America’s Natural and Cultural Resources Volunteer Portal |
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SEARCH RESULTS 35 Opportunities Found
Opportunity Description: Volunteers assist the Division of Interpretation at the Zane Grey Museum, at the Information Center in Narrowsburg, NY, and along the river.At the Zane Grey Museum duties include presenting tours and talks, answering questions, and operating the sales outlet.For those who enjoy being outside there are four river accesses that are staffed during the summer season. Here, river safety talks, orientation to the Upper Delaware River, and first aid assistance is provided.Want to utilize your canoeing skills? Join park staff patrolling the Upper Delaware River during the summer season.At the park’s Information Center in Narrowsburg, NY volunteers greet and orient visitors to the Upper Delaware River Valley as well as operate the Eastern National Sales outlet.
Opportunity Description: Preserving and protecting our cultural resources is a goal of the National Park Service. Cultural Resource Management opportunities are varied and include working with the museum collection, historic properties, archival collections, the park library, photographs, and slides. Interested individuals will work on data entry, organize collections, transcribe oral history tapes, historic research, preventive maintenance of museum objects, and cataloging.
Opportunity Description: Maintaining the existing high water quality on the river and protecting its natural resources is one of the primary missions of Upper Delaware S&RR. Volunteers assist Natural Resource Management staff with the monthly water quality monitoring on the Delaware River and its tributaries. This may be done with canoes, by walking up and down stream banks, or by wading in water. Some assistance with lab work and data entry is also needed. The threat of non-native, invasive plant species altering the natural balance in our native ecosystems has been a rising concern at Upper Delaware. During the summer growing season assistance is needed cutting, dragging and piling Japanese Knotweed, or clipping and bagging Purple Loosestrife seed heads. Other plant species that may be “tackled” during weed work days include Multiflora Rose, Garlic Mustard, or Bush Honeysuckle.
Opportunity Description: Administrative areas throughout all divisions of the park would welcome clerical support with filing, answering telephones, typing, and photocopying. Individuals with computer skills are desired for work on the park’s web page, graphics design, as well as organizing the extensive digital image collection. Persons with writing skills can assist with information requests about the natural, cultural, and recreational resources of the parks.
Opportunity Description: Every second Saturday of each month (March through November) weather permitting volunteers can help clean up and maintain trails in Valley Forge NHP. No trails maintenance skill necessary, on the job training will be provided. Trails work projects includes: Clearing draining features Removing limbs and downed trees from across the trail tread Cutting back over grown brush to maintain trail corridor Blazing to direct trail user Stabilization and rehabilitation projects to prevent trail erosion Trash removal
The work requires occasional effort in lifting heavy materials. Protective gear is important and must be worn. Valley Forge NHP will provide tools. Wear or bring long-sleeve shirts, long pants, hiking boots, work gloves and protective eye wear. Bring plenty of water! Meet at 9am in the small parking lot off Yellow Springs Road (near the white Covered bridge on Route 252). Work ends by noon. Come join the fun!
