Ninety Six National Historic Site

Would you like to volunteer, but do not have much time?  Consider volunteering for special events!  This position functions mainly with in the Interpretation Program but at times my overlap with the Facility and Resources Management Program, within the boundaries of Ninety Six National Historic Site.  The volunteer will assist the park staff during special events throughout the year.  Volunteers for this position are needed one to ten times per year.

Major Duties

Volunteers must be able to work independently, or with other volunteers and park staff in the implementation of special event goals.

Work may include:

• Greeting and welcoming park visitors, provide them with printed brochures, schedules of events, etc. and/or oral introductions.
• Answer routine visitor inquires.
• Start the interpretive movie “Ninety Six: Crossroads of a Revolution” and record the number of visitors to each movie show time
• Assist with setting up and breaking down of tents, table, chairs, etc. used during special events.
• Staff the welcome tent and accurately record visitation numbers as well as keep an eye on the donation money barrels.  There should be a least two people staffing the tent at all times.
• Assist and/or run activity tables, such as children’s activities.  This includes recording accurate numbers of attendees.
• Assist with lunch set and clean up.
• Other duties may include recording event attendance, assisting staff with visitor safety at weapons demonstrations, assist with clean up, and other special event needs.

Knowledge and Skills Required

• Ability and willingness to acquire a basic knowledge of the history of Ninety Six and the park as it is today.
• Good communication skills and an ability to determine visitors needs and answer repetitive questions, with a positive attitude and professional demeanor.
• Engaging, personable, energetic, professional, and enjoys working with the public.
• Is usually available for the park’s main event, 96 Crossroads, which is held the first full weekend in April.
• May be available to help with other event that come up throughout the year.
• The volunteer is required to be on time and in the proper uniform.  Clothing is expected to be clean, presentable, and free of holes and rips.  For more information on the uniform reference the Volunteer Uniform Standards.
• Follows instructions.

Desired Skills

• Be organized, motivated, flexible, and able to complete multiple tasks in a timely manner.
• Ability to read and learn about the historic information in order to answer the public’s questions.
• Have patience with visitors – especially when faced with repetitive questions or dissatisfied persons.

Training, Tools, Equipment, etc.

Volunteer training and park introduction is accomplished by the park staff.

• Will be taught about the park trails, will independently explore the trails with interpretive material, and will be introduced to the basic area.
• A volunteer shirt, hat, and limited outer wear will be provided by the park.  The volunteer will provide their own brown or khaki pants and close toed shoes.
• Volunteers will provide their own transportation to the park.  If transportation to another park is needed, use of a government vehicle may be approved.

Physical Demands

Some light to moderate lifting may be required.  Some duties require sitting, standing, or walking for extended periods of time. Volunteer must be able the deal with an extremely varied visitor audience in a high stress, fast paced work setting.

Work Environment

All work will be conducted at Ninety Six NHS.   Volunteers will have contact with the public and park staff.  Duties may be inside or outside leading to exposure to a variety of weather condition, including but not limited to; heat, humidity, sun, rain, wind, cold.  The volunteer must take precaution to avoid over exposure to any of the elements.  The volunteer should carry plenty of water and drink regularly. Please use common sense, take every precaution, and keep yourself safe.  If in doubt, please check with park staff.

Volunteer Rewards  

The mission of the National Park Service is to preserve America’s national, cultural, and historical legacies. This makes it a unique and respected federal agency. Aside from the reward of a positive affiliation with the agency, the returns from volunteering at Ninety Six National Historic Site depend on the goals of the volunteer. Gaining work experience here can result in a solid reference for one’s resume and invaluable work experience.

Supervisor

The direct supervisor will be one of the Interpretive Staff. They are responsible for assigning duties, and supervising volunteers in this duty.