Mobile Volunteer Patrol (Bike Patrol) at Everglades National Park

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The 15-mile scenic Tram Trail at Shark Valley is a popular destination for visitors to bicycle, walk, or enjoy guided tram rides through the northern reaches of Everglades National Park. We are recruiting volunteers to bike the Trail in order to enhance the safety of visitors and protect the park’s natural resources. This group of volunteers will patrol the trail on bicycles, helping to maintain a safe environment for all Shark Valley visitors.

These positions will require volunteers who are able to perform strenuous physical activity under conditions typical of South Florida, including heat, humidity, and mosquitoes. All volunteers must be able to bicycle a minimum of 20 miles per patrol. Volunteers must satisfy the physical requirements to be considered for one of these positions (see below).

All volunteers must attend a mandatory, half-day orientation and training session . Volunteers will start patrolling the area as soon as possible. Specific days are flexible based on the availability of volunteers. Volunteers must commit to two 4-hour patrols per month and a minimum of one year of service.

The volunteer will support the Shark Valley District at Everglades National Park, performing tasks that may include the following:

• Complete a mandatory day of training with park staff and other volunteers
• Patrol the 15-mile Tram Trail at Shark Valley on a bi-monthly basis
• Monitor the safety of park visitors
• Respond to incidents and provide care within the limits of training
• Record any park offenses and report them to supervisor
• Answer visitors' basic questions about the area

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have a valid driver's license
• Be willing and able to commute to Shark Valley
• Have their own bicycle and helmet
• Be able to attend a mandatory orientation and training session (date TBD)

Volunteers must meet all of the following physical requirements for their personal safety:

• Be able to bicycle up to 20 miles
• Be comfortable working in hot conditions
• Be aware of their physical limitations

Benefits to Volunteers:

• Work directly with National Park Service Rangers
• Meet and work alonside other bicycle patrol volunteers
• Opportunity to learn more about Everglades National Park and park divisions
• Training and certifications: First Aid/CPR, Introduction to Interpretation, park rules and regulations, radio operations, safety protocols
• Bicycle patrol jersey, provided by Everglades National Park
• Opportunities to gain volunteer recognition items, based on cumulative service