Volunteer Activities
• Campground Host • Construction/Maintenance • Office/Clerical • Trail/Campground Maintenance • Visitor Information • General Assistance
Photo Courtesy of FS
Description
For a lucky few, the perfect camping option is serving as a volunteer campground host. The year-round, short-term post, which can last from three months to one year, offers a free campsite in exchange for 15 hours a week of volunteering.
Volunteer camp hosts greet visitors, monitor the site and keep the area orderly, clean bathrooms, and perform general facility and groundskeeping maintenance. We provide tools and equipment to do the job and reimburse for propane.
Those interested must have an RV or hard top camper, be able to lift 40 lbs and be personable to traveling public. Applicants must pass a federal background check.
Hog Pen Landing offers a boat ramp with direct access to the lake. Hog Pen Landing is a primitive campground with few amenities. There is no water, sewer or electric currently at the site. Conveniently located between Jacksonville and Lake City, Florida, it is a popular destination for both local visitors and traveling snowbirds. If you are used to being independent and want a quiet, relaxed campground, Hog Pen may just be for you.
The Osceola National Forest is within a short driving distance to many popular attractions in Florida and some of the more popular north Florida cities, Jacksonville Beaches, Gainesville, University of Florida and Shands Medical Center, St. Augustine - Oldest City in Florida, and Tallahassee, the state capitol. Osceola NF is set between the Atlantic Beaches and the Nature Coast with many local rivers, caves and scenic points of interest. Outdoor recreational activities on the forest are centered around Ocean Pond, a mile long lake that includes campgrounds, beaches, hiking, fishing, boating and swimming. OHV and equestrian trails along with undeveloped campgrounds are located around the forest. Other attractions include the Florida National Scenic Trail, Olustee Battlefield State Park and the Big Gum Swamp Wilderness.
To apply, fill out an application with the dates of interest and relevant experience if any or email: lcanciglia@usda.gov
Check out our website. http://www.fs.usda.gov/osceola
HOUSING & AMENITIES Type: Trailer Description: Reimbursement for propane.
Site has no electric or water
Concrete RV pad
Volunteer Activities
• Campground Host • Construction/Maintenance • Office/Clerical • Trail/Campground Maintenance • Visitor Information • General Assistance
Photo Courtesy of FS
Description
For a lucky few, the perfect camping option is serving as a volunteer campground host. The year-round, short-term post, which can last from three months to one year, offers a free campsite in exchange for 25 hours a week of volunteering.
Volunteer camp hosts greet visitors, perform general facility and groundskeeping maintenance, cleaning bathrooms, fire rings, mowing, performing visitor compliance checks. We provide tools and equipment to do the job and reimburse for propane. We prefer longer stays of six months or greater, depending on vacancies and time of year.
Ocean Pond is a serene, popular campground along the shores of the lake that provides 67 campsites with either electric, water or primitive set ups. Olustee Beach is a day-use site with a fishing pier, boat ramp, beach and interpretive trails. Conveniently located between Jacksonville and Lake City, Florida, it is a popular destination for both local visitors and traveling snowbirds.
The Osceola National Forest (NF) is within a short driving distance to many popular attractions in Florida and some of the more popular north Florida cities, Jacksonville Beaches, Gainesville, University of Florida and Shands Medical Center, St. Augustine (oldest city in Florida), and Tallahassee (the State Capitol). Osceola NF is set between the Atlantic beaches and the nature coast with many local rivers, caves and scenic points of interest. Outdoor recreational activities on the forest are centered around Ocean Pond, a mile-long lake that includes campgrounds, beaches, hiking, fishing, boating and swimming. Off-highway vehicle and equestrian trails, along with undeveloped campgrounds, are located around the forest. Other attractions include the Florida National Scenic Trail, Olustee Battlefield State Park and the Big Gum Swamp Wilderness.
Prefer federal experience but will consider all. Share golf cart and landscape tools. Trainings as available.
To apply, fill out an application at volunteer.gov with the dates of interest and relevant experience. Email: Leslie Canciglia ltcanciglia@usda.gov
Castillo de San Marcos is looking for volunteers to help with two days of woodwork preservation. We will be treating wooden furniture, decking, railings, and buildings with a mixture of turpentine & linseed oil. Work will begin the morning of Monday, February 24, 2020, and whatever items cannot be completed Monday will be finished the following Tuesday.
