Nature Center Host for the James River Park System

Brief Organizational Description: 
The James River Park System is located in the heart of Richmond and offers over 550 acres of wild green space, featuring James River access, beautiful trails, diverse wildlife and native flora, and endless opportunities to explore wild places. 

Volunteer Position Description and Purpose:
Do you have a love for the James River Park System and helping others feel the same? JRPS is seeking volunteers to serve as Visitor Center Hosts, to share resources with park visitors, answer questions about park features and amenities, and help visitors hit the trails with all of the information they need to enjoy our parks. 

Volunteer Duties & Responsibilities:
Visitor Center Hosts will be located at JRPS's Reedy Creek Visitor Center on Saturdays. Volunteer shifts will be from 10:00am-12:00pm, 12:00pm-2:00pm, and 2:00pm-4:00pm. Visitor Center hosts will have access to various interpretative artifacts, native animal skeletons, and fur pelts to teach visitors about the history and animals that make the park unique. Hosts will also be provided with resources, trail and river safety maps, water bottles, and basic first aid items, to ensure that visitors have what they need to enjoy the park safely. If you consider yourself an avid nature lover and have enjoyed JRPS as a visitor, this is a great opportunity to share that passion and be a resource for people new to the park!

Qualifications, Skills, & Requirements:
Anyone with a passion for ecology, park history, river safety, and park interpretation.

Time Commitment:
Volunteers must sign up for at least (1) 2-hour shift and are welcome to stay for as many shifts as they would like. 

Other Information (if applicable):

• Prior to volunteering, a JRPS park ranger will schedule an informal training at Reedy Creek, where you will learn more about the opportunity and be provided with all of the resources you need. As your volunteer shift proceeds, a ranger will be readily available to assist and will check-in periodically to provide support. 
• Clothing appropriate for the outdoors
• Parking will be available in the Reedy Creek headquarters parking lot
• Any food or snacks, weather appropriate clothing. JRPS staff will be able to provide you with all other tools and resources required for the opportunity.