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 06/11/2019)
 

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
• Office/Clerical
• Visitor Information
• General Assistance

Photo Courtesy of NPS

5/19/2019 Update: at this time we are seeking to fill one position for summer, 2019. In addition, Voyageurs is still gratefully accepting applications for volunteers interested in 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
• Conservation Education
• Office/Clerical
• Soil/Watershed
• Visitor Information
• Fish/Wildlife
• General Assistance
• Weed/Invasive Species Control

Photo Courtesy of FWS

This position includes a combination of visitor services and maintenance duties.

Duties include:

Provide support to the permanent maintenance staff on a variety of duties. Will include groundskeeping, mowing visitor center and shop area grounds, public lake accesses, interpretive sites and entrance areas with riding lawn mower and weed whipper.There will be some trail maintenance, painting, carpentry projects, minor repair of buildings, sign installation, etc. Other duties as assigned.

Interest or background in working on maintenance type projects (mechanics, carpentry, groundskeeping). Must be in good physical condition and ability to work in warm temperatures and sun. Must be able to load and unload riding mower onto and off trailer frequently and be able perform general maintenance on equipment (training provided). 

Welcome visitors and provide helpful information including recreation opportunities and wildlife viewing. Open and/or close visitor center. Operate gift shop including cash register sales. Answer and direct calls to staff, receive deliveries. Light cleaning and maintenance of visitor center. May assist staff with environmental educational programs depending on interest. Assist with special events including spring Festival of Birds or Annual Fall Festival. Will work weekends. Must enjoy working with people and providing excellent customer service. Knowledge or willingness to learn about nature, ecology, wildlife, and plants including common species. 

Valid driver’s license and a defensive driving course (provided) is required to operate a government vehicle.

An RV pad with electrical, water and sewer will be provided in exchange for 24 hours/week of service.

Make your home among bald eagles, trumpeter swans, loons and wolves. Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge encompasses 43,000 acres of forests, wetlands, lakes and rivers in NW Minnesota.

3-6 month commitment desirable, minimum of 60 days required.

Can be flexible with start and end dates. 

4 vacancies to fill depending on volunteer(s) time committment. **Note - as of March 12, 2019, I am still looking for a single or couple to fill these position(s) for the months of June- August. 

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Type: Trailer/RV Pads
Description: Small shed for additional storage, picnic table, a clothesline, and laundry facilities. Concrete walk out from gravel RV pad. WiFi access at RV pads Small pets may be allowed with permission.

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
• 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
• Construction/Maintenance
• Historical Preservation
• Soil/Watershed
• Timber/Fire Prevention
• Trail/Campground Maintenance
• Visitor Information
• Back Country/Wilderness
• General Assistance
• Weed/Invasive Species Control

Photo Courtesy of FS

Here is an opportunity for a 2-person team to look after a historic cabin located deep within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The ideal candidates for this position will be self-sufficient and capable of accomplishing a wide variety of tasks related to the preservation of the structure and maintenance of the adjacent section of the Kekakabic Trail. This position will require overnighting in the wilderness for extended periods of time. The candidates should be proficient in canoeing, able to hike long distances with heavy packs, trained in first aid/cpr but wilderness first responder would be preferred.

Some of the duties will include, but are not limited to: cleaning the cabin, reglazing windows, caulking, sanding, staining logs, masonry, grounds work, trail clearing,  and campsite maintenance.

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Type: Cabins
Description: Housing in remote wilderness cabin. No running water or electricity. Cabin has propane stove, fridge and lights.

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 seeking host for the Cass Lake Loop Campground, part of the Norway Beach Recreation Area near Cass Lake, Minnesota. The Cass Lake loop is a popular campground and the smallest of the four campground loops in the Recreation Area, but also the closest to the lake! There are 23 sites and the campground does have a shower building.

Campgrounds hosts clean bathrooms, pick up litter left at campsites, perform general maintenance of the campground, and provide firewood for campers (visitors pay through a fee tube). Campground hosts help visitors enjoy their camping experience.

Norway Beach Recreation Area is located on beautiful Cass Lake, a popular fishing and boating lake in the summer. The area includes four campground loops, a paved bike trail, picnic shelter, visitor center and swimming beach.

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Type: Camp Sites
Description: Campsite at the Cass Lake Loop provided for hosts (lakeside). This includes electric hook up and access to water. Contact the volunteer supervisor for more specifics.

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 two 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
• 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!

 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
• Historical Preservation
• Tour Guide/Interpretation
• Visitor Information

Photo Courtesy of FS

Develop your interpretive skills and hone your knowledge of U.S. history and the Civilian Conservation Corps! This is an opportunity to lead tours at Camp Rabideau, a national historic landmark on the Chippewa National Forest. Hosts must be comfortable leading tours for small and large groups, and have an interest in learning and sharing knowledge about the CCC.
Excellent opportunity! History Enthusiasts Needed!

Camp Rabideau is one of three standing Civilian Conservation Corps camps in the country. This is a popular visitor site during the summer, and the Camp Rabideau volunteer host leads tours of the buildings, introducing visitors to the story of the CCC and the importance of this New Deal program during the Great Depression. Host will teach visitors about projects completed by CCC "boys" on the Chippewa National Forest.

