Volunteer Activities
• Archaeology
• Construction/Maintenance
• Conservation Education
• Research Library
• Historical Preservation
• Office/Clerical
• Other
• Trail/Campground Maintenance
• Tour Guide/Interpretation
• Visitor Information
• Natural Resources Planning
• Science
• Back Country/Wilderness
• General Assistance

Photo Courtesy of NPS

SUMMER 2020--Living History, on Lake Superior's North Shore

COME JOIN US FOR A SUMMER ON GRAND PORTAGE BAY!

Note: This volunteer opportunity is for couples only. Please submit two applications and note somewhere in your application that you are applying as a couple. 

Grand Portage National Monument commemorates the cross-cultural interaction and exchange among Ojibwe people and early Europeans that influenced the 18th century exploration of the northwest and the expansion of the Great Lakes fur trade industry. The National Park Service works collaboratively with the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa to interpret and support the heritage and lifeways of the Ojibwe people and to preserve the premier sites, route, and unique historic values of the Grand Portage, known to the Ojibwe as Gitchi Onigaming, the Great Carrying Place.

Share the stories of intertwining lives and cultures at Grand Portage during the late 18th century. Volunteer interpreters portray the time period 1785-1802 in and around the North West Company's inland headquarters. Interpreters communicate the story of Grand Portage through demonstrations, formal programs, and informal visitor contacts. 

We are looking for couples who are eager to learn and try new things. If you like variety, check us out! A typical 3-day work week varies and could include: the Ojibwe Village talking about the lives and annual cycle of local native tribes, the Heritage Center inforamtion desk, and the Kitchen demonstrating historic cooking. Rarely will you be in the same station twice in one week. All new interpreters learn the ropes by shadowing veteran guides.

Grand Portage NM volunteers contribute three (consecutive) eight-hour days per week. Time commitment begins the last week in May; we ask for a commitment through Labor Day. In exchange for the commitment, we offer RV parking, full electric, water/sewer hook-ups, and free laundry access. Commitment can be longer, it is up to you, we often have volunteers wanting to stay until the end of September.

Before you arrive, you will receive our traveling library to learn more about the history of the Grand Portage, the North American fur trade, and the Ojibwe people and culture.  When you arrive, you will participate in two weeks of interpretive and mandatory training and two weeks of shadowing experienced interpreters. 

This position has been identified as "Strenuous." 

• Many activities on the living history site require lifting, carrying, and hauling items such as firewood, water buckets, wigwam poles, and/or outdoor props.
• The position requires periods of sustained talking or otherwise communicating with the public.
• All volunteers must be able to complete an 8-hour shift that will include walking, standing, and/or working outdoors or in non-climate controlled buildings. 

The living history site is located on the Minnesota shore of Lake Superior, where there is a nice lake breeze and it rarely reaches ninety degrees. The park sees approximately 250-300 visitors daily during the busy season.

Grand Portage National Monument is located at the northeastern "tip" of Minnesota.  Our borders are Lake Superior, Canada, and the Grand Portage Ojibwe Reservation. A number of outdoor recreational opportunities will keep you busy on your four consecutive days off, bring a kayak and explore the crystal clear waters of Lake Superior, hike the 8.5 mile historic Grand Portage, canoe the Boundary Waters Canoe Area lakes, visit a nearby NPS unit or state park, or take a Canadian adventure (there are three Provincial Parks in day-trip range), or just relax, and enjoy the day!

If you are interested in learning more about this volunteer opportunity, Apply Online Now! The Volunteer Coordinator will receive your application and contact you to continue the application process. Thank you for wanting to make a difference on your public lands! We look forward to hearing from you!

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Type: Trailer/RV Pads
Description: RV pads, hook-ups, internet service and laundry are available to our volunteers who commit to stay through Labor Day.

Volunteer Activities
• Construction/Maintenance
• Office/Clerical
• Other
• Soil/Watershed
• Trail/Campground Maintenance
• Visitor Information
• Natural Resources Planning
• Back Country/Wilderness
• General Assistance

Photo Courtesy of FS

The Kawishiwi Ranger District has roughly 420 miles of trails and portages that recieve annual maintenance. In addition, there are roughly 2,000 wilderness campsites within the Forest, and several other dispersed camp sites and developed recreation areas outside the wilderness. Most of the work will be conducted inside the 1 million acre Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Travel inside the wilderness in the winter is conducted by foot, ski, snowshoe or dog team. Some of the work will also take place outside the wilderness where travel is done the same way with the addition of a snow machine.

