Abraham Lincoln Birthplace Interpretation (Local Commuting Area)

5-10 Hours a week

Main Goals for This Position to Accomplish:

Working Visitor Center Desk and in the Memorial Building of the symbolic Birthplace Cabin, answering general park questions, giving directions to other historic locations, preforming open and closing processes, talking about Abraham Lincoln, and answering park phones. At the memorial building answer questions about the cabin and generally enforce rules such as “don’t touch the cabin.”  There will also be opportunities to help with special programs and education programs when needed.

Brief Description of Work to be Performed:

• Engage with visitors at the Birthplace Visitor Center and Memorial building
• Provide visitors with information about Abraham Lincoln National Historical Park and the local area
• Share knowledge of natural and cultural history and identify wildlife through informal interpretation on the desk and roving
• Connect visitors to the significance of the Birthplace
• Assist with ranger-led interpretation programs such as special programs and Education
• Cooperate with fellow volunteers, rangers, and cooperating association staff
• Maintain a safe and friendly learning environment for visitors, volunteers, interns and park staff

Qualifications:

• Volunteers must be able to work independently as well as in small groups, be adaptable, be detailed-oriented, and have good communication skills.
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn about the Abraham Lincoln

Length of Commitment:

• This is a seasonal position beginning December- April (end date flexible).
• ABLI is open from 9 am to 5 pm, seven days a week.
• Volunteers are asked to work a 8 hour day (8:45 am - 5:15 pm)
• In order to qualify for accommodations volunteer must work 32 hours/week, including weekends and holidays. ABLI is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day.

Tools, Equipment, and Vehicles to be Operated:

• No government-owned or concessionaire-owned vehicles will be operated within the scope of the position. Volunteers are required to provide their own transportation to and from duty location.
• Tools or equipment used will be limited to office supplies, general administrative equipment, park mobile radio.

Location Where Work Will Be Performed:

Volunteers will work in Heating VC and Memorial Building. Kentucky gets limited snow and ice.

Physical Requirements of Work:

The work is generally standing, walking and carrying boxes. Work will be performed indoors visitor center as well as outside in direct sunlight and exposure to the elements. Volunteers must be able to walk,  and lift 50 pounds.

Uniform:

This is a uniformed position. Volunteers must wear a volunteer uniform shirt and name tag (provided); volunteer uniform hat (provided); khaki, brown, or black, pants or shorts; comfortable, close-toed shoes; and maintain a clean and professional appearance.

Benefits to Volunteers:

The work helps to establish the meaning and relevance of park lands and waters. Volunteers influence visitors’ opinions, attitudes, and enjoyment of the park. The volunteer has a direct effect on individual and group safety, education, and appreciation of park resources and the NPS mission. Volunteers receive training and knowledge of park resources and the art of interpretation. Free housing in the form of shared park housing and laundry is provided. 

Position Supports Which Division:

Resource Education and Interpretation

Supervisory Controls:

Volunteers will work under the guidance and support of the chief of Interpretation Stacy Humphreys and VIP Supervisor Lucy Craft.

Scope of Contacts:

Volunteers should expect to have constant public contact while working with visitors and positively represent both Abraham Lincoln National Historical Park and the National Park Service as a whole.