If you have any questions, contact Ernestine White, Volunteer Program Manager at 610-656-8933. You can also view the trails maintenance schedule by going to www.outdoors.org and click onto AMC- Delaware Valley Chapter, trails work. Delaware Valley Appalachian Mountain Club - Trails Maintenance, Social and Educational Hike Calendar for FY 2010 Educational Hike: Valley Forge Arrival (in honor of the March-In) Sunday, December 13 Interpretive guided hike of the Continental Army's march into Valley Forge. Hike pace will be moderate, but weather permitting, we will stop for interpretation, so allow plenty of time. Heavy rain or snow cancels. Hike Leader: Phil Mulligan Time: 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Meet: Visitor Center Lower Level Parking Lot Social Hikes: Meet every Thursday for a 6-mile hike along the Joseph Plumb Martin Trail. Time: 6:30 p.m. Meet: Visitor Center Lower Level Parking Lot Trails Maintenance Schedule (some dates AMC members will be joined by the Horse-shoe Trail Club members): Valley Forge National Historical Park Monthly trail work session. Meet at parking lot at White Covered Bridge on Yellow Springs Rd. at 9AM for a 3 hr. session. Bring water, snacks, and gloves. Wear comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Work Leaders: Phil Mulligan (215-247-8658, valleyforgetrails@amcdv.org), Bill Lotz (secondary) Work dates are as follows: 2009: Sat., November 14 Sat., December 12 2010: Sat., January 9 - in honor of MLK - Day of Service Sat., February 13 Sat., March 13 Sat., April 10 - in honor of Earth Day Sat., May 8 Sat., June 5 - in honor National Trails Day Sat., July 10 Sat., August 14 Sat., September 25 - National Public Lands Day
Opportunity Description: Historical Interpretation Volunteer
Join a team of Historical Interpretation Volunteers at Valley Forge and you will be helping the National Park Service accomplish its mission at this unique historical park. You will have a direct role in educating, interpreting and informing visitors about the special resources at the park in order to further visitors’ understanding, enjoyment and appreciation for the park’s unique stories - with the ultimate goal being to help visitors become park stewards.
Historic interpretation volunteers conduct programs at Valley Forge while wearing historic costume. Costumed interpretation offers opportunities to help visitors imagine what it was like during that time period, and bring them into closer contact with the historic resources, yet it must be done correctly to accomplish its goals.
Duties/Responsibilities: Volunteers will obtain: - Knowledge on how to properly wear the clothing of the soldier, camp follower and civilian of the period. - Knowledge to portray the lifeways of the late 18th century when using props: re-creation of foods, tools, etc., and possess a good knowledge of the social customs of the era. - Proficient knowledge of the American Revolution and the Valley Forge encampment. - Knowledge on how to accurately communicate to the public the story of the people, places and events that shaped the story of Valley Forge. - Knowledge on how to perform research and be able to direct visitors’ questions where the answers are not in the repertoire of the volunteer.
Work Locations: - George Washingtons Headquarters - Varnum’s Headquarters (seasonally) - Muhlenberg Living History Area (location is away from restrooms and amenities)
Training Requirements:
- The NPS will provide all the training necessary for the volunteer to gain the proper knowledge for the position and to ensure the safe handling of weapons and tools. Additionally, volunteers engaging in historic weapons firing will adhere to NPS Standards for historic weapons, and pass a black powder safety test and practicum.
- Volunteers must complete basic and historical interpretation training courses with periodic updates.
Benefits: - Performing the vital and rewarding role of helping visitors gain a better appreciation for their heritage. Meeting new people. Becoming part of a close-knit volunteer network whose members readily share their knowledge and enthusiasm. - Excellent training opportunities provided by the park and partner groups. - Getting a behind the scenes look at the park and its unique resources. - Taking part in fun and educational social outings such as sponsored trips and volunteer appreciation functions. - Learn new skills gained through public speaking and historical research.
Qualifications: Volunteers must: - Be at least 16 years of age. - Be able to stand for long periods (3 +hours) in all weather conditions wearing period clothes. - Be reliable, punctual, resourceful, and detail oriented. - Adhere to NPS, Valley Forge NHP and situational Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). - Be able to communicate accurate information to visitors, and other NPS staff including supervisor. - Be able to work alone or with other National Park and National Park Partner staffs with diverse backgrounds. - Enjoy interaction with the public. Time Commitment: - At least 8 hours per month.
