Lockkeepers House Volunteer

Job Title:  Lockkeeper’s House / Constitution Gardens Rover

Job Description:  Staffs the newly restored Lockkeeper’s House (LOHO) and roves the Constitution Gardens (COGA) area.  Assists visitors by providing directions and orientation to the park and surrounding area; sharing historical (cultural and natural) information about LOHO and COGA; and providing informal and roving interpretation.  Volunteers may also have opportunities to assist with formal interpretive programs and living history programs.  Other duties include maintaining brochure/map stock, monitoring visitation, and reporting safety and security concerns and emergencies.

Qualifications:

• excellent communication skills

• desire to assist visitors and provide excellent customer service

• enthusiasm, friendliness, and a positive attitude

• knowledge (which can be acquired) of LOHO, COGA, NAMA, and the surrounding area

• willingness to learn

• ability to ride an information tricycle (not required)

• Multilingual individuals are encouraged to apply.

Goals/Outcomes:  Visitors will:

• feel welcomed to our nation’s capital, the National Mall, LOHO, and COGA

• be treated with respect and provided with excellent customer service.

• learn about the history and significance of LOHO, COGA, NAMA and the surrounding area.

• be encouraged to personalize how they experience park resources, thereby discovering their own meanings and values in the resources.

• be encouraged to help protect and become stewards of National Parks.

Benefits to Volunteers:

• opportunity to make a difference by helping others

• meet, interact with, and assist diverse visitors of all ages from inside and outside of the United States

• learn about park history and resources

• develop/refine personal and professional skills

• meet other volunteers and participate in volunteer events

• personal enrichment

• training opportunities

Minimum Commitment: 

• 6 months (8 hours per month, more encouraged)

• short term--summer, etc. (able to volunteer at least 2 days per week)

Location of position:

Lockkeeper’s House and Constitution Gardens, near the intersection of Constitution Ave. and 17th St., NW, Washington, DC

Requirements:

• Age: 18 or older (Younger applicants with parental/guardian approval may be considered.)

• Must wear park-issued volunteer uniform and name tag

• As representatives of the NPS and National Mall & Memorial Parks, volunteers must adhere to the NAMA Volunteer Code of Conduct.

Physical Conditions

• Volunteer work may include standing for long periods of time, walking short and long distances, climbing/descending steps and inclines, and riding a tricycle.You may be exposed to inclement weather conditions, including heat/humidity, cold, rain, snow, and wind.

Support: 

Training for this position will be provided. In addition, guides, rangers, and supervisory personnel will be available for questions and assistance via the radio or phone.

Hours / Days of Operation

• Days of operation will be based on the number of available volunteers.

  • Saturdays and Sundays (10 - 4)

  • Fridays (10 - 4)

  • Thursdays (1-4)

  • Wednesdays (1-4)

  • Tuesdays (1-4)

  • Mondays (1-4)

• Winter hours TBD

Shifts

• Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays

  • 9:30 - 1:30: Volunteer will pick up LOHO key and radio at Survey Lodge at 9:30am. If willing and able, volunteer will ride the brochure trike to the LOHO.

  • 12:30 - 4:30: Volunteer, will leave LOHO at 4pm to return the LOHO key, radio, and trike to Survey Lodge.

• Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays

  • 12:30 - 4:30:Volunteer, will pick up (12:30pm) and return (4pm) LOHO key and radio. If willing and able the volunteer will gather and return the brochure trike at Survey Lodge along with the radio and key.

• Additional shifts may be added.

Specific days and shifts available to volunteer:

• Sunday - morning and afternoon shifts are available
• Tuesday - afternoon shifts are available
• Wednesday - afternoon shifts are available
• Thursday - every other afternoon shift is available
• Friday - morning and afternoon shifts are available
• Saturday - morning and afternoon shifts are available