Most of the work will be completed with a partner, although some duties will be done independently. The person for this position must be self-driven, hard working and willing to perform various tasks that require both physical and mental strength, a good attitude and an interest in natural resource management. Some experience in nordic skiing, sawying, construction, or general labor would be helpful, but National Forest personnel are willing to train the right person.

The volunteer must be able to obtain a Forest Service snowmobile operator's certificate within 30 days. Along with snowmobile training, additional required training will be provided to the volunteer by the Forest Service at no cost to the volunteer. A valid state derivers license is a requirement and personal transportation in preferred but not required.

This program will run from January 7th, 2019 to when the ice comes off, typically mid to late April. It is preferred this candidate is able to commit to the entire season; however, opportunities for shorter stays may be an option depending on the availibility of housing. It may also be possible to extend this position into the the summer wilderness management program.

Lodging will be provided in on of our modern bunkhouse style facilities exchange for 24 hours of work per week. A reimbursement for food expenses may be available but is not guarenteed.

The work schedule is highly variable and depends mostly on the weather and ice conditions; therefore, flexibility is a must. Some work weeks will be spent overnight in a winter tent miles out in the wilderness in temperatures that can dip to -50 F. Some work will also be accomplished from the trail head to the work site and back in the comforts of the bunkhouse for the evening. Other times the work will be done inside a heated workshop honing and maintaining tools, or from the heated cab of a truck collecting permits from wilderness entry points.

All work equipment required to perform the duties of the position will be provided by the Forest Service. Personal equipment, including boots, will need to be provided by the volunteer.

This position provides a unique opportunity for the right person and will take you to parts of the BWCAW that few people get a chance to see. This position is strenuous and challenging --  but the rewards are priceless.

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Type: Bunk House
Description: Modern bunkhouse, private room, shared bathrooms (2), shared kitchen/common area, on-site laundry. Access to on-site exercise facility and Wi-Fi.

Campground Maintenance Host:

Volunteers are needed to perform campground host maintenance duties. Work may include: removing ashes from fire pits, minor cleanup of campsites, removing weeds from swimming beach, minor litter pick up from the campground/day use areas, delivering firewood, and miscellaneous projects depending upon skills. Knowledge and experience with power tools, small construction projects and general facility upkeep is preferred but not required.

For more information on Gull Lake Recreation Area visit: https://www.mvp.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation-and-Natural-Resources/Gull-Lake/,  or send an Email to: gull.lake@usace.army.mil or call 651-290-5772.
(Updated 09/30/2019)
 

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Type: Trailer/RV Pads
Description: Volunteers will be provided a campsite with sewer, water, free laundry, 50 Amp electric and the use of all facilities and amenities in return for your services.

Volunteer Activities
• Botany
• Office/Clerical
• Tour Guide/Interpretation
• Visitor Information
• Weed/Invasive Species Control

Photo Courtesy of NPS

7/30/2019 Update: at this time Voyageurs is gratefully accepting applications for volunteers interested in summer, 2021, and future seasons as well. Contact the park's volunteer coordinator with questions.

Job Description: This position is located at Voyageurs National Park in northern Minnesota. The volunteer(s) will be the primary caretaker(s) of a one-acre native plant garden adjacent to the Rainy Lake Visitor Center. The garden, which was previously a field of invasive plants, is a restored site planted with vegetation native to this region. The term Ethno-botanical refers to the cultural importance of these plants to local bands of Ojibwe Indians. Primary duties are maintaining the garden on a weekly basis and providing information about the history and purpose of the garden to visitors. Volunteers working in this capacity will receive appropriate training, guidance and supervision from the District Interpreter.

As a uniformed volunteer with the National Park Service, the volunteer serves as the garden caretaker. The volunteer is responsible for planting shrubs and wildflowers, weeding invasive plants, pruning trees and shrubs, watering plants, and maintaining fences and trails. Duties may also include assisting with, or conducting interpretive programs (i.e. garden tours), helping to prepare for garden volunteer events (i.e. school groups), or helping to construct temporary displays and exhibits.

