Visitor Center Volunteer

Upcoming Events:

• Fur Rondy: Saturday, February 29th
• National Park Week: Tuesday - Friday, April 21st - 24th
• National Trails Day: Saturday, June 6th 
• National Public Lands Day: Saturday, September 26th

Purpose of Position: The mission of the Alaska Public Lands Information Center is to support the appropriate use and enjoyment of Alaska’s public lands and resources through “one-stop shopping” for public lands information, trip-planning assistance, and resource education. This requires the center be open to the public for visitor services during standard business hours, as well as offer interpretive programming at the center throughout the summer season (May-September), resulting in a need for program coverage beyond current staffing levels. Volunteers are a critical asset in fulfilling the NPS agency mission, as well as the APLIC mission, with regard to public education, information and interpretive services. Volunteers will report to and work with the Community Volunteer Ambassador, James Fess, to create new and expand on existing volunteerism opportunities in the Anchorage area. Contact Michelle Harris, Community Volunteer Ambassador, for specific details: 907-644-3671.

Responsibilities: As a member of the visitor services team, the volunteer will staff the visitor center desk, with duties to include answering visitor questions, offering trip planning assistance, making movie announcements, assisting with bookstore sales, restocking brochures, answering the center’s information line, and maintaining a general level of cleanliness and organization within the visitor center. In addition, volunteers will provide informal interpretation while roving, staffing touch tables and informational carts, and participating in special events.

In addition to assisting with interpretive programming, the volunteer will be expected to cooperate with other divisions or teams such as Administration, Education, and Interpretation. Volunteers may develop and provide formal interpretive programs such as a historical walking tour through downtown Anchorage and/or a 45 minute illustrated program to be given in the center’s theater. Volunteers may also be asked to participate in educational programming such as signing out and stocking education kits, and assisting with field trips and classroom visits. Administrative tasks may include general office activities such as filing and mail delivery, inventory of brochures, maps and newspapers, inventory of first aid kits and safety supplies, supply room organization and other duties as assigned.

The volunteer will be provided with self-directed learning resources and is expected to maintain a working knowledge of NPS policies and procedures, Alaska natural and cultural history, Alaska public lands, the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA), and other information pertinent to the site’s mission, as well as the needs of the public, including both visitors and residents of the local community. 

Qualifications: The volunteer will need to have exceptional customer service skills. Some experience with public speaking is expected, though no formal interpretive experience is required. The volunteer will have solid research, writing and communication skills. The volunteer will have general knowledge of Alaska and the many different public land agencies and conservation units therein, or a willingness to learn about this topic. Some experience with camping, hiking and recreating on public lands, in addition to transportation route within Alaska, such as the road system, railroad, and marine highway is expected. Proficiency in the operation of basic office equipment and computer software is required.

*There is no requirement for first aid or emergency first responder certifications.

Eligibility: The volunteer will meet basic National Park Service (NPS) volunteer qualifications, complete an NPS volunteer application, volunteer agreement, and position description form. In order to use government computers and facilities with minimal supervision, the volunteer must pass a full background check, as well as an NPS Special Agreement Check (SAC) and/or a TIER 1 check.

Schedule and Length of Service: A work schedule and length of service will be agreed upon by both the volunteer and the volunteer’s immediate supervisor. The Volunteer will contact their direct supervisor in order to call in sick, change their hours, or if they are going to be late. The volunteer’s supervisor, the Volunteer Coordinator and the Chief of Interpretation have the right to discontinue the volunteer’s service at their discretion at any time.

Physical Duties and Safety: The volunteer will be trained in all safety related standard operating procedures (SOPs) and is expected to engage in safe practices when performing all duties. Physical duties may include staffing the visitor center desk or outdoor kiosks for long periods of time, leading walking tours in inclement weather, and lifting of boxes and/or educational kits. The volunteer will use personal protective equipment (PPE) during any/all work activities for which it is required. The volunteer will be trained in and be expected to use the National Park Service standards for Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) and Green, Amber, Red (GAR) models associated with any work site/location. The volunteer may be required to attend Operational Leadership (OL) training.

Uniform Requirements: The volunteer will be required to wear a vest, shirt or coat and a hat, each with the official NPS VIP patch, and a nametag (all provided by the center) when working with the public. The volunteer will supply their own brown, khaki or black pants and white or black shirt. Leggings, sweatpants or other athletic/leisure styles are not acceptable. Shoes should be brown or black and must be close toed. 

Benefits: Reimbursement for out of pocket expenses such as mileage and parking will be provided. The volunteer will be responsible for any other costs and or arrangements necessary to get to the AAPLIC visitor center in Anchorage. Volunteer will be issued a water bottle or other similar VIP appreciation item upon initiation of service. Volunteer will be eligible to earn a VIP annual pass (with 250 hours of service), as well as a variety of VIP recognition items.