Volunteer Activities
• Campground Host • Computers • Office/Clerical • Tour Guide/Interpretation • Visitor Information • General Assistance
Description
Take an adventure to South Florida and join our outstanding team of volunteers .This is a great opportunity for an individual or couple to work as campground hosts at our Ortona South Campground and assist its friendly campers and fishermen. Will be responsible for operation of Ortona South Gatehouse along the scenic and peaceful Caloosahatchee River. Specific duties include, proficient operation of R1S computer program (training will be provided), collection and transmission of fees, receiving telephone calls, recording data and providing visitors with local area information. Will work a four day on-four day off schedule. Must maintain professional appearance and manner. Must be willing to abide by Volunteer agreement and submit a standard background check (required by all USACE volunteers). Special Skills: Proficient computer operation skills required to ease fulfillment of job duties, pleasant personality preferred. Please Contact Preston Heaton at 863-260-3401 or Preston.J.Heaton@usace.army.mil if you have any questions regarding this position.
HOUSING & AMENITIES Type: Camp Sites Description: A full hook up campsite is provided for a minimum of 24 hours/week of volunteer work.
Volunteer Activities
• Construction/Maintenance • Conservation Education • General Assistance
Description
One person or couple 18 years of age or older, and possessing a valid driver’s license and a clear background check, with a self-contained RV/trailer to work as Recreation Maintenance Volunteer at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Day-Use and Campground facilities along the Okeechobee Waterway. The volunteer position is available from Mid-February through early August.
Volunteers will perform varying light maintenance duties, which will include but are not limited to: painting and wood finishing, carpentry and fabrication, equipment operation, signage installation, campsite maintenance, parking facilities maintenance, replacing grills, and other park maintenance issues that are assigned by the supervisory ranger.
The ideal candidate will have experience or interest in power tools, carpentry, fabrication, and facilities maintenance. The ideal candidate will be flexible due to changes in priority and weather conditions, positive, observant, and safety-minded.
Each Volunteer will work a minimum of 24 hours per week, between the hours of 0800 and 1730, Sunday through Thursday. Hours and days worked within that timeframe are negotiable. Volunteers will be required to take a mandatory safety course as provided by the supervisory ranger staff to operate government equipment.
In exchange for meeting minimum volunteer hours, volunteers will be provided an RV pad in WP Franklin South’s Volunteer Village, with water, sewer, and electric hookup.
If you are interested in volunteering or have questions about other opportunities, please contact Ranger Liam Covey-Shannon at Liam.P.Covey-Shannon@usace.army.mil, or call the WP Franklin Visitor Center at 239-694-2582.
HOUSING & AMENITIES Type: Trailer/RV Pads Description: RV Pad with 30 and 50 AMP Elec., Water and Sewer. Minimum of 24 hrs. Per week
Volunteer Activities
• Tour Guide/Interpretation • Visitor Information
Description
When most people think of an Interpreter, they think of someone whose job it is to translate one language into another. At Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, our job is to translate the language of history into terms that the visitors can understand and to help them find an emotional or intellectual connection to our park.
"Through interpretation, understanding; through understanding, appreciation; through appreciation, protection." - Freeman Tilden
We are looking for Volunteers-In-Parks (VIPs) to help bring the Castillo to life by interpreting the lives & experiences of the people who have lived in St. Augustine all throughout its 450+ years of history! This can be done in 18th & 19th century period clothing or in our polo shirt VIP uniform; through formal programs or the use of interpretive "kits;" and in many different locations throughout the fort.
Benefits to VIP:
Personal enrichment and experience working in a National Monument setting
Experience in historical interpretation, public speaking, and communicating with visitors from around the world
Goal/Outcome of Job: Enriched visitor experience and education.
Expectations and Qualifications:
Willingness to interact with the public in a professional, friendly, and helpful manner.
Knowledge of and/or willingness to learn and interpret the history of the Castillo de San Marcos as well as the city of St. Augustine. If the VIP is portraying military personnel, this will include military history and weapons appropriate to the various time periods associated with the site(s).
Physical ability to be out-of-doors in the extreme weather conditions found in the Florida environment.
Willingness to abide by National Park Service directives and Park rules and regulations, including the use of safety equipment, and be directed by assigned park supervisor(s).
Continuously seeks feedback and improvement of interpretive programs using Park resources.
Training: Orientation to Site (by VIP Manual, Rangers, and/or other VIPs), ongoing informal interpretation training. Other training such as quality customer service, first aid, and CPR may be available.
Volunteer Activities
• Other • Tour Guide/Interpretation • Visitor Information
Photo Courtesy of NPS
Description
When most people think of an Interpreter, they think of someone whose job it is to translate one language into another. At Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, our job is to translate the language of history into terms that the visitors can understand and to help them find an emotional or intellectual connection to our park.
"Through interpretation, understanding; through understanding, appreciation; through appreciation, protection." - Freeman Tilden
We are looking for Volunteers-In-Parks (VIPs) to help bring the Castillo to life by interpreting the lives & experiences of the soldiers who defended the fort and the city! Join the ranks of the Overseas Troops of St. Augustine and transport visitors back to the 18th century through cannon and musket firing demonstrations.
