4-SICEC: Operations Volunteer/Docent at the Sacajawea Center

POSITION TITLE: Operations Volunteer/Docent at the Sacajawea Center

SERVICE TERM: 24-32 hours per week/ May 11 – September 15 (moderately flexible on end date)

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural & Educational Center and the City of Salmon, Idaho

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION’S MISSION: The Sacajawea Center’s mission is to foster the knowledge and appreciation of the Agaidika Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, the Lewis & Clark Expedition, Western frontier life, and the natural environment.

The Sacajawea Center interprets the rich cultural and natural history of the Salmon and Lemhi River Country, deepening people’s connection to the unique place this area holds in our nation’s history, which was shaped in part by the Lewis & Clark Expedition and Sacajawea as well as her people, the Agaidika Shoshone-Bannock Tribes.

LOCATION: Serving in Salmon, located in east central Idaho, offers a great opportunity for an individual or couple seeking a summer experience in a unique and interesting setting. Salmon is the gateway to the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, the homeland of Sacajawea and her tribe, and the self-proclaimed whitewater capital of the world. Here you will find rugged peaks, alpine lakes, the famous Salmon River, and front row seats to prominent parts of American history. This stunning landscape inspires reverence and observation as well as offers unlimited opportunities for hiking, fishing, mountain biking, camping, boating, and many other recreational activities. 

The Sacajawea Center is one of a kind. Opened in 2003 to commemorate the Lewis and Clark Expedition's bicentennial, the Center boasts 70 acres with walking trails, an interpretive center, an amphitheater, a dog park, the Learning Center with space for meetings, performances, art shows and parties, a rustic 55-seat theater, a community garden, and the Salmon Outdoor School where primitive and ancestral skills classes are held weekly. The Center partners with twelve local agencies and organizations that provide rich layers of content and support and were instrumental in bringing the park to fruition.

     Mailing address: Sacajawea Center, 200 Main Street, Salmon, ID 83467

     Physical address: 2700 Main Street

POSITION SUMMARY: Perfect for an individual or couple with their own RV, who are interested in cultural and natural history! The volunteers assist in creating positive, memorable experiences for visitors and community members at the Sacajawea Center. Their primarily role is in providing visitor services and grounds and site maintenance but may support all aspects of operations at the Center, including educational programming and events. Volunteers each serve up to 32 hours per week (which may include weekends and holidays). All volunteers will have specific duties and scheduled times of service after discussion with the Center’s director upon arrival. 

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Greeting visitors, answering questions and providing tourist information and being readily accessible to the public while on duty
• Staffing the Interpretive Center, collecting admission fees, and providing information as needed (at least one, five-hour shift each week, more as needed)
• Working with a team on site maintenance and grounds upkeep including weeding, pruning, mowing, weedeating, trash collection, and other projects.
• Informing visitors of rules and regulations and notifying staff if action is needed
• Walking the trail system, engaging visitors
• Supporting groups renting Center facilities

Other duties as assigned may include:

Cleaning/Maintenance:

• Checking restrooms for cleanliness
• Cleaning sinks, mirrors, toilets, etc. as assigned
• Restocking paper supplies
• Removing litter/debris and emptying trash onsite
• Weeding shrub/flower beds and trimming vegetation
• Mowing and maintaining lawns using riding/push mowers and trimmers as assigned
• Applying mulch and other top dressings
• Watering trees and lawn areas, flower pots/beds with hoses and sprinklers as needed
• Replacing light bulbs and other maintaining buildings as needed

Interpretation:

• May develop trail-side stations or special programs for visitors

Emergency Operations: (as needed)

• In the absence of staff, take appropriate action during visitor or maintenance emergencies:  identify problems, obtain relevant information, and notify appropriate authorities (staff, police, ambulance, etc.)

Equipment Operation:  (only if properly trained)

• During the performance of duties listed above, may operate and help maintain a variety of equipment, such as pick-up truck, electric powered golf cars, riding and push mowers, backpack and walk-behind blowers, power trimmers, and weed eaters

Special Projects: (as needed)

• Assisting with special projects related to operations
• These projects can be structured to the volunteer’s interests and talents.

BENEFITS INCLUDE: 

• Campsite equipped with water, electricity, and sewer hook-ups
• City vehicle provided for work-related driving needs
• Worker’s compensation while serving
• Complete orientation and training
• Continual evaluation and feedback on performance
• Work shirt and name tag provided
• Garden plots available for growing vegetables etc.
• Personal vehicle mileage may be reimbursed for project work
• A beautiful location for a seasonal position

Open until filled. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Prior to first day of service, volunteer(s) must pass a background check and sign a volunteer and RV site use agreement.

After receiving your online application we may ask you to provide the following information:

Please do not hesitate to contact us with questions!

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