In addition, the volunteer will provide support to the Visitor Center. The volunteer will provide current, accurate information on Voyageurs National Park, the National Park Service (NPS) and surrounding areas; explain recreational opportunities, including National Park interpretive programs and services, and privately operated facilities and services; distributes maps, brochures, and other printed material; informs visitors of potential safety hazards; provide directions and routes of travel to provide access to the park.

The volunteer performs a variety of general office duties, including answering telephones, responding to written or phone requests for information, filing, typing and duplicating informational handouts. The volunteer operates a variety of office machines, including cash registers, calculators, typewriters, copiers, computers (if appropriate background check has been run,) and telephone/fax machines

The volunteer may also perform any or all of the following duties in the course of completing their work. These duties are secondary to the primary duties and typically constitute 20% or less of the duties of the position. 1) Stocking brochure boxes. 2) act as roving contact at the garden, boat docks, and trail head. 3) Assisting other park staff at special events. 4) Going into the field to familiarize self with area resources. 5) Assisting, as needed, with basic emergency response. 6) Opening and closing procedures of visitor center.

Personal Contacts: The volunteer has daily contacts with the visiting public, other volunteers, park staff, inholders and park neighbors. These people represent a cross section of the nation and of other countries of the world. Visitors are of all ages, and from all social, ethnic, and economic groups. The volunteer has contact with park visitors for the purpose of providing information about area facilities, services, activities and recreational opportunities. Public contacts occasionally include dealing with visitor complaints and conflicts, although these are typically referred to the supervisor. The volunteer must wear a park specified uniform.

Physical Demands & Work Environment: This position requires standing or kneeling for long periods of time, walking on uneven surfaces, bending, lifting of moderately heavy items, use of stepstools and ladders to reach fencing, and use of basic hand tools. Work is generally performed outdoors in the Ethno-botanical Garden. Trips to park field locations or local travel within or near International Falls, Kabetogama, or Ash River may be required, which may include travelling as a passenger on a government vessel. The volunteer may be subject to working in adverse conditions while outdoors including weather (rain or sun), insects, and ticks.

Locations & Accommodations: The Rainy Lake Visitor Center is located 11 miles east of International Falls, MN. . Housing is available by RV site hook up. Housing is free and included with the postion. All housing locations are in heavily forested areas; cell phone and satellite reception is spotty and unreliable at best.

Training: Training is provided for every volunteer who comes to Voyageurs National Park. We ensure that each volunteer feels comfortable with all aspects of the visitor center. Free tours are offered to volunteers throughout the summer tour season.

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Type: Trailer/RV Pads
Description: An RV pad with hook-ups is available near the Rainy Lake Visitor Center.

Volunteer Activities
• Computers
• Conservation Education
• Office/Clerical
• Tour Guide/Interpretation
• Visitor Information
• General Assistance

Photo Courtesy of NPS

Local Visitor Center Volunteer and Intern Opportunities

Voyageurs National Park is seeking full-time, part-time, and intermittent volunteers and/or interns from International Falls, Rainer, Kabetogama, and other nearby communities to provide assistance at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center. This is an opportunity for all seasons, including winter! Embrace the outdoors, share the warmth of the Rainy Lake Visitor Center with others, explore, help visitors obtain important information, get professional experience, and make a difference in your community. 

Primary Duties:

• Serve as a front-line representative for the National Park Service at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center
• Provide current, accurate information about Voyageurs National Park and nearby privately-operated facilities and services to visitors
• Assist visitors with customer service, trip planning, travel routes, orientation, and program/tour signup
• Provide information in person or via mail, telephone, or email
• Distribute maps, brochures, and printed material
• Make sales using a cash register, inventory stock, secure funds, and keep display area neat and organized
• Communicate safety information
• File brochures and duplicate informational handouts
• Open and close the Rainy Lake Visitor Center

Secondary Duties:

• Go into the field to familiarize self with area resources
• Collect fees, stocking brochure and permit boxes, collecting permits
• Make informal visitor contacts at a variety of park locations
• Assist other park staff at special events
• Assist, as needed, with basic emergency response

Additional Potential Duties that Volunteers May Elect to Perform:

• Lead or assist with interpretive programs (e.g. canoe programs, ski programs, and snowshoe hikes)
• Construct displays and exhibits
• Assist with student groups for Environmental Education
• Create content for the park website and social media profiles
• Represent the park at local community recruitment events

Duration and hours per day: Full-time, part-time, and intermittent positions are available. If volunteers wish to stay longer than the minimum commitment, the park can take volunteers for an entire season, more than one season, or a combination thereof.

