Volunteer Park Ranger, Interpretation/Visitor Services

VOLUNTEER POSITION DESCRIPTION

Fort Necessity National Battlefield Volunteer Park Ranger, Interpretation/Visitor Services

Introduction: The volunteer participates in a variety of activities with primary duties in areas of visitor contact station operation and interpretation of park’s themes.

Qualifications Needed to do this job:  Ability to communicate clearly, interest in working with people, and an ability to organize information so that it is easily understood.

Routine Duties: 

• Accurately answer a variety of questions.

• Provide culturally sensitive historic information and orientation for varied park visitors.
• Operate audio-visual equipment.
• Collect park entrance fee and assist in staffing the park visitor center Information desk and bookstore.
• Research, plan, prepare and deliver a variety of formal and informal interpretive talks that may include tours of the Mt. Washington Tavern, tours to the Fort, staff fur trade station, soldier talks, musket and artillery demonstrations, (black powder training is required and will be provided by the lead historic weapons supervisor) following approved outlines developed by the volunteer or the supervisor.
• Perform routine office duties, in support of interpretive operations.
• Use radio, telephones, cash register, and computer according to established procedures.
• May occasionally drive a government vehicle.
• Be cognizant about safety.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisor:  Work is assigned by the Chief of Interpretation and Visitor Services or the Volunteer Coordinator.

Evaluations:  Short termed volunteer achievements will be reviewed periodically and a written appraisal will be formally prepared at the end of the service by the volunteer coordinator. Long term volunteer achievements will be done informally once per year.

Equipment Provided by NPS:  A volunteer uniform shirt and/or Living History costume will be provided.  The uniform for this position will consist of the volunteer shirt and other clothing provided by the volunteer that is suitable for the work.

Training Provided by NPS:  There will be orientation training offered to new volunteers as a group and/or on an individually scheduled basis by the park.  Additionally, the volunteer will be responsible for reading training information and will be involved in on the job experience to learn the specific duties and procedures of this position. Black powder training usually conducted in June. All volunteer interpreters will be expected to take the Black Powder safety test.

Time commitment expected:  At least four hours on one day per week.

Expected schedule:  Whatever day(s) and hours are agreed upon by the volunteer and the coordinator.  Volunteer must be committed to a regular schedule.

Estimated Length of Commitment:  To be determined by volunteer and coordinator.

Work Conditions (location, weather, physical needs, etc.):  This work involves both indoor and outdoor assignments.  Work may involve long periods of talking, standing or walking. Occasional lifting may be required.

Position Location:  Position is located at Fort Necessity National Battlefield.  Work areas include the Visitor Center, Headquarters, Mt. Washington Tavern, maintenance building, all other out-buildings, battlefield, trails, and grounds of the park.

Safety:  Safety is of paramount importance in all facets of working here at Fort Necessity NB.  All employees and Volunteers-in-Park are expected to work in a safe manor and a foster safe work environment at all times.  Everyone is a safety officer, and can stop any activity they deem unsafe at any time.