Shark Valley Park Interpretation and Visitor Services (seasonal)

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Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, covering 1.5 million acres of South Florida! The Park protects an unparalleled landscape that provides an important habitat for numerous rare and endangered species like the manatee, American crocodile, and the elusive Florida panther.

Park rangers are the key interpretive guides to helping our visitors experience the Park’s amazing natural and cultural resources. Each year, Everglades National Park receives about 1 million visitors from around the world! Most individuals visit the park during the winter dry season, which spans from November-April.

We are looking for volunteers to join our team of Interpretive Guides for this upcoming winter season in Shark Valley! These individuals will assist with all areas of interpretive services, assisting with Visitor Center operations and leading and presenting programs.

Volunteers will be provided with training by Everglades National Park, and will work under the guidance and support the Shark Valley Supervisory Ranger and Interpretation staff.

Housing (RV pad and hookups) is available to non-resident volunteers who complete the minimum number of service hours (36 hours/week).

Volunteer duties may include the following:

• Provide personal, interpretive services to park visitors
• Present thematic programs including, but not limited to, illustrated talks, guided walks, bike rides and wet walks in the Everglades, as needed
• Provide visitors with a general orientation to park recreational opportunities and natural and cultural resources at the Shark Valley Visitor Center
• Assist with opening and closing procedures at the Shark Valley Visitor Center

Requirements and Qualifications

• At least 18 years of age
• Valid driver’s license
• Enjoy working with the public
• Ability to effectively communicate with people of all ages
• Knowledge and/or a willingness to learn about the natural and cultural resources of Everglades National Park

Time Commitment:

• mid-November through mid-April
• 36 hours/week (4 days on, 3 days off)

Physical Demands

• Occasional "strenuous" labor and activities, which may include: standing for long periods of time, biking up to 3 hours, walking short distances
• Work in conditions typical of Southern Florida: heat, humidity, mosquitoes
• May encounter poisonous plants and snakes

Benefits to the Volunteer:

• Participate in Everglades National Park seasonal training
• Participate in Shark Valley district training
• Receive a volunteer uniform, provided by the park
• Gain skills and experience in interpretation, public speaking, customer service and visitor interaction
• Learn more about the operation of the National Park Service
• Opportunities to meet members of the community and visitors from around the world
• Opportunities to share knowledge and passions with other individuals
• Opportunities to meet other park employees and volunteers
• Opportunities to gain volunteer recognition items, based upon cumulative volunteer hours
• Free RV pad provided to individuals who volunteer a minimum of 36 hours/week

Click here to learn more about Everglades National Park.