Visitor Center Volunteer

11/1/19 Update: at this time Voyageurs is gratefully accepting applications for volunteers interested in summer, 2021, and future seasons as well. Contact the park's volunteer coordinator with questions.

Job Description: This position is located at Voyageurs National Park, located in northern Minnesota. Primary duties are staffing the visitor center desk and sales area, providing trip-planning assistance, and disseminating information in person or via mail, telephone, or electronic mail. Duties may also include assisting with interpretive programs (i.e. canoe, talks and hikes), helping to prepare for special events, or helping to construct temporary displays and exhibits. Volunteer may also be responsible for filling written and e-mailed information requests.Volunteers working in this capacity will receive appropriate training, guidance and supervision from the District Interpreter.

As a uniformed volunteer with the National Park Service, the volunteer serves as a front-line representative of the agency at the visitor center. The volunteer is responsible for providing current, accurate information on Voyageurs National Park and the National Park Service (NPS) to visitors, along with information on surrounding areas. The volunteer explains recreational opportunities, including National Park interpretive programs and services, and privately operated facilities and services. The volunteer distributes maps, brochures, and other printed material; informs visitors of potential safety hazards; provides directions and routes of travel to provide access to the park.

Duties: The volunteer performs a variety of general office duties, including answering telephones, responding to written or phone requests for information, filing, typing and duplicating informational handouts. The volunteer operates a variety of office machines, including cash registers, calculators, copiers, computers, and telephone/fax machines. A federal background check is required to gain computer access.

The volunteer staffs the Cooperating Association sales outlet, makes sales using a cash register, inventories stock, and keeps display area stocked and neat in appearance at all times.

The volunteer may also perform any or all of the following duties in the course of completing their work. These duties are secondary to the primary duties and typically constitute 20% or less of the duties of the position.

• Collecting fees, stocking brochure and permit boxes, collecting permits.
• Performing roving contact at a variety of park locations.
• Assisting other park staff at special events.
• Going into the field to familiarize self with area resources.
• Assisting, as needed, with basic emergency response.
• Opening and closing procedures of visitor center.

Dates: We ask for a commitment of at least 6 weeks. If volunteers wish to stay longer we have taken volunteers for the entire season or a combination thereof.

Locations & Accommodations: There are three visitor centers within the park that need volunteers. The Ash River Visitor Center is located 45 miles south of International Falls, Minnesota. The Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center is located 30 miles south of International Falls, MN and the Rainy Lake Visitor Center is located 11 miles east of International Falls, MN.

Housing: Housing is free and available either by RV site hook up and/or cabins depending on the location. All housing locations are in heavily forested areas; cell phone and satellite reception is spotty and unreliable at best.

Training: Training is provided for every volunteer who comes to Voyageurs National Park. We ensure that each volunteer feels comfortable with all aspects of the visitor center. Free tours are offered to volunteers throughout the summer tour season.