Benefits to VIP:
Personal enrichment and experience working in a National Monument setting
Experience in historical interpretation, historic weapons firing, public speaking, and communicating with visitors from around the world
Goal/Outcome of Job: Enriched visitor experience and education.
Expectations and Qualifications:
Willingness to interact with the public in a professional, friendly, and helpful manner.
Knowledge of and/or willingness to learn and interpret the history of the Castillo de San Marcos as well as the city of St. Augustine, as well as military history and weapons appropriate to the various time periods associated with the site(s).
Physical ability to be out-of-doors in the extreme weather conditions found in the Florida environment while wearing heavy wool uniforms.
Willingness to abide by National Park Service directives and Park rules and regulations, including the use of safety equipment, and be directed by assigned park supervisor(s).
Continuously seeks feedback and improvement of interpretive programs using Park resources.
Training: Orientation to Site (by VIP Manual, Rangers, and/or other VIPs), ongoing informal interpretation training. Training for the cannon and musket firing demonstrations will be done in a hands-on, one-on-one setting with a Historic Weapons Supervisor and experienced volunteers. Other training such as quality customer service, first aid, and CPR may be available.
Volunteer Activities
• Visitor Information • General Assistance
Description
We are looking for Volunteers-In-Parks (VIPs) to bring the Castillo to life and help visitors get the most out of their time in the park. Visitor Services VIPs staff the front desk, assist with the Junior Ranger program, answer questions, give directions, help with safety during historic weapons demonstrations, and much more.
Benefits to VIP:
Personal enrichment and experience working in a National Monument setting
Experience in historical interpretation, public speaking, and communicating with visitors from around the world
Goal/Outcome of Job: Enriched visitor experience and education.
Expectations and Qualifications:
Willingness to interact with the public in a professional, friendly, and helpful manner.
Knowledge of and/or willingness to learn and interpret the history of the Castillo de San Marcos as well as the city of St. Augustine.
Physical ability to be out-of-doors in the extreme weather conditions found in the Florida environment.
Willingness to abide by National Park Service directives and Park rules and regulations, including the use of safety equipment, and be directed by assigned park supervisor(s).
Continuously seeks feedback and improvement of interpretive programs using Park resources.
Training: Orientation to Site (by VIP Manual, Rangers, and/or other VIPs), ongoing informal interpretation training. Other training such as quality customer service, first aid, and CPR may be available.
Volunteer Activities
• Visitor Information • General Assistance
Description
Volunteers wanted! Join the National Park Service at Fort Matanzas National Monument as a deckhand on the park’s ferry. The only way to visit the fort itself is by taking a boat ride across the Matanzas River, and deckhands are crucial to our operations. Being a deckhand requires a person to be physically fit and able to assist with securing the boat to our docks, serving as vessel's lookout, and seeing to the overall safety of the park vessel and its passengers as well as any boaters or swimmers in the area that may require emergency assistance and rescue from the water.
The position requires physical fitness so you must be free of back, neck and knee injuries, have good overall physical health and can stand for 4 hours a day in a range of temperatures from 30 degrees to 100 degrees. You will however be working in a beautiful location, surrounded by water, with abundant wildlife and some great history. This position requires a drug test prior to being allowed to perform as a deckhand. You will also have to be enrolled in a random drug testing program. These tests are paid for by the park, so there is no expense on your part for them.
If you feel you are capable of performing the functions of a deckhand as described above, then we would love to have you as a part of our team. If you need more information, you can contact our site supervisor, Andrew Rich, at 904-461-0122 ext. 202.
Volunteer Activities
• Tour Guide/Interpretation • Visitor Information • General Assistance
Description
Volunteers wanted! Join the National Park Service at Fort Matanzas National Monument to help us keep our operations running smoothly and to help share the park’s rich history with the public.
We are in search of volunteers willing to provide a brief orientation & safety message to visitors before boarding them onto the ferry, to provide information to visitors between boat tours by answering questions and staffing a hands-on display of some kind, and to assist the staff member in the Visitor Center during busy times.
For more information, email casa_volunteer@nps.gov or come by the park to talk to a Ranger.
HOUSING & AMENITIES Not Available
National Park Service
Florida
Special Event Photographer Castillo de San Marcos National Monument Address: 1 S. Castillo Dr. St. Augustine, FL 32084 Contact: Jill Leverett (904) 829-6506 ext. 233 Availability: 1/1/2020--12/31/2020 Created: 1/20/2020 Suitability: Adults, Teens, Seniors Difficulty: Not Difficult Direct Link: https://www.volunteer.gov/results.cfm?ID=21481
Volunteer Activities
• Other
Description
Volunteers wanted! Join the National Park Service at Castillo de San Marcos and Fort Matanzas National Monuments to help us record our activities for posterity.