This national historic landmark has twelve remaining buildings, including the education building, crew bunkhouse, officer quarters, infirmary and rec hall. The host must be comfortable talking with both small and large groups of people, and have a strong interest in history. There are many resources available for the host to learn about the CCC and this amazing site, and the host works closely with District staff and Forest archaeologist. There are also opportunities to develop interpretive skills via training with Forest naturalists.

Some maintenance is required to keep interiors maintained for tours. While host lives on site, a schedule will be posted with hours open for tours. (Generally 5 days per week and core hours during the day.) Some days will be very busy with tours; many days will be quiet with only a few people.

Key qualities for this volunteer position are a welcoming personality, an ability to tell the CCC story, and an interest in history.  Host will also work with Forest staff to seek out new partners and education opportunities for Camp Rabideau.

To learn more about Camp Rabideau, download the Chippewa National Forest App (https://www.oncell.com/) or check out the Forest website.  This is a great opportunity for someone working with the Master Naturalist program or wanting to develop interpretive skills.

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Type: Trailer/RV Pads
Description: RV pad in the historic Camp Rabideau Civilian Conservation Corps site.

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

Photo Courtesy of FS

We are looking for volunteers to work as visitor center hosts at the Edge of the Wilderness Discovery Center (EOWDC) in northern Minnesota. The Discovery Center provides a variety of environmental education programs and events throughout the year. The EOWDC also has interpretive displays, area information, a gift shop, trail, fishing pier, picnic area, and more!

The main duties for this position involve greeting visitors and helping with information services. Some light housekeeping and retail sales are also involved and you may occasionally be asked to help the naturalist prepare materials for programs. We ask each person or couple to work three eight-hour daytime shifts per week. The rest of the week you will be free to explore, hike, fish, or canoe in the beautiful lake country of the Edge of the Wilderness and Chippewa National Forest.

The friendly staff at the Edge of the Wilderness Discovery Center offer a fun and relaxing atmosphere to work in. A free campsite with full hook-ups in the scenic Marcell area will be available for persons/couples willing to work three 8-hour shifts per week. A second option is a USFS campsite with electrical hookup only plus potential subsistence reimbursement (negotiable upon available funds).

This opportunity will begin on approximately May 9, 2019, and end between Labor Day and September 30, 2019.

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Type: Trailer/RV Pads
Description: RV pad with full hook-ups or campsite with electric only

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

Photo Courtesy of NPS

1/30/2019 Update: at this time our positions for summer, 2019 have been filled. However, Voyageurs is still gratefully accepting applications for volunteers interested in future seasons, or who would like to be considered for 2019 if additional opportunities become available. 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
• Construction/Maintenance
• Historical Preservation
• Office/Clerical
• Soil/Watershed
• Trail/Campground Maintenance
• Visitor Information
• Natural Resources Planning
• Back Country/Wilderness
• General Assistance
• Weed/Invasive Species Control

Photo Courtesy of FS

Volunteers will be working with our Wilderness Rangers within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Four duty stations are available: Cook, Ely, Grand Marias, and Tofte and each of these offices are taking applications.

The BWCAW is approximately 1 million acres that borders Canada. Travel within this wilderness is done mainly by canoe, and portages (trails) are utilized to go from one lake to the next. This particular program begins in the first part of June and ends usually in mid to late August. The ending date is flexible, but we do prefer a commitment of 2-3 months.

Free lodging is available in one of our modern-style housing units and has most of your basic amenities. A possible subsistence reimbursement may also be provided to those who are accepted.

The first week  is dedicated to training but most of the skills will develop on the ground. Some of this training includes: crosscut saw use, basic trail and backcountry campsite maintenance, first aid/CPR, visitor assistance, canoe and watercraft operation, and proper use and care of hand tools. The main tools that we use are: crosscut saws, pulaskis, shovels, nippers, axes, etc. Another useful tool in the evening is a fishing pole.

A typical two week schedule consists of 7-8 days and nights camping, canoeing, and working hard within the BWCAW followed by six days off and then back in the woods for another 7-8 days. Our experienced Wilderness Rangers typically work from 7 am to 5:30 pm while in the BWCAW. Expect to paddle about 8-15 miles a day and portage (carry) your share of camping gear, tools, and canoes across those trails that connects our many lakes.

During the work day Wilderness Rangers will be maintaining those backcountry primitive campsites, trails and portages, and interacting with the visiting public. Sometimes you might stay at the same campsite within the BWCAW and other times you may be camping at different sites on different lakes throughout your 7-8 days. Most of the basic camping gear is supplied by the US Forest Service. This gear includes: tent, sleeping bag, thermarest, stove, pots/pans, fuel, water filter, life jacket, and paddle. This will all be supplied in one Duluth Pack and is yours to utilize for the summer.

When the work day is done, you are free to do whatever you like whether it’s fishing for trophy size walleyes and bass, swimming in our pristine lakes, or reading a book as the sun sets. Our volunteers in the past have said this was one of the greatest experiences that they have had. The only regret that you may have is not applying.

There are also numerous other volunteer opportunities available on the Superior National Forest. Some of the possibilities include but are not limited to: wildlife surveys, GPS/GIS, Adopt a Canoe Route, trail clearing, etc. Contact Jamie Lowe for further details.

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Type: Bunk House
Description: The bunk house is equipped with two bathrooms, shared kitchen and common area. On site laundry included and access to exercise facility and Wi-Fi.

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.