Ecological Monitor

Our Opportunity: Ecological Monitor Volunteers support Gateway Arch National Park by collecting data on creatures they observe within the park’s boundaries. This data, when shared and aggregated, helps NPS staff, local citizens, and even the global community know what creatures are found in our very urban national park, which leads to a greater understanding of the park’s ecosystem and a greater understanding of urban ecology in general. The primary tasks of an Ecological Monitor are to look around the park and use a smartphone to take pictures of creatures they see. Volunteers will then log their observations on the smartphone app iNaturalist.  

How does this position make an impact? 

Gateway Arch National Park is in downtown St. Louis, on land that has been heavily modified by humans for hundreds of years. Our urban location brings "heat islands" caused by concrete construction, poor soil conditions, low biodiversity as compared to undisturbed areas, limited space, and air pollution (though air pollution has improved in recent years).  However, populations of animals (including birds, insects, arachnids, and small mammals) can and do live here, or pass through on their yearly migrations. As human populations become more urbanized, it is important to thoughtfully study the animals that thrive in cities, and to consider what urban planners can do to help wildlife and humans live peacefully among each other.  

Roles and Responsibilities: This opportunity is open to volunteers 18 or older (though younger applicants with parent/guardian approval may be considered). As representatives of the National Park Service and Gateway Arch Park Foundation, volunteers must adhere to the policies, procedures, and code of conduct as outlined in the volunteer handbook provided prior to or during training.  

Required Qualifications, Knowledge & Skills: Ability to abide by the following rules: 

• Never handle, disturb, or collect any animals. 
• Avoid any areas that have been roped off for plant restoration.
• Stay out of the ponds and away from the steep slopes on either side of the Grand Staircase. 
• An interest in urban ecology is helpful but not required.
• Enthusiasm, friendliness, and a positive attitude.
• Respect for confidentiality of Gateway Arch National Park’s volunteers, partners, members, and donors.
• Willingness to take initiative and voice ideas 

Physical Requirements: 

• Ability to move outdoors. The park has miles of ADA-accessible paved paths, so volunteers could be successful in this opportunity even if they use mobility aids (such as wheelchairs, canes, walkers, or scooters) to travel through the park. 
• Ability to stoop/bend over to take closeups of small animals (such as insects, lizards, snails, etc) helpful but not required. 

Commitment: A minimum of four hours per month is suggested. Please register for shifts on VolunteerHub. 

Location: We anticipate that volunteers will spend most of their time in the Explorer Garden in the north gateway of the park. Since this garden contains mostly native plants, it usually has high animal activity. 

Training and Supervision: 

• Volunteers must attend orientation onsite or virtually. Orientation is offered quarterly and lasts approximately 2 hours. 
• Training will be conducted by volunteer supervisors or seasoned volunteers on the first day of each volunteer’s shift and will vary depending on the position, supervisor, and personal learning styles. 

Volunteer Perks: 

• Contribute to Gateway Arch National Park.
• Annual NPS Volunteer Pass (250+ hours).
• Annual volunteer recognition event.
• Free parking if needed during volunteer hours.
• Valuable career experience.
• Have fun interacting with rangers and visitors from all over the world.

Thank you for wanting to be a part of our team. We could not serve the community of St. Louis without you! 

About Gateway Arch National Park 

Gateway Arch National Park is a part of the National Park Service (NPS) and therefore follows the NPS mission to preserve unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Gateway Arch reflects St. Louis' role in the Westward Expansion of the United States during the nineteenth century. The park is a memorial to Thomas Jefferson's role in opening the West, to the pioneers who helped shape its history, and to Dred Scott who sued for his freedom in the Old Courthouse. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/jeff. 

About Gateway Arch Park Foundation 

The Gateway Arch Park Foundation is a non-profit organization with a mission to ensure that the Gateway Arch, it’s grounds, neighboring public space, and attractions are a vital, active, and welcoming, well-supported resource to the community and nation for generations to come. The Foundation is part of an alliance that helps meet this mission, which includes the National Park Service, Bi-State Development, Great Rivers Greenway, Jefferson National Parks Association and the City of St. Louis. For more information, visit www.ArchPark.org.  

Reports to National Park Service staff