8GWJ: Visitor Information Specialist

“Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.” Mark Twain

Looking for something new to do? Come volunteer at the North River Ranger District, part of the magnificent George Washington and Jefferson National Forest. Nestled in the Shenandoah Valley in Rockingham County, Virginia, the experiences and opportunities here are limitless. Great opportunity for local help! Regardless of whether a college student, retiree, or anything in between. Come support the people who keep the National Forest engaged with the public!

The North River Ranger District is looking for VISITOR INFORMATION SPECIALISTS at our District Office on a continual and rotating basis.

Visitor Information Specialist duties include:  Smiling, being pleasant, providing information and answering visitor questions, answering phones, assisting and educating visitors, locking and/or unlocking gate(s) or door(s), checking and/or restocking office supplies,  maintaining equipment, develop and maintain interpretive displays, brochures and signage. Volunteers may issue wood permits, collect payments and entering data. Volunteers may assist in preparation for USFS events, encouraged to participate in local community events, office related duties, and maintaining communication with USFS staff.

Volunteers are an important asset who help make the North River Ranger District special to many of our visitors.  We ask for at least a three month commitment (coming at the first of the month and leave at the end of the month).  Volunteers are asked to help at least 3-4 hours per day, 3-5 days per week, per person.  Weekends and holidays the office is closed and volunteers similarly have the time off. In addition, negotiable time is available based on commitments and schedules. Background checks may be required as well.

Nearby attractions to visit while you are here include the High Knob lookout tower, West Side shooting range, Confederate Breastworks and historic Civil War trails, Ramseys Draft Wilderness. As you venture out further more opportunities arise such as the Appalachian Trail, the Natural Bridge Park, Shenandoah National Park, numerous historic locations such as Sharpsburg, Harpers Ferry.  Harrisonburg is also a major hub for cyclists, claiming to be the cycling capitol of the valley and state, as well as receiving many awards from IMBA. Thus, if you like cycling, you will find plenty of amazing trails nearby.

Harrisonburg has a population of 49,000 and has a broad diversity of urban youth (provided by universities such as James Madison University and Eastern Mennonite University), and surrounded by fertile fields of farmland. Climate is characterized by hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters.

Nearby communities such as Staunton, VA (25 miles) aren’t too far and smaller communities dot the landscape in Virginia. For the explorers out there, nearly 1/3 of the nation’s cities, population is within a day’s travel. Baltimore, MD and Washington DC are less than a 1/2 day drive.

Come be part of an amazing staff, and help us continue to support the National Forests for the American people!

If nothing else keep in mind that ~ “Research has shown that people who volunteer often live longer.” Allen Klein

Note: Individuals outside of the USA will need to go through the U.S. State Department before being considered for volunteer opportunities.