Washington Monument Volunteer

Due to COVID-19, we are suspending the onboarding process until business resumes. Please apply and we will contact you.

Honor George Washington by volunteering at the Washington Monument, the 555 foot obelisk that towers over Washington, DC. From here, one can have an unobstructed view to the Lincoln Memorial and the Capitol. Help us staff in the daily operation and interpretation of this iconic symbol.

Volunteers (VIPs) work primarily at the Washington Monument grounds alongside rangers and other VIPs. VIPs may situate themselves at the top (500 ft level) inside the pyramid or outside on the plaza in front of the entrance area. This includes providing information and answering visitor’s questions about the Washington Monument, other points of interests and providing directions.

Description of Duties:

The volunteer duties at the monument are two-folds, roving and operational. Volunteer rovers deflect and help answer questions while helping other VIPs and rangers concentrate on their operational tasks of ushering the visitors through the security checkpoint and into the monument in a timely manner.

NOTE: At this time we are recruiting for roving volunteers only.

Volunteer rovers can be deployed anytime while operational volunteers have set time to work the lines, check for tickets, ushering the visitors and operate the elevator. Many visitors are there early to get tickets, take advantage of the view and photo ops. Volunteer rovers can help visitors plan their days as well as answer any questions that might arise. Operational volunteers while inside make sure visitors stay safe and have a positive experience while also provide information.

Roving volunteers can essentially do the same shifts but are allowed to start early to greet visitors while some provide overlapping coverage to make sure shift change runs smoothly.

VIPs will be required to stand and walk for up to four hours at a time in variable weather conditions.

Duties may include but are not limited to:

• Interacting with visitors by answering questions about the Washington Monument and Washington, DC.

• Providing greetings, announcements, orientation, information, interpretation and friendly customer service.

• Distributing maps brochures and other printed materials.

• Monitoring the cleanliness of the monument inside and outside.

• Operating a “walkie-talkie”

• Ensuring that visitors comply with rules of safe, courteous and acceptable behavior.

• Responding to visitor emergencies.

   

Requirements:

The ideal candidate must have good communication skills. Knowledge of the Washington Monument and facts about other park sites and the local DC area is essential.

Also required:

Must be 16 years of age or older (exceptions can be made for younger applicants)

Position commitment of at least 3 months and a minimum of eight hours a month

Volunteer shirt and cap (provided); business casual slacks or khaki shorts (summer)

Minimum requirement is at least two days a month for at least one of the following time slots for operational support:

• 9:00am - 1:00pm

• 1:00pm - 5:00pm

The opening shift will need at least a 15-minute walk up from the Ranger Station to open the monument while the 1-5pm shift add an extra 15 minutes to properly close the monument.

Available dates and shifts to volunteer:

Monday - all shifts are available

Tuesday - all shifts are available

Wednesday - all shifts are available

Thursday - all shifts are available

Friday - all shifts are available

Saturday - all shifts are available

Sunday - all shifts are available

Support: 

Training for this position will be provided. In addition, guides, rangers, and supervisory personnel are always on hand and will be available for questions and assistance.

Questions? Please contact Volunteer Coordinator New Thanyachareon at [email protected]