Visitor Center Assistant

Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site

VOLUNTEER-IN-PARK (VIP)

 Visitor Center Assistant

VIP Commitment:

In order to maintain a level of consistency within the park, and to provide the highest level of service to our visitors; volunteers are expected to commit a minimum of three (3) months to the volunteer in park program.

Volunteers are needed to staff the visitor center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.  This “window of operation” can be divided into two four-hour time slots: morning (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and afternoon (1 to 5 p.m.).  Volunteers may fill either or both slots on a given day, depending on interest and need.        

Position Description and Duties:

• Volunteer/Intern is responsible for staffing the information desk at Brown v. Board of Education National Historic site visitor center.  In addition to the time spent in staffing the visitor center desk, they are strongly encouraged to attend training, meetings and other activities sponsored by the National Park Service, and to keep abreast of news and events impacting park. Volunteers are also encouraged to explore other duties within the park whenever possible.
• Provide visitors with a five to ten minute talk on the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision of May 17th 1954.
• Meet and greet the public, provide information and orientation to the park site and restock information table and rack card display. Complete park forms fully and properly including lost & found, and incident reports.  Relate information about park programs, events and policies to the visiting public.
• Monitor incoming phone calls by transferring calls to proper staff members.
• Operate cash register/bookstore in accordance with established procedures for Western National transactions; also restock sale items while working in conjunction with Western National bookstore manager.
• Respond to emergency or unusual situations as needed, by contacting site supervisor or superintendent.

Knowledge Required:

• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing to park visitors.
• Knowledge of the cultural and natural history of the park and surrounding area to provide accurate information to park visitors
• Familiarity with NPS history, policies, rules, regulations, legislation, and similar guidelines
• Familiarity with normal safety regulations that apply to all employees who work at Brown v. Board of Education visitor center.

Training Provided:

• When possible volunteers will receive training in CPR and First Aid.
• Volunteer/Intern is required to complete an online Eppley Interpretive Talk training within the first three months of their tour of duty (TOD).

Volunteer/Intern should reflect a high degree of professionalism while representing the National Park Service.  They should be neat, courteous, respectful of others, and dependable in the performance of their duties.