• Full-time: 32 hours/week, eight-hour work day, six-week minimum commitment.
• Part-time: Between 16 and 31 hours/week, work day flexible between 4 and 8 hours per day, minimum six week commitment.
• Intermittent: Between 3 and 15 hours/ week, hours of work day flexible for open hours between 10 AM and 4 PM, four week minimum commitment.

Training: Volunteers will receive appropriate training, guidance, and supervision from the District Interpreter. We ensure that each volunteer feels comfortable operating all components of the visitor center. Free tours are offered to volunteers throughout the summer season.

Uniform: These positions require a uniform shirt and hat, which will be provided by the park. Volunteer must provide his/her own black or brown slacks, closed-toed shoes or hiking boots, and belt (black or brown).

Accommodations: These positions are for applicants living locally in International Falls, Rainer, Kabetogama, and other nearby communities. During the summer season, free RV sites (full hookups) are available for full-time volunteers. Cell phone and satellite reception is moderate.

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Not Available

Volunteer Activities
• Computers
• Office/Clerical

Photo Courtesy of NRCS

Data Base Programmer

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is in search of an Earth Team Volunteer to help with the creation of a Microsoft Access database for management of surveying and field equipment.

Volunteer will be supervised by Area Engineer in Detroit Lakes, however, volunteer can work remotely.

Duties:

• Create a Microsoft Access data base to track surveying and field equipment.
• Set up forms to run reports from the data base
• Track time adn report it on the first of each month.

Time commitment: 3 months.

This position will need a hard working individual, who can work independently and with minimal supervision. Knowledge and skill using Microsoft Access and Excel is needed.

Must demonstrate knowledge and support of, and perform duties in a manner consistent with, the agency's Equal Employment Opportunity and Civil Rights policies. Assures bias-free oral and written communications. Respects the values and differences of other employees and clients.

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Description: The volunteer is responsible for securing their own housing.

Volunteer Activities
• Campground Host
• Trail/Campground Maintenance
• Visitor Information

Photo Courtesy of FS

We are looking for a friendly person or couple to be a campground host at West Winnie and Webster Lake campgrounds.  Host positions begin early May through Labor Day, but because of the more primitive campground sites, volunteers may sign up for either the full summer,  WEEKENDS or as ROTATING HOSTS.  

West Winnie is located on Lake Winnibigoshish, the 4th largest lake in Minnesota and a popular fishing lake. West Winnie has 35 campsites, Webster Lake has 15 sites..  Webster Lake is a quiet small lake, great for canoeing and panfishing!Both campgrounds are remote and more primitive, and Forest offers opps to work full summer or select weekends, sharing duties with other hosts.

These two campgrounds do not have any type of hookups for the host RV site.  (No electric, water hook-up or holding tank.) What these sites lake in facilities they make up for in great camping along the lakeshore and some great fishing opportunities.  Your choice of big or small lake!

The campground host will act as the first contact for the Forest Service and will live in the campground.  The host will provide a presence, answer questions, and perform light duty work including bathroom cleaning, posting reservations, and some mowing.  Hosts provide campfire wood. The host will also make rounds each day and record license numbers of campers.  The host will not perform law enforcement duties, but will inform Forest Service personnel or the county sheriff depending on the violation. District recreation staff provide support and supplies to campground hosts.  Many hosts make lifelong friends with campers.

This is a volunteer position.  We are able to reimburse the host with a prime lakeside camping spot in the campground, $10 a day for food, reimbursement of any travel needed for the position, and a phone.  There are no hookups. 

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Type: Camp Sites
Description: RV Site provided in the campground loop. West Winnie and Webster campgrounds have no RV hookups, so District is looking for someone willing for multiple couples to each take a few weeks in the summer.

Volunteer Activities
• Campground Host
• Trail/Campground Maintenance
• Visitor Information
• General Assistance

Photo Courtesy of FS

The Chippewa National Forest is looking for volunteer hosts at the Norway Beach Recreation Area, working to maintain the Norway Beach Picnic Area and Day Use site. Norway Beach is a large recreation area that includes four campgrounds, a picnic area, boat launch, Visitor Center, bike trails and swimming area.

