional manner.

Work Includes:

Prioritizing projects with supervisor.

Navigating Windows desktop applications and folder paths.

Reducing click rate to reach desired destination.

Establishing SOPs for ongoing new file contributions.

Assigning metadata to files.

Digital and hardcopy organization (70 digital / 30 hardcopy).

Viewing computer screen(s) for multiple hours.

Use of keyboard, mouse, and other computer tools.

Presenting and facilitating staff tutorials on use of organization system.

Length of Commitment:    The minimum expectation is for six months of service or completion of initial project, whichever comes first.  The volunteer would work at preserve headquarters 2-4 days per month.  Service days may only be Monday - Friday, no holidays.  

Working Conditions:

Work is performed indoors.  Hazards include eye strain, tripping hazards, and other common office risks.  Volunteers must work to mitigate these risks with the assistance of their supervisor.  

Knowledge and Skills Required:

Knowledge of native plants and animals a plus.

Provide own transportation to and from Big Cypress.

Self-motivation and long-term work ethic.

Ability to maintain a positive and level attitude.

Ability to work as a team member.

Prompt (less than one week) response to communication efforts.

Any additional training required will be provided on site.

Previous cataloguing experience a plus.

A federal background investigation is required for all personnel seeking government computer access.  

Benefits to Volunteer:

Volunteer partnership with National Park Service.

Independent studies conclude that volunteering boosts self-confidence, combats depression, and adds overall fulfillment to volunteers’ lives.

Service hours contribute toward NPS Centennial Challenge.

Increase staff efficiency.

Scope of Contact:

Volunteers will not have direct contact with the public while in this position.  All contacts will be with preserve staff and other volunteers.  This position is not eligible for reimbursements.

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Not Available

Make a difference! This is an opportunity to volunteer in a beautiful swamp that is visited by individuals from around the world. This position will coordinate efforts at Big Cypress National Preserve to seek external funding through the grant application process with a goal of improving resource conditions and visitor experiences.

We are seeking a grant writer with successful experience. Work will include researching grant sources, reviewing requests for proposals to determine Preserve eligibility, coordinating between programs to gather information, drafting proposals, applying for grants, and monitoring project work when funded. Having a federal background clearance and a current PIV card is helpful, however, if you do not have one we will work with you to get one.

Length of commitment:  Successful volunteers should commit to six months with an option to stay for a year. (Watch the seasons change!) A volunteer living in government housing or in your own motor home within Big Cypress National Preserve must commit to 32 hours/week. (Motor home sites have full hook-ups.) If housing is not needed, volunteers must commit to 8 hours/week.

Equipment: Desk space and a computer will be assigned. Phone access will be available. Government vehicle will be available, for official duty only, on an as needed basis, connected to viewing sites and discussing potential grants with outside entities in the local area. Must have a current driver's license to drive government vehicles.

Physical requirements: Work is generally seated, standing, or walking/hiking with mild lifting (not more than 20 lbs).

Benefits to the Volunteer: Opportunity to support a national park unit by seeking external funding and monitoring projects moving forward as well as to serve as a team member focused on improving resource conditions and visitor experiences. Best of all: Volunteers will be living in Big Cypress National Preserve or visiting on a weekly basis!

Division supported: Park Management

Supervisor: Interpretation Supervisory Park Ranger

Scope of contacts: Volunteers will have contacts with NPS staff, potential grant makers, and representatives of park partner organizations.

Grant Writer must be: Detail oriented, self motivated, deadline driven, and have clear concise writing skills. Must have a proven record of grant writing and positive communication skills, orally and in writing. Experience serving as a team member. High proficiency use of Microsoft Suites. Proficiency in Google Shared Tools is helpful. Federal background check and access to an assigned PIV card also helpful.

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Type: Other
Description: Efficiency apartments and trailer pad sites with complete hook-ups are available in Big Cypress National Preserve.