We are in search of volunteers with camera skills who are willing to photograph special events at both park sites to add to our archive collection. Most of our events take place one Saturday evening per month from October through April, with occasional daytime events on weekends.
For more information, email casa_volunteer@nps.gov.
Volunteer Activities
• Tour Guide/Interpretation • Visitor Information
Photo Courtesy of NPS
Description
****Notice: This announcement is for informational purposes. Trainings for the Mobile Volunteer Patrol are generally held bi-annually. The next training date is TBD (most likely spring of 2020). If you submit an application, it will be kept on file and you will be notified once a date for the next training session is determined. For any questions, please contact ever_volunteer@nps.gov.****
Orientation and Training Day
The Mobile Volunteer Patrol (MVP) is a group of volunteers who ride bicycle patrols in the Shark Valley and Pine Island Districts of Everglades National Park. The MVP is supervised by rangers from the Park’s Division of Visitor and Resource Protection (VRP), which is charged with enforcing the law and protecting public safety.
Responsibilities
Overall, the members of the MVP serve as the VRP Rangers’ eyes and ears on the Park’s trails. More specifically, the MVP has three main responsibilities:
To assist Park rangers in protecting visitors to the Park;
To assist Park rangers in protecting the resources (the animals, plants and landscape) of the Park; and,
To enhance visitors’ enjoyment and appreciation of the park, by providing them with information and interpretative experiences.
Duties
The general duties of MVP members include:
To cycle the 15-mile Shark Valley Loop, wearing the MVP uniform of bright yellow bicycle jersey and black bicycle pants;
To carry a special MVP backpack containing first aid and bicycle repair gear, and to use that gear to assist visitors;
To carry water and sunscreen that can be provided to visitors who have exhausted their own supplies;
To carry an NPS radio, in order to be able to contact the Visitor’s Center and VRP rangers, as may be necessary.
To protect the Park’s visitors by advising them against dangerous behavior, and by reporting such behavior to VRP rangers, when visitors cannot be persuaded to stop;
To protect the Park’s resources from destructive behavior, such as harassing the wildlife or collecting plants, and by reporting such behavior to VRP rangers, when visitors cannot be persuaded to stop;
To enforce various federal, state and Park rules, like these examples:
Children under 16 years of age must wear helmets when riding bicycles;
Visitors are not permitted to walk or carry dogs on the Tram Trail; and,
Visitors are not permitted to fly drones over federal property, including the Park;
To assist rangers with interpretive programs, including the Everglades in the Morning, Full Moon and L-67 Canal Bike Rides; and,
At all times, to provide information to and answer questions for Park visitors.
Membership requirements
To become a member of the MVP and individual must:
Be able to cycle the Shark Valley Tram Trail at a moderate pace (under two and a half hours);
Provide his or her own bicycle and helmet;
Be committed to participating one or two weekends per month throughout the year; and,
Must successfully complete an MVP Training Day.
Long-term Goals
The goal for the Patrol is to ultimately have enough members to patrol the Tram Trail twice daily, mornings and afternoons, seven days a week, throughout the winter season and eventually throughout the year. It has been estimated that it will take some seventy-five or eighty members to fill such a schedule.
Volunteer Activities
• Computers • Other • Science • General Assistance
Photo Courtesy of USGS
Description
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.
Volunteer Activities
• Tour Guide/Interpretation • Visitor Information • General Assistance
Description
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.
National Park Service
Florida
Every Kid in a Park (EKIP) Everglades National Park Address: 40001 State Road 9336, 36000 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33194, Homestead, FL 33034 Contact: Chris Beers 305-242-7878 Availability: 10/24/2019--3/27/2020 Created: 11/1/2019 Suitability: Adults, Teens, Seniors Difficulty: Average Direct Link: https://www.volunteer.gov/results.cfm?ID=19149
Volunteer Activities
• Conservation Education
Photo Courtesy of NPS
Description
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
Volunteer Activities
• Conservation Education • Tour Guide/Interpretation
Photo Courtesy of NPS
Description
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.
Volunteer Activities
• Conservation Education • Tour Guide/Interpretation • Visitor Information • Back Country/Wilderness • General Assistance
Photo Courtesy of NPS
Description
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!
Volunteer Activities
• Botany • Pest/Disease Control • Soil/Watershed • Trail/Campground Maintenance • Science • General Assistance • Weed/Invasive Species Control
Photo Courtesy of NPS
Description
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!
Volunteer Activities
• Campground Host • Construction/Maintenance • Conservation Education • Trail/Campground Maintenance • Tour Guide/Interpretation • Visitor Information • General Assistance
Photo Courtesy of NPS
Description
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
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Administrators