Volunteer hosts have a variety of duties including trash pick-up, mowing, cleaning bathrooms, post reservations in campgrounds and general maintenance in the day use area. Hosts may be asked to provide back-up for campground hosts as needed.

Day Use hosts are provided a campsite in the Norway Beach Recreation Area (electric provided.) Norway Beach is a popular summer campground and the day use area is also popular for swimming and picnicking.

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Type: Camp Sites
Description: Day Use hosts will be provided a campsite in the Norway Beach Recreation Area (Campground to be determined by supervisor--most likely Cass or Norway loops.)

Volunteer Activities
• Campground Host
• Trail/Campground Maintenance
• Visitor Information
• General Assistance

Photo Courtesy of FS

The Chippewa National Forest is looking for a campground host at Mabel Lake campground, located between Walker, Minn. and Remer, Minn. off Highway 200. This small but popular campground has 22 campsites and a small day-use area with picnic shelter and a beach.

Campgrounds hosts maintain campsites, clean the bathrooms, provide firewood (visitors pay at fee tubes) and offer assistance to campers as needed.  Mabel Lake is a more primitive campground so hosts do not have electric or water hookup. Because of this, the Forest is willing to look at hosts who may be willing to cover weekends or rotate coverage with other hosts through the summer.

Mabel Lake is near the North Country National Scenic Trail and the Boy River, a popular canoe route.

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Type: Camp Sites
Description: Host is provided a campsite within Mabel Lake campground. No electric or water available on site--hosts may choose to work selected weekends, sharing duties with other volunteers.

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

Photo Courtesy of FS

Volunteer hosts welcome campers and day use visitors to the historic Norway Beach Visitor Center in the heart of the Norway Beach Recreation Area.  The Visitor Center was built in 1938 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The beautiful log lodge houses historic displays, current Forest information and a presentation room for naturalist programs.  Many people stop by just to view the stone fireplace and log building! Gardening skills are a plus!

Hosts provide Forest information and provide directions around this large recreation area which includes a picnic area and picnic shelter, paved bike trails, hiking trails, swimming beach and four large campground loops.  Hosts also work with the Interpretive bookstore, selling books, maps, t-shirts and other themed items.  Volunteers help "tour" visitors around the building, pointing out CCC Finnish-style construction and telling the "Story In Stone" about the fireplace.  All simple fun parts of working at the Visitor Center. 

Hosts must be able to work independently, as Forest staff moves in between other campgrounds and Visitor Centers.  Naturalists are roving, and so are scheduled only certain hours at the Visitor Centers.  Campground hosts are nearby.  Hosts work the Visitor Center schedule, which is 9:00 a.m-4:30 p.m. Wednesday thru Sunday.  Days off are Monday-Tuesday. (This volunteer position will share the five days/week schedule with a returning host couple.) Looking for someone to work 2-4 days at VIC, and there is an opportunity to volunteer at other Forest sites additional days if interested.

Volunteers receive a small reimbursement (per couple) and are provided a campsite with electric hook-up at the Norway Beach Recreation Area.

Norway Beach is a beautiful summer site--tucked in the big pines and along the shores of Cass Lake.  Our campers come back year after year, and have become a part of our family.  Norway Beach features paved trails, so bring your bike along.  We hope you can join us for a summer in the northwoods!

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Type: Camp Sites
Description: Campsite provided at one of the Norway Beach Recreation Area campgrounds. Located within walking/biking distance of the Visitor Center.

Volunteer Activities
• Construction/Maintenance
• Conservation Education
• Tour Guide/Interpretation
• Visitor Information

Photo Courtesy of FS

Hosts at the Cut Foot Sioux Visitor Center welcome campers and day use visitors to the heart of the Chippewa National Forest.  Cut Foot Sioux is a popular recreation center, with six campgrounds, hiking trails, and some of the most popular early-season fishing lakes on the Forest.  Hosts provide information for visitors and sell items through the Edge of the Wilderness Discovery Center bookstore (includes books, maps, t-shirts and theme items). 