Opportunity Description: Job Title: Trail Ambassador for the SCHUYLKILL RIVER TRAIL Job Description: Provide a presence on the Trail in a non-enforcement capacity. Ambassadors will provide information to trail users, advise on trail rules and etiquette, record and report problems to trail managers and take an active role in promoting the trail. Duties and Responsibilities: The responsibilities of Trail Ambassadors are varied and wide ranging but will include: Required to attend at least one of the Trail Ambassador Pre-season Training Programs (2-3hrs). Ensure that you have the proper literature material provided for distribution to members of the public e.g. trail maps, contact information. Assist trail users with proper trail etiquette and safety. Interact with the general public in a professional, friendly, courteous manner that reflects well on the program at the organization that you representing. Report problems to either the Trail Steward/Supervisor/Volunteer Coordinator or the local trail manager as soon as possible. Completion of timesheet for hours volunteered and submission to Trail. While on the trail in duty capacity as Trail Ambassadors the clothing provided must be worn, to clearly identify you as part of the program, you should be wearing your provided ID in a clearly visible location whilst undertaking Ambassador duties.
Benefit: Participation in a program that promotes a resource offering opportunities for improved health in our neighbors and communities and a way of connecting to our neighbors to strengthen those communities. Taking an active role to assist the NPS in its mission to preserve and protect both cultural and natural resources while increasing personal appreciation for the significance of National Parks and of volunteering. Meet new poeple. Fun social and learning opportunites.
Qualifications: Ambassadors must: Be at least 18 years old Have a friendly approachable manner when undertaking Ambassador Duties Have the ability to communicate with the general public Be patient Be reliable Must be able to follow directions
Equipment: Equipment and uniform items are provided.
Time Commitment: 8 hours per month SRT Information: The Schuylkill River Trail (SRT) is a long distance multi-use trail systems runs from the urban setting of Philadelphia to the rural surroundings of Schuylkill County, through five counties and many communities. The Schuylkill River Trail will eventually extend more than 128 miles from Fort Mifflin to Pottsville in Schuylkill County. Several sections of the trail are now complete including the section that runs more than 20 miles from Philadelphia to Oaks. The one mile section that runs through Valley Forge National Historical Park was built on the Pennsylvania Railroad right-of-way and parallels the scenic Schuylkill River as it passes through various townships and boroughs. The trail is a popular destination for biking, rollerblading, jogging, and walking. It is recognized as a National Recreation Trail by the U.S. Department of Interior's National Trails System.
The Trail Council, composed of the owners, managers, and developers of the STR, is responsible for developing a Trail Ambassador Program to assist visitors and trails users and help promote the trail system. Park Information: Located approximately 20 miles northwest of center city Philadelphia, Valley Forge is the site of the 1777-1778 winter encampment of General George Washington and the Continental Army. The park receives 1.2 million visitors each year and contains about 3,500 acres of forested rolling hills, tall grass meadows, wetlands, and rough lawns. Recreational and cultural opportunities are abundant, including museums, theaters, concerts, fishing, boating, hiking, etc. For additional information please visit the park website at http://www.nps.gov/vafo or Valley Forge Convention and Visitors Bureau at http://www.valleyforge.org/.
Volunteer Manager:
Ernestine M. White ernestine_white@nps.gov 610.783.5384
Opportunity Description: Greet park guests at Visitor Center desk and relate the story of Albert Gallatin and his connection to southwestern Pennsylvania. Daily April-October and weekends November-March. Training and research materials are provided to volunteers to develop interpretive talks and programs relating to Friendship Hill primary themes of statesman/diplomat Albert Gallatin; Western Expansion and the Whiskey Rebellion.
Opportunity Description: Assist the permanent office staff in computer data entry. Other projects could include: assist maintenance in trail rehabilitation; grounds mowing/grooming; carpentry; plumbing; electrical; historic preservation and other related tasks.
Opportunity Description: Assist with the presentation of the park story to school groups. Usual class is 3-4 grade (9-11 years old) and can be a total to 150 students during the 2 hour visit. With your help we can divide the large groups into 50 students or less and increase our interactions with the students. Training, props, uniform items, all provided. Will require a background check. You can choose how active you wish to be, help is needed for anything from Information Desk duty to demonstrating tools and crafts of the 1840s. |
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