Volunteer Activities
• Construction/Maintenance • Other • Trail/Campground Maintenance • General Assistance • Weed/Invasive Species Control
Description
Canal Steward Program
Location: Montgomery County, MD; Georgetown, DC
Do you have a favorite section of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal? Is it a mile of towpath? The Marsden Tract Campground? Or even the Pennyfield Lockhouse? Become a C&O Canal Steward and adopt a site! Adoption areas available from Georgetown to Seneca Creek Aqueduct for a one year renewable term (March 2019-March 2020).
The Canal Steward Adoption Program focuses on beautification projects to maintain and enhance the facilities and resources of areas which have been adopted. Volunteers formally adopt the site and are presented with an adoption package detailing their commitment and the tasks they are responsible for completing at the designated site. Adoption of a site in the park fosters stewardship and pride in the resource and in the mission the National Park Service strives to uphold.
Common Canal Steward duties include:
Reporting hazards
Cleaning park signs
Trimming vegetation
Picking up litter
Annually painting picnic tables and other park structures
This service opportunity is open to individuals, scout troops, clubs, businesses, etc. willing to commit to be Canal Stewards for a one year renewable term. Individual applicants and group leaders must be at least 18 years of age.
Supplies and equipment are furnished by the Volunteer Office.
For more information, or to see a sample Adoption Package, contact Cheyenne Sebold at chohcsp@gmail.com.
Have you wanted to lead a beginners tree walk? Volunteers are needed for beginners tree walks in 2020. The volunteer will conduct a Beginning Tree Talk and Walk at Greenbelt Park.
Knowledge of local tree population is required. Skills of presenting talks and walks to the public is required.
Volunteer Activities
• Construction/Maintenance • Historical Preservation • Other • General Assistance • Weed/Invasive Species Control
Photo Courtesy of NPS
Description
Note: This opportunity is for groups of 15 +
Does your organization want to plan a day of service? Perhaps you would like to give back by completing a service project that assists in a myriad of fun and meaningful projects that help to maintain the park and ensure enjoyment of visitors, present and future. We are looking to plan for Spring 2020.
Some examples of projects include landscape work, painting, and general clean-up of the parks of Greenbelt Park. Tools and gloves are provided. We will work with you on the day and time of your day of service. By volunteering, you can help advance the National Park Service mission and have a lasting effect on generations to come. Join in the fun!
Join the National Park and Greenbelt Park family. We are looking for positions for March 1 through June 30. (date is negotiable). Thank you for inquiring about the Host position at Greenbelt Park.
The Greenbelt campground is located in Greenbelt, Maryland located 13 miles from the White House. Greenbelt is in the Maryland suburbs. The park has over 1100 acres and is termed as an urban oasis. The campground has 174 sites with hot showers and bathroom facilities. The host receives electric, sewer, and water hookups in exchange for host duties. Host duties hours are 8:00 a.m. - 3:45 p.m with Tuesday and Wednesday as off days.. Duties include: operating a ranger station and preparing the campground for a reopening. Rangers will be doing outreach and we need coverage.
There is NO law enforcement duties, bathroom cleanup or fee collection in the host position at Greenbelt. The ranger staff is on duty until 4:00 p.m.
The Camp Host Program at Greenbrier State Park is very important to us. It is an extension of our work team and our best contact with campers. There are many benefits to hosting here. By working 25 hours a week, you camp for free in a beautiful setting and become part of our family. Water, sewer and electric are all included. We also provide you with a golf cart and private laundry facilities.
As a camp host, you would introduce yourselves to the campers, cleaning camp sites, picking up trash, touch up the bathrooms and assist the staff when needed.
We recognize how important camp hosts are to our operation. You make people feel welcome. A host can turn a negative experience into a positive one.
HOUSING & AMENITIES Type: Camp Sites Description: Camp Host sites have water, electric and sewer
Join Greenbelt Park at Fort Meade and Joint Andrews to help hand out Military passes to our active military and their dependents. We are also handing out Access passes to Veterans with disabilities.
You will need to be able to get on Fort Meade and Joint Base Andrews in order to qualify for this volunteer position. (Veteran with a CAC card will be give access).
