Visitor Services Volunteer

NOTE: Hopewell Furnace is currently closed following local, state, and federal guidelines in response to COVID-19. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply at any time. Applicants will be reviewed and contacted once the park reopens. Thank you for your patience during this time.

Calling all history lovers, educators, and customer service aficionados!

Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site preserves and interprets an early American iron-making community and its effect on the nation’s industrial history. The historic village includes the charcoal-fueled furnace, Ironmaster’s mansion, tenant houses, and a blacksmith shop. We are one of the few parks that have an active farm program, showcasing animals that would have historically called the furnace home. Programs and events vary throughout the year; these events include sheep shearing, charcoal making, Fourth of July celebration, living history demonstrations, apple picking in the historic orchard, and other seasonally-themed events.

Hopewell Furnace is a small park, protecting 848-acres of America’s industrial heritage. In addition to visitors exploring the historic village, we receive a number of visitors enjoying the resources at neighboring French Creek State Park, including hikers, campers, and daily recreational users.

Come volunteer at this hidden gem within the National Park Service.

Duties of this position include:

• Work with rangers to staff the Visitor Center information desk
• Stand and greet visitors as they enter the Visitor Center. Orient them to the historic village as well as share information about special events and the local area
• Educate visitors about the historical significance of the park
• Answer frequently asked questions in person and over the telephone
• Answer and direct telephone calls and deliver messages
• Operate audio-visual equipment for the park orientation film as requested
• Maintain accurate tally of visitors entering the visitor center, attending programs, and viewing orientation film
• Communicate with park staff using a 2-way radio system
• Restock brochures and other informational materials at the front desk
• Assist in operation of Junior Ranger Program and swearing in Junior Rangers
• Assist with America’s National Parks bookstore operations
• Ensure visitors have an understanding of park rules and regulations, and that these regulations are important to protect resources within the park and to ensure safety of visitors
• Know where first aid kit and AED are kept and be familiar with emergency protocols
• May provide assistance during special events
• Volunteers will be issued volunteer shirt(s) and hat but must provide their own pants

Skills & Qualifications Required:

• Must enjoy interacting with people and have great customer service skills
• Must be willing to learn about Hopewell Furnace and its history, and the resources that lie within and surrounding the park
• Must be able to learn cash register operations, including the accurate handling of money and credit card processes
• Minimum age 16, unless volunteering with a parent or guardian
• Must possess reliable transportation to and from the park: there is no public transportation to the park

Volunteers are requested to work a minimum of eight (8) hours a month, sometimes on a weekend day. More hours may be available if requested by volunteer and schedules are flexible. Volunteers may be asked to help with special events, either at the Visitor Center or throughout the village, as their schedules allow.

If you have any questions, you may contact the park’s Volunteer Coordinator, Amanda Sherry, at (610) 582-8773 or by email at [email protected]. Mailing address: Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, 2 Mark Bird Lane, Elverson, PA 19520.