Damascus Trail Center Volunteer

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Visitor Center Volunteers ensure a positive experience for those visiting the Damascus Trail Center (DTC), to complement the staff in providing information about the A.T., ATC, and surrounding region to the public, and to assist in recruiting new members.

Volunteers receive a discount on merchandise after their initial 8 hours of service. Volunteers in this position say it brings them a lot of satisfaction to help people learn about and find enjoyment in exploring the A.T., or the Mount Rogers High Country Region.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Provide a friendly greeting and orientation to those visiting the Damascus Trail Center, tailoring that process to visitors’ needs and interests.
• Inspire visitors to support the A.T. through membership in the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
• Recommend local hikes to visitors - Provide information about local services and attractions.
• Carry out purchases and membership transactions on the cash register.
• Reflect Leave No Trace principles in responses to the public.
• Photocopy or print informational handouts
• Assemble information packets.
• (Weekdays only): After training period, respond to information calls and email inquiries, redirecting to staff whenever volunteer does not have background or resources to answer accurately or completely.
• Assist staff in keeping visitor center clean and tidy, keep information materials stocked, and aid DTC Staff with facility setup and break down when needed.
• Reporting your volunteer hours.

Qualifications:

• Enjoys meeting people.
• Outgoing, friendly personality - Good listener.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Customer service experience.
• Familiarity with the Mount Rogers High Country and Southwest Virginia area day-hikes - Familiarity with Washington County services and attractions or willingness to learn
• Familiarity with Appalachian Trail and Appalachian Trail Conservancy or willingness to acquire knowledge.
• Willingness to learn new tasks and information - Willingness to ask questions when unclear about information or procedures.
• Familiarity with Leave No Trace principles, skills and practices specific to the Appalachian Trail, or willingness