Maintenance and Interpretation - Winter Volunteer 2024/2025

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Volunteer Activities

• Tour Guide/Interpretation

• Visitor Information

• Living History

• Trail Maintenance

• Maintenance

Description:

A volunteer is needed to assist with the Maintenance Team at the De Soto National Memorial during the 2024-2025 winter season. Maintenance is needed in minor projects, including signposts, painting, power washing, light carpentry and other work as needed around the park. Driving record and Background Check required. Prefer experience working or volunteering at a federal agency or state park. Experience working at recreation facilities also helpful.

The volunteer will also assist with Visitor Services and Interpretation by staffing the Visitor Center and by providing orientation, information, and outreach for area visitors in person, by phone, email, and through community outreach. In addition, the volunteer will also assist rangers in Camp Uzita, the living history program at De Soto National Memorial, by wearing 16th - 18th Century replica clothing and answering questions about the 1539 Expedition of Hernando de Soto and general questions about the park and NPS. Heavy lifting (40# +/-) may also be required to move living history items from storage to the display tables, back into storage and possibly loading items into a vehicle for off-site outreach.

Volunteers will also conduct informal interpretive roving. Roving contacts are within the park and help provide visitors orientation and information about the preserve. There are three events that the volunteers are expected to assist in: Winter Luminary, an evening trail walk with music and lights (December 20th), Five Centuries of Florida History, a timeline living history event (April 12th), and to finish off the season, the Hernando de Soto Grand Parade, a community parade coordinated by a local non-profit group and is the second-largest parade in Florida (April 26th).

Volunteers will typically have the same days off weekly (Tuesdays and Wednesdays). Working weekends and some holidays will be required. December 25th, and January 1st are holidays that volunteers will have off as the Visitor Center is closed. Additional time off must be discussed and approved by their supervisor.

Volunteers may be required to drive government golf carts.

Volunteer must attend orientation and training starting in early December provided by park staff (approximately 5 days). Orientation and training involves safety, historic weapons, interpretation and education, and history of the park. Selection Priority is given to those volunteers that commit to the full term of December 9th through April 30th.

Volunteers would provide assistance for a minimum of 32 hours per week (40 hours per week for couples) in exchange for use of an RV pad with full hook ups and access to full size restroom facilities, and washer/dryer. The winter season begins in December and continues through April. WiFi is unavailable in the park. De Soto is a dog-friendly park. Volunteers with trained and well-behaved pets may apply.

Volunteers may have the opportunity to assist other branches with special projects, visit other agencies, parks, and museums in the area, and may have other training opportunities.

Each day is different with varying schedules to cover programs and Visitor Center responsibilities. The volunteer program will provide an opportunity to interact with people from around the world. This is a fun, rewarding position which allows creativity, flexibility and opportunities for personal growth.

Requirements:

Skills: Must have enthusiasm for working with people. Must be able to work as a team with co-workers of different ages and backgrounds. Other required skills include carpentry skills, valid driver's license, and the ability to use hand tools. Knowledge of natural science, ecology, and conservation a plus. Good communication skills and public speaking skills required. Flexibility, good physical condition, and ability to lift objects and operate small power tools are needed.

Compensation: We will provide an RV space with full hook ups in our Headquarters/Admin area (RV must be fully contained). RV space is suitable for RVs less than 35 feet in length. Laundry facilities and full-size restroom facility also available. No monetary reimbursement will be given, unless specifically approved by Superintendent.

Area: De Soto National Memorial is located in Bradenton, Florida, a city on the Manatee River in the southern portion of greater Tampa Bay. A personal vehicle is required to get around on your off time. Temperatures during the winter months are usually in the 80s during the day and 50s to 70s at night. Bradenton has many amenities in town with grocery stores, convenience stores, gas stations, and restaurants. In addition, there are a number of museums, beaches, and other cultural attractions near the park, and a number of theme parks are a few hours’ drive from the park. The fishing is great!

How to Apply: Fill out the application and attach your resume, including 3 references that may be contacted.

Start Date - 2024-12-09

End Date - 2025-04-30