Volunteer as a Visitor Center Docent in Montana

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APPLY AT:

https://go.usa.gov/xnk2E if you want to live in your own RV on site.

OR

https://go.usa.gov/xnkTq if you want to live in park housing.

Big Hole is one of the battles that occurred between the Nez Perce and the U.S. military during the summer of 1877. The site is managed by the National Park Service. The park is recruiting four people willing to volunteer as visitor center docents and interpreters for 18 weeks May 1 thru September 3, 2018. Docents will share events that led up to the Nez Perce flight, the details of this battle, and the story of the Nez Perce once the conflict drew to a close with park visitors. Couples, singles, university students, graduates, and retirees are all encouraged to apply!

LOCATION:
The Big Hole Valley in southwestern Montana is home to large working ranches. It is surrounded by the Beaverhead National Forest, which offers many outdoor recreation opportunities including fishing, star gazing, hiking, and camping. Several hot springs are located within an hour’s drive or less of the battlefield. The nearest village providing basic amenities is Wisdom, MT, which is located 10 miles east of the park with a population of 98 people. Several towns with full services are located within 65 - 85 miles of the battlefield. The elevation of the battlefield is just over 6,000 feet.

DUTIES:
The docents’ primary responsibilities will be to staff the visitor center, make bookstore sales, and give 30 minute presentations about the battle to the public. The volunteers will also assist with the annual Coyote Camp event for school groups in May, and will be able to participate in the annual Nez Perce commemoration of the battle in August. Docents may be given extra duties or special projects depending on park needs and volunteer interests.

DATES:
The anticipated dates for this position are May 1 - September 3. Each docent will volunteer for the park 32 hours per week, which is four days at eight hours each day. If a couple is selected, they will be guaranteed to be scheduled the same 3 days off. Docents can expect to be on duty for weekends and holidays.

HOUSING AND REIMBURSEMENTS:
The park will provide volunteer uniforms and nametags, interpretive training, free housing on site, and will reimburse mileage to assist with travel costs. In addition, the park's cooperating bookstore association will provide each volunteer with a weekly meal stipend. Please be aware that the meal stipend is considered taxable income and will generate a 1099 tax form. Many thanks to Glacier National Park Conservancy for providing this financial assistance to our volunteers.

One RV site with full hook-ups and free access to gym equipment, Wi-Fi, and shared washers/dyers is available 1/3 mile from the visitor center at no cost to the volunteers. Applicants without RVs will be proved a free, private private bedroom with a queen-size bed in park housing with access to the same ammenities. Pets and family members are not allowed to live in park housing. Telephone and television service is not provided, though the volunteers can pay to set them up. Be aware that cell phone coverage is spotty in the Big Hole Valley, and not available for some carriers.

SKILLS AND INTERESTS:
Docents with the following interests and abilities will enjoy their experience the most.

Friendly and outgoing people who enjoy helping the public.
History enthusiasts, especially those familiar with the Nez Perce Flight of 1877, or the American Indian Wars in general.
Confident operating cash registers and providing excellent customer service.
Prior experience or interest in public speaking and/or historical interpretation is a plus.
Comfortable living in a remote, rural location.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Please contact Rebekah Jones at rebekah_a_jones@nps.gov or (406) 689-3155 x 1023.