Interpretive Projects Support Volunteer

GREAT BASIN NATIONAL PARK

VOLUNTEER JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Interpretive Projects Support Volunteer

TERM OF SERVICE: January 4th, 2021 through April 16th, 2021

SUPERVISOR: Charles Reed, [email protected] (775)234-7523

INTRODUCTION:

This is a volunteer position under the supervision of the VIP Coordinator or delegated to a park guide/ranger for the Division of Interpretation. The volunteer’s primary duty station is at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center and the Great Basin Visitor Center. The volunteer’s primary responsibility will be providing Lehman Caves Visitor Center Operations, Great Basin Visitor Center Operations and Cave Tours.

This volunteer position offers $20 a day reimbursement for expenses to the volunteer. A volunteer uniform shirt will be provided to the volunteer and must be worn with clean brown jeans or brown slacks. Pants will not be worn or frayed.

Volunteers must be able to work assigned hours and provide/arrange their own transportation to the workplace.

Government housing may be available

Volunteer under the age of 18 must have a signed Parental Approval Form (NPS Form 10-89)

The volunteer must be at least13 years old or entering the 7th grade. The volunteer must also:

• Be willing to accept responsibilities as directed and follow through with and complete assigned responsibilities

TIME COMMITMENT

Volunteer will work 4 to 40 hours a week depending on the nature of the position, season or park need. This will be outlined in detail to the volunteer before an agreement is signed and will be noted on the agreement. The time commitment will begin the date established on the agreement and end on the date in the agreement or at the end of the fiscal year. Agreements can be renewed annually.

For this position 32 hours a week will be required with a 60 day commitment.

MAJOR DUTIES:

Under direct/indirect supervision of an interpretive park ranger, the volunteer will work with interpretation and operate the visitor center front desk including the federal register and WNPA bookstore register, answer visitor questions and answer park email and mail.  The volunteer will also help with or provide special programs, cave tours and school programs.

The volunteer will also:

• Provide accurate information about the park and surrounding area.
• Encourage compliance with park regulations through understanding.
• Learn and consistently follow all safety practices applicable to job and surroundings in which work is performed. When appropriate, submits constructive suggestions to reduce or eliminate safety hazards to employees and visitors. Review and sign all JHAs applicable to their work.
• Provide quality interpretation and education programs.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED FOR THE POSITION:

• Be able to open, close, and operate the WNPA cash register according to instructions.
• Be able to describe cave formations, cave processes, and general geology of the area.
• Understand the National Park Service Mission (Organic Act) and know the basic history of the NPS.
• Understand the Great Basin National Park mission, along with the basic history of Great Basin National Park.
• Understand basic management policies of  Great Basin National Park and the National Park Service

The volunteer will contribute to the effective operations of Great Basin National Park’s interpretive program. The volunteer’s work will enhance the quality of the visitor experience and may influence the park visitor’s opinion, attitude, learning and enjoyment of the park.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• This position requires standing for long periods of time and lifting boxes up to 25lbs.
• This position requires going into a cave to provide tours in 50 degree temperatures, dim lit walkways and stairs and passages that require ducking, bending and twisting to maneuver through.
• This position requires sitting for long periods of time using a computer.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Lehman Caves Visitor Center is located at an elevation of approximately 6,825 feet.
• Great Basin Visitor Center is located at an elevation of approximately 5,300 feet

Training will be provided by WNPA bookstore manager and various interpretive staff.  After the initial training period, plus a reasonable time of performing the assigned duties, the volunteer will be reviewed and evaluated by their trainer.