Cut Foot Sioux has a beautiful pollinator garden in front, and hosts may be asked to provide "mini-tours" of the garden, identifying plants and helping kids find the monarch caterpillars!  Hosts must be able to work independently, as Forest staff work with multiple campground and visitor centers, and naturalists are roving, providing scheduled programs at other recreation sites. 

Hosts may be asked to provide simple self-guided activities for visiting families--setting up art activities and discovery kit theme boxes. 

Hosts receive a small monetary reimbursement and are provided a campsite in the Cut Foot Sioux area.  Visitor Center hours are 9:00-4:30 Wednesday-Sunday.  (Visitor Center hosts may be able to alternate schedule if we have additional volunteers at site.  Currently, we are looking for a host couple to cover weekends at the Visitor Center.)

This is a great opportunity for volunteers who would like to "dip their feet" into the naturalist world with small teachable moments in the garden and fun youth activities.  There is much to explore in the beautiful Cut Foot area: bring your fishing pole, your kayak, and your camper and enjoy a summer in the northwoods!

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Type: Camp Sites
Description: Campsite in an RV site next to a government bunkhouse approximately 1/2 mile from the Cut Foot Sioux Visitor Center. Shower, laundry facilities and bathroom available in basement of bunkhouse.

Volunteer Activities
• Campground Host
• Trail/Campground Maintenance

Photo Courtesy of FS

The Chippewa National Forest is looking for a host couple for the very popular Stony Point Campground on Leech Lake. This beautiful campground is located on a scenic point out on Minnesota's third largest lake. Hosts at the site must be ready for a busy summer, as the campground is full throughout the season. (There may be another opportunity for intermittent back-up hosts as well--please indicate which position you would be interested in.)

Stony Point has electricity at the sites, and newly constructed shower buildings. There are 44 sites at the campground; all are reservable.  Campground hosts provide information, firewood, and clean bathroom buildings. The campground is located 10 miles from Walker, Minnesota.

This is an amazing site, offering quick access to great fishing, wildflower and birding areas. Stony Point campground season is May 10 to September 30, 2019.

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Type: Trailer/RV Pads
Description: RV Site with electricity, newly renovated shower/bathroom building at campground

Volunteer Activities
• Office/Clerical
• Visitor Information
• General Assistance

Photo Courtesy of NPS

7/30/2019 Update: at this time Voyageurs is gratefully accepting applications for volunteers interested in summer, 2020, and future seasons as well. Contact the park's volunteer coordinator with questions.

Job Description: This position is located at Voyageurs National Park, located in northern Minnesota. Primary duties are staffing the visitor center desk and sales area, providing trip-planning assistance, and disseminating information in person or via mail, telephone, or electronic mail. Duties may also include assisting with interpretive programs (i.e. canoe, talks and hikes), helping to prepare for special events, or helping to construct temporary displays and exhibits. Volunteer may also be responsible for filling written and e-mailed information requests.Volunteers working in this capacity will receive appropriate training, guidance and supervision from the District Interpreter.

As a uniformed volunteer with the National Park Service, the volunteer serves as a front-line representative of the agency at the visitor center. The volunteer is responsible for providing current, accurate information on Voyageurs National Park and the National Park Service (NPS) to visitors, along with information on surrounding areas. The volunteer explains recreational opportunities, including National Park interpretive programs and services, and privately operated facilities and services. The volunteer distributes maps, brochures, and other printed material; informs visitors of potential safety hazards; provides directions and routes of travel to provide access to the park.

Duties: The volunteer performs a variety of general office duties, including answering telephones, responding to written or phone requests for information, filing, typing and duplicating informational handouts. The volunteer operates a variety of office machines, including cash registers, calculators, copiers, computers, and telephone/fax machines. A federal background check is required to gain computer access.

The volunteer staffs the Cooperating Association sales outlet, makes sales using a cash register, inventories stock, and keeps display area stocked and neat in appearance at all times.

The volunteer may also perform any or all of the following duties in the course of completing their work. These duties are secondary to the primary duties and typically constitute 20% or less of the duties of the position.

• Collecting fees, stocking brochure and permit boxes, collecting permits.
• Performing roving contact at a variety of park locations.
• Assisting other park staff at special events.
• Going into the field to familiarize self with area resources.
• Assisting, as needed, with basic emergency response.
• Opening and closing procedures of visitor center.

