Campground Host

Introduction:

Campground hosts represent the National Park Service and are a valuable asset to the park’s campground operation.  Hosts deal with a variety of people and personalities.  Major duties and requirements of this position are listed below.  Hosts are not required to take on law enforcement issues; however they do serve as very important eyes and ears in the campgrounds and aid in reporting any problems or situations to park rangers.  Most of all, Blue Ridge Parkway hosts ensure that park visitors have a visit which is as safe and enjoyable as possible and, in the process, have an enjoyable time themselves.  

Major Duties:

• Actively participate in a safe workplace culture.
• Maintain their own campsite in accordance with all park regulations, thereby setting a good example for other campers.
• Assist visitors with finding a campsite.  If campsites are full, visitors will be directed to other campgrounds or available lodging.
• Ensure that appropriate fees are collected, and that funds are processed in a safe, secure and accountable manner.
• Inform and educate visitors on park and camping regulations.
• Lead visitor-engagement activities as assigned.
• Rove assigned campground to provide visitors with local, regional, and park information.
• Provide informal interpretation to visitors.
• Hang reservation tags for incoming campers with pre-paid sites.
• Assist park personnel in keeping the campground area clean and free of litter.
• Report any hazards, in or out of the campground, to an immediate supervisor.
• Stock and/or clean comfort stations as needed.
• Inform fee staff and/or maintenance of sanitation problems and maintenance issues.
• Periodically makes rounds in the campground in order to update records and remind campers of rules and regulations.  Any law enforcement issues will be reported to park rangers.

• IMPORTANT: Host will not attempt to enforce any regulations by acting in a law enforcement capacity.  Host will use educational and informational approach when appropriate to gain compliance with park regulations.  Only commissioned law enforcement rangers will take enforcement action.

• Occasionally assist visitors after hours.
• Communicate with park staff via park radios.

Other Duties:

• Assist with self-registration and remits, when needed.
• Complete shift reports to verify money collected, accountable stock sold, and all machine transactions from the shift using journal and receipt tapes and a register of refunded/voided transactions, as needed.
• Assist park personnel with campground maintenance projects (i.e. painting, weeding, clean fire rings, etc.).
• Upon request, assist park personnel during emergency operations (i.e. traffic control).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Favorable background investigation.
• Surety bond secured by the park in the volunteer’s name.
• Ability to work independently with little to no supervision and as part of a team.
• Ability to communicate orally.
• Enjoy talking with and meeting people.
• Ability to effectively deal with stressful situations.
• Ability to work on uneven terrain.
• Have a professional and courteous demeanor.
• Ability to tolerate a variety of weather and working conditions.
• Must possess a valid state driver’s license.
• Ability to drive a golf cart to travel around the campground.
• Knowledge/skills in outdoor recreation or natural sciences are beneficial.
• CPR/AED training helpful.
• Previous experience is desirable but not a requirement.

Physical Demands:

Sitting, standing, bending, and walking for extended periods of time.  Raking, shoveling, wielding loppers and handling other small equipment for extended periods of time.

Work Environment:

The work is predominantly outdoors.  Mountain weather is unpredictable and can change quickly.  The area experiences thunderstorms, high winds, rain, heavy fog and wildlife.

Work Schedule:

• Work schedule will be coordinated with the volunteer’s supervisor.
• No more than 32 hours per week, including holidays and weekends.  Split shifts may be required.
• Disruptions can occur any time of the day or night.  Time worked will not include overnight hours except where active host duties are actually performed.
• Will receive two (2) consecutive days off per week.
• Volunteer will notify supervisor of planned absences within a reasonable amount of time, usually not less than one week, or as soon as possible when the volunteer cannot be available to perform scheduled duties due to sickness or other reasons.

Uniform:

While on duty, the volunteer will wear an NPS volunteer shirt and name tag (provided).  A ball cap will also be provided for outdoor use.  The volunteer will supply his/her own khaki pants, brown belt, and brown shoes.  The volunteer should look professional at all times and follow the Blue Ridge Parkway volunteer uniform policy.

Government Vehicles/Personal Equipment

• Volunteer may drive a golf cart or government vehicle to travel assigned campground.
• Personal vehicles\equipment will not be used in the performance of assigned duties.

Housing:

• Volunteer must provide his/her own lodging (camper, trailer, or motor home).
• Water/sewer/electric service provided by campground.

Reimbursement:

Volunteers will not receive monetary compensation for their services and they will not be reimbursed for expenses.