We usually go to Fort Meade and Joint Base Andrews once a month on a weekday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.. We are also going to Fort Meade for their Fall Festival on Saturday October 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Volunteer once or on an ongoing basis. Thank the active military for their service and sacrifice.
Job Description: Assist the maintenance staff with projects and upkeep of public use areas, facilities, & equipment. Volunteers will work on numerous tasks from carpentry, mowing, landscaping, and maintaining trails. Duties will vary depending on individual interests, skills, and talents. Roles may also include volunteer leadership of groups in deferred maintenance tasks.
Skills needed/preferred: Ideal candidate would have a background in maintenance work, carpentry, use of power tools, etc. Valid driver’s license is required. Experience with small engine repair and maintenance will be a tremendous help but is not required. Experience in overseeing groups to complete maintenance tasks is a definite plus.
Goal/Outcome of job: Assist the park staff with upkeep of public use areas, facilities and equipment. Lead volunteer groups in maintenance related volunteer work.
Benefits to volunteers: Working with the greater Assateague Island community. Teaching others valuable maintenance related skills. Work for the benefit of the National Seashore.
Minimum commitment: Flexible scheduling but would prefer someone to work at least 8 hours per week. Volunteer position is available year-round with a minimum commitment of six months. Office hours are Monday thru Friday between the hours of 6:00 am – 2:30 pm.
Location of position: Maintenance Shop, Berlin, MD or Wallops Island, VA
Volunteer Activities
• Fish/Wildlife • Science • General Assistance
Description
This volunteer will monitor an existing bluebird trail on the grounds of Hampton National Historic Site. This will include recording the numbers of adults, eggs, and fledglings produced by each nest. Occasional cleaning of the nest boxes will also be performed. The trail is approximately 8 tenths of a mile long and has 11 boxes. The boxes will be monitored following the protocols established by Project Nest Watch. This includes a rigorous standard of data accuracy. The ability to act independently and to communicate all findings to the trail manager is required. All data collected will be submitted to Project NestWatch, a citizen science program maintained by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
The volunteer will report to a Park Ranger in the Resource Management Division.
Physical Requirements: The ability to walk at least one mile on uneven terrain and while exposed to weather is required. Some of the trail is in areas of tall grass. You will be required to carry a tool kit that weighs less than five pounds.
Hours: The work can be done between sunrise and sunset, seven days a week. A mutually convenient schedule will be worked out with the trail manager.
Volunteer Activities
• Research Library • Tour Guide/Interpretation • Visitor Information • General Assistance
Photo Courtesy of NPS
Description
The National Park Service strives to create a welcoming environment at all of its sites across the country. At Catoctin Mountain Park the majority of our visitor interaction is through our Visitor Center (VC), the Park hub for interpretation and education. The VC offers a number of services to visitors, such as bathrooms, an exhibit hall, and a gift shop. More importantly, the VC is staffed by Park Rangers with fantastic educational and interpretive skills. Our Visitor Services Volunteers (VSV’s) work side-by-side with these Rangers, providing visitors with a wide range of information to help improve the visitor’s Park experience. VSV’s will also have the opportunity to provide these services to visitors at popular trailheads and overlooks, as well as on interpretive hikes and tours.
Responsibilities
Explain recreational opportunities, particularly at trails and campgrounds
Distribute maps, brochures, and other printed material
Describe trail/road directions and routes
Operate office machines, primarily the front desk cash register
Qualifications
Ability to assist and communicate with a high volume of personal contacts in a courteous, tactful, and informative manner
Skill in handling cash, checks, and credit cards
Willingness to operate an electronic cash register
Training Opportunities
Operating office machines, primarily the front desk cash register
Job Description: The VIP would help our Information Technology (IT) specialist perform computer and network related support.
Skills needed/preferred: Experience with troubleshooting, software installation, and set up of computers, the ability to sit and stand for extended periods. Experience with software such as Microsoft Office, Windows 10, and Google applications are a plus. A background check is necessary to gain access to government computers. Interested individuals should send a resume with relevant experience.
Goal/Outcome of job: Assist with heavy backlog of technological support requests.
Minimum commitment: Flexible scheduling but would prefer someone to work at least 8 hours per week. Volunteer positon is available year-round with a minimum commitment of six months. Office hours are Monday thru Friday between the hours of 8:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Benefits to volunteers (note training, if applicable): Volunteer in a face-paced and friendly work environment. Gain meaningful experience in technological support.
Other comments: Required to sign privacy notice due to the sensitivity of materials being handled. Background check required to gain access to government computers.
Job Description: The VIP would help complete administrative and clerical tasks. Duties include filing,shredding documents, updating/creating spreadsheets and word documents, answering phone calls,distributing mail.
Skills needed/preferred: Basic computer skills, Microsoft Office, typing, strong organizational skills,capable to work with little supervision, and ability to sit or stand for periods of time. Background check required prior to start date to gain computer access.
Goal/Outcome of job: Assist administration staff with heavy workload and filing.
Benefits to volunteers (note training, if applicable): The VIP would work in a fast-paced and friendly working environment. They would learn about and work for the benefit of the National Seashore.
Minimum commitment: Flexible scheduling but would prefer someone to work at least 8 hours per week. Volunteer positon is available year-round with a minimum commitment of six months. Office hours are Monday thru Friday between the hours of 8:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Interested in campground hosting on one of America’s most beautiful barrier islands? Assateague Island National Seashore has begun accepting camp host applications for the 2020 mid-March through mid-November season. We need individuals or couples with outstanding interpersonal abilities and excellent customer service skills to represent the National Park Service and serve as the daily “eyes and ears” of our oceanside and bayside campgrounds.
National Seashore campgrounds include 41 oceanside drive-in sites, 49 bayside drive-in sites, 5 group sites, 58 oceanside walk-in tent sites located in sand dunes, and 2 horse camping sites (seasonal). Campgrounds offer drinking water, unheated showers, vault toilets, picnic tables and fire rings. We also have oceanside and bayside dump stations with potable water.
Wildlife watching is abundant with a variety of birds, wild horses, white tail and sika deer.
Duties: Camp hosts will welcome campers, provide directions, advise guests of activities occurring within the park and the surrounding area, answer questions and educate campers on campground rules and regulations. Hosts monitor the campground to ensure visitors occupy their sites in accordance with park policy, are displaying applicable documentation, and are vacating sites in a timely manner at checkout.
Hosts routinely perform minor maintenance duties such as cleaning fire pits and picking up trash. Other duties may be assigned as necessary. Record keeping and occasionally filling out forms is also required. Campground hosts are expected to provide timely information to National Park Service ranger staff regarding potential safety concerns as well as maintenance and repair needs raised by visitors or through personal observations. Hosts are also expected to participate in staff training throughout the season, which may include information sessions as well as safety and staff meetings. Two of the most important jobs as campground host are to provide an enjoyable camping experience for the public and assist NPS park staff in protecting park resources.
Time commitment: There is a one month time commitment with staggered -- beginning of the month and mid-month -- starting and ending times. Hosts will work a minimum of 20 hours per week and are required to be on site 5 days per week, especially on weekends and heavy use holidays. Hosts will have two consecutive days off Monday through Friday; shifts will vary depending on campground needs. Most work days revolve around the core hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., but infrequent knocks on a host’s camper door at all hours of the day and night should be expected.
Requirements: Hosts are expected to wear a Volunteer uniform, name tag and cap (all provided) when working with visitors. Hosts are to arrive with adequate housing for the length of their commitment. Trailers, campers or motor homes are recommended. Tent camping is permitted at the host site. Hosts are provided a paved back-in site with electrical and water hookups at no charge. Host sites are located on the ocean side and bay side of the island.
Working conditions: Host duties are performed outdoors in a variety of weather environments typical to an ocean barrier island. During the summer hosts must be able to tolerate high humidity, temperatures sometimes exceeding 100 degrees, and buggy (mosquitoes, black files, ticks) conditions. There are very few trees on the island; therefore, there is very limited shade. Hosts should be in good physical condition and be able to walk up to a mile on irregular natural ground and beach/sandy surfaces several times a day. A valid driver’s license is required to use golf carts which are shared between hosts.
Please provide two references when applying. Contact Betsy Bangert for more information at 410-629-6603 or betsy_bangert@nps.gov.
HOUSING & AMENITIES Type: Trailer/RV Pads Description: An RV pad with electric and water hook-ups is available at no charge. You are required to use the public dump station located within the campground.
Volunteer Activities
• Trail/Campground Maintenance • Visitor Information • General Assistance • Weed/Invasive Species Control
Photo Courtesy of NPS
Description
Catoctin Mountain Park’s trail system is one of its most valued and utilized resources. Park staff continually work to ensure that visitors have an enjoyable, safe trail experience. Our Trail Stewards, volunteers who hike and monitor the trails, are a key part of our trail maintenance efforts. We count on these volunteers to observe trail conditions and report any changes to Visitor Center (VC) staff. Just as importantly, stewards help ensure that visitors understand Park rules and engage in only safe trail activities.
Responsibilities
Walk/ ride horse along equestrian trails of the park during each rove.
Make contact with visitors to address any concerns
Inform the Visitor Center staff of any major trail problems or concerns, and/or fill out a Trail Condition Report form.
Perform minor vegetation/obstruction removal on equestrian trails.
Use a Park radio to report any emergencies to the appropriate park personnel.
Qualifications
Comfortable walking/horseback riding for extended time periods (2+ hours), often on uneven ground
Ability to own and use adequate hiking gear
Provide own horse, horse trailer, saddle, and all other related equestrian gear.
Willingness to engage with Park visitors and VC staff.
Vegetation removal equipment, tools, gloves, and all other safety equipment relevant to this position will be provided by Catoctin Mountain Park.
Volunteer Activities
• Other • Tour Guide/Interpretation • Visitor Information
Photo Courtesy of NPS
Description
Does the thought of actually living history by marching and drilling in a wool uniform during the hot summer months inspire you? Are you willing to learn original manuals and move heavy pieces of artillery in the blazing sun? Honor and represent those original Defenders who so gallantly and selflessly preserved Baltimore and inspired our national anthem by portraying them on the original ramparts!
Individuals with a high level of physical stamina help visitors understand the history of Fort McHenry by dressing in period correct clothing representing a soldier or civilian of 1814 and performing everyday duties and tasks. Military living history volunteers interpret the daily life of the fort, talking with visitors about barrack life, rations, drill, guard mount, and the battle in 1814. Civilian living history volunteers interpret the social life of Baltimore during the battle, the tavern that existed onsite in 1814, and the role that women played as laundresses to the garrison.
Volunteers are trained by black powder specialists on how to fire muskets and artillery. Musically inclined volunteers may apply to the Fort McHenry Guard Fife and Drum Corps. Civilian volunteers boil laundry and give cooking demonstrations over open fires. Additional duties and roles are discussed during the interview process.
Working Conditions: Volunteers wear wool uniforms in high humidity and temperatures that regularly hit 98 degrees or above. Long periods of marching and drilling with heavy muskets and artillery are required. Bending and heavy lifting is required.
Equipment: All uniforms, weapons and other equipment will be provided by the National Park Service. Any personally owned items used by volunteers must be approved in advance by the park.
Requirements: A willingness to engage in public speaking is a must! Our living history volunteers are required to donate ten weekend days (Saturday or Sunday) over the course of our summer program, which generally runs from Memorial Day Weekend to the second weekend of September. The Saturday of our anniversary weekend in September is the one required day for all members.
Volunteer Activities
• Other • Tour Guide/Interpretation • Visitor Information • General Assistance
Photo Courtesy of NPS
Description
Would you and your faithful canine companion like to help preserve and protect the magnificent landscape of Hampton National Historic site? Join the Hampton Paw Patrol to assist in patrolling the park grounds, modeling good dog-owner behavior, and educating visitors about the park and its history.
By regularly walking the grounds with their furry friends, and communicating with the staff, Paw Patrollers can assist rangers in keeping the park beautiful and safe, and have the opportunity to welcome new visitors to learn more about Hampton’s grounds and the stories of those who lived and worked there.
Dogs participating in the Paw Patrol program must provide documentation of current vaccinations and boosters. They must also demonstrate behavior consistent with the AKC Canine Good Citizen standards. All applicants will be interviewed on site by the program coordinator.
Paw Patrollers are required to donate a minimum of eight (8) hours per month.
Volunteer Activities
• Science • Weed/Invasive Species Control
Photo Courtesy of NPS
Description
Help protect Greenbelt Park from harmful invasive plants. Join in a hands on nature preservation activity and learn about native and non-native plants. Join us at 11:00 a.m. in the Sweetgum Picnic area located near the entrance of the park. This program will be every first Saturday of the month. Come rain or shine and please wear appropriate clothing, work gloves, and lunch/snack. Please wear tick and insect repellant. Greenbelt Park's entrance is located between Kenilworth Avenue and the Baltimore Washington Parkway at 6565 Greenbelt Road. For more information and to RSVP, please call Greenbelt Park at (301) 344-3944 or you can visit our web page at http//:www.nps.gov/gree/
Volunteer Activities
• Historical Preservation • Other • Natural Resources Planning • Weed/Invasive Species Control
Description
With 62 acres of natural landscape and a series of formal gardens, the grounds of Hampton provide visitors with the opportunity to experience 200 years of evolution in gardening history by simply enjoying a quiet walk among the trees and flower beds. Preserving this landscape is the responsibility of our Resource Management team, but this cannot be accomplished without the dedication of our volunteers. Volunteers are invited to help maintain the gardens and assist with invasive plant management.
Working Conditions: Work is both indoor and outdoor in nature. Volunteers should be prepared for wide extremes in weather - in the summer it can get very hot and humid, averaging between 90 and 98 degrees, and in the winter it can be very cold and blustery, averaging between 38 degrees and freezing. Bending and light lifting may be required.
Requirements: Our volunteers are required to donate eight (8) hours of time a month, generally over the course of two days. Volunteers are needed for weekdays.
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
• Construction/Maintenance • Historical Preservation • Visitor Information
Photo Courtesy of NPS
Description
C&O Canal Quarters Program is seeking new Quartermasters for Lockhouses 6, 10, 22, 25, 28 and 49!
The ideal Quartermaster is someone who lives near the lockhouse, who passes by (or could pass by) frequently, who has good home maintenance and repair skills, is able to lift up to 40 pounds, is familiar with NPS procedures, and who would enjoy the responsibility, authority, and status (as an NPS volunteer) that the role of Quartermaster entails. The Quartermaster’s primary responsibility is to maintain oversight of the lockhouse through frequent on-site inspections and frequent communication with the Trust about issues that arise.
Specifically, the Quartermaster will be expected to do the following: · Respond to urgent on-site visitor concerns (e.g. keys that do not open the door or inclement weather). · Periodically inspect lockhouse premises, a minimum of twice weekly, preferably on Fridays and Mondays. The Quartermaster will check status of interpretive media, utilities, furnishings, and supplies. Restock or rectify, as needed. Report issues to the Trust. · Make small repairs within their capacities, as needed. (Cost of supplies would be covered by the Trust.) · Arrange for professional contractors identified by the Trust to make repairs beyond Quartermaster’s personal capacity. · Maintain the yard (mowing, string trimming), clean signs, and repaint picnic table as needed. Remove and dispose of ashes from ash pits as necessary. · Monitor for routine rodent and pest issues. · Notify the Trust or NPS if there is evidence of non-compliance with NPS or Trust lockhouse user regulations and policies. · Quartermasters will be expected to have a backup or assistant with whom they will coordinate schedules so one of them will be available during periods when visitors have reserved the lockhouse. · Submit inspection and maintenance reports to the Trust on a monthly basis using the Trust’s standard inspection and reporting format. · Participate in semi-annual or annual lockhouse inspection visits with Trust and NPS personnel. · Coordinate and participate in semi-annual or annual volunteer maintenance work projects.
If you are interested in applying to serve as a Quartermaster, please send an email or letter expressing your interest and qualifications to:
HOUSING & AMENITIES
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Administrators