Dates: We ask for a commitment of at least 6 weeks. If volunteers wish to stay longer we have taken volunteers for the entire season or a combination thereof.

Locations & Accommodations: There are three visitor centers within the park that need volunteers. The Ash River Visitor Center is located 45 miles south of International Falls, Minnesota. The Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center is located 30 miles south of International Falls, MN and the Rainy Lake Visitor Center is located 11 miles east of International Falls, MN.

Housing: Housing is free and available either by RV site hook up and/or cabins depending on the location. All housing locations are in heavily forested areas; cell phone and satellite reception is spotty and unreliable at best.

Training: Training is provided for every volunteer who comes to Voyageurs National Park. We ensure that each volunteer feels comfortable with all aspects of the visitor center. Free tours are offered to volunteers throughout the summer tour season.

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Type: Cabins
Description: A limited number of RV pads with hook-ups are available near the Rainy Lake and Ash River Visitor Centers. A limited number of cabins are available near the Ash River Visitor Center. Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center volunteers commute from the housing area near Ash River.

The tallgrass prairie within the monument's boundary is infested with buckthorn, an invasive species, that is taking over the grounds. The volunteer in this position will be responsible for proper removal of the buckthorn.

Training and personal protective equipment (PPE) will be provided. After training, the volunteer will function autonomously. This means that supervision will be minimal - the volunteer will sign in upon arrival so that staff knows they are onsite, grab the tools, radio, and PPE provided, work for however long they would like to, and sign out upon return of the equipment.

Whether it's just for a couple of hours a week or more, the staff will be grateful for assistance in getting this issue under control. 

Start Date: Whenever the volunteer would like to

Volunteer requirements: None. As long as you are not afraid of working in the heat or with buckthorn, you can do this. Work as many hours as you like and whenever you are available to do so. There is a great degree of flexibility with this job.

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Not Available

Duty: Help the park digitize thousands of documents that need to go into our system. This involves taking old files and scanning them into a computer.

Difficulty: This is a very easy, but repetitive task that is often not prioritized due to other duties of the operation that require the staff's immediate attention. A volunteer who does not mind helping us out once or twice a week would be immensely beneficial to this process.

Who would be a good fit: Individuals who prefer working indoors, do not mind working alone, and enjoy repetition as well as seeing progress in completed tasks.  

Start Date: At any time - just contact the park and let us know when you would like to start.

Amount of hours required: Whatever you prefer! If you have an hour a week or several hours a month to give, we are grateful for the help. 

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Not Available

Volunteer Activities
• Construction/Maintenance
• Other
• Timber/Fire Prevention
• Trail/Campground Maintenance
• Visitor Information
• Science
• Back Country/Wilderness
• General Assistance

Photo Courtesy of NPS

Voyageurs National Park is currently looking to fill 1 Campsite Maintenance/Cleaner Volunteer position for summer, 2019.

This position is located in the Maintenance division of Voyageurs National Park.  The volunteer reports to the Facilities Management Chief, and may work anywhere in the park performing some or all of the services outlined below:

• Campground cleaning 
• Campground maintenance
• Vehicle operations
• Grounds, dock, trail, and road maintenance 

Volunteers working in this capacity will receive appropriate training, guidance and supervision from the assigned supervisor. 

Days per week: 3 to 4

Hours per week: 32 minimum

Duration of position: Negotiable. A full season (preferred) begins June 01, 2019, and ends September 30, 2019. 

MAJOR DUTIES

Campground cleaning/maintenance

The volunteer may perform routine cleaning of designated campsites by sweeping and disinfecting privies or outhouses, removing non-burnable materials and ashes from fire grate, sweeping and/or washing picnic tables, and picking up litter around campsite grounds and beaches.  Maintenance may require rough carpentry, painting and staining, concrete repair, digging new outhouse pits, erosion control, and removing fallen or hazardous trees.

Vehicle operations

The volunteer will drive ½ and ¾ ton pickup trucks on occasion.  During the summer, the volunteer may operate gasoline powered watercraft ranging from 16’ to 21’ in length and up to 200 H.P. outboards (with Motorboat Operator's Certification training).  During the winter, the volunteer may operate a snowmobile (upon completion of MN permitting and park orientation).  The volunteer is responsible for checking and maintaining proper fluid levels, fuel mixtures, and other items required for safe operation of assigned vehicles.  The volunteer is also responsible for keeping assigned vehicles in clean, neat condition with all tools and equipment properly stored.

Grounds maintenance

The volunteer may perform routine summer and winter maintenance to park grounds around visitor information centers, quarters, or other structures.  Summer maintenance includes mowing grass with power push or riding lawn mowers, trimming grass around buildings and visitor use areas; installing, maintaining, and emptying garbage cans; and keeping grounds picked up and free of litter.  Winter maintenance may include snow and ice removal or trail grooming.

Dock maintenance

The volunteer may assist with the installation or removal of floating docks in spring or fall.  The volunteer may assist with construction of floating or crib docks and maintenance of existing visitor and staff dock structures to standards.  All dock work is under the direction of the district Work Leader or Maintenance Supervisor.

Road maintenance

The volunteer may perform manual work by removing debris from culverts and ditches, brushing shoulders, removing downed trees and limbs from roadway, and removing stones from driving surface or filling depressions to maintain a smooth uniform driving surface.

The volunteer may perform any or all of the following duties in the course of completing their work.  These duties are secondary to the primary duties and typically constitute 20% or less of the position duties.

• May assist park staff with installing and removing floating docks, constructing new floating or crib docks, and making emergency repairs to correct hazardous dock conditions.
• Going into the field to familiarize self with area resources.
• Assisting, as needed, with basic emergency response.

FACTORS

To perform the duties of this position, the volunteer must have the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Knowledge and experience in recreation hiking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, trail construction and design, and use of equipment and machines.
• Knowledge of water-oriented work practices and safe boating operations. May be a passenger in or operate government boats and vehicles.
• Ability to arrive at assigned site on time, follow directions, and independently perform assigned tasks once trained and oriented. 
• Ability to work in on maintenance tasks as part of a team.
• Ability to use and maintain tools and equipment (hammers, saws, shovels, and rakes).
• Ability to responsibly and professionally interact with members of the public, as well as colleagues and supervisors.
• Ability to efficiently organize and/or plan equipment and materials necessary to accomplish daily work functions
• Knowledge of NPS and park mission and goals.

Supervisory Controls

The volunteer works under the supervision of the Facilities Management Chief, Project Coordinater, or Team Leader.  After receiving specific instructions, the volunteer performs routine assignments with park staff or independently. The supervisor is available when problems or unusual situations arise.  Supervisor spot checks routine work for accuracy, with closer review performed for more difficult or non-routine assignments.

Complexity

The volunteer(s) work closely with park staff. Assignments are primarily repetitive, consisting of clearly defined tasks.  Questions regarding non-routine tasks are referred to the supervisor.

Scope and Effect

The results of the incumbent's activities contribute to visitor enjoyment and understanding of the park area and the public’s appreciation of the National Park Service mission.  Trails, docks, outhouses, campsites, and other recreational structures provide the visitor with a positive park experience. These activities affect the NPS and its employees, visitors, land managers, and neighbors.
 

Personal Contacts

The volunteer has daily contacts with other volunteers and park staff.  Contact with park visitors or other shareholders are rare and under the supervision of a Team Leader or the Project Coordinator.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The volunteer must occasionally lift and carry heavy loads in excess of 30 lbs over uneven terrain. Heavy materials are often loaded and unloaded and transported to work sites. The position often involves frequent hiking to and from the work site, bending or working in a stooped position, and the use of hand tools. Work is done outdoors and subject to adverse weather conditions (rain, snow, sun, etc.). Local temperatures range from +90 degrees F. to -40 degrees F. Appropriate safety measures must be taken to avoid temperature extremes.  Working outdoors involves the presence of numerous biting insects including ticks, mosquitoes, and flies. Trips to park field locations or local travel within or near International Falls, Kabetogama, or Ash River may be required, which may include travelling as a passenger on or operating a government vessel. 

Benefits

• RV campsite with hookups (minimum 32 hours a week to qualify)
• Opportunity to attend a Motorboat Operator's Certification Course
• Annual Volunteer Park Pass, valid at all federal fee sites (250 hours needed to qualify)
• Opportunity to experience the history and recreational resources of Voyageurs national Park

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Type: Trailer/RV Pads
Description: RV pads with full hookup capabilities may be available at Whispering Pines, the park's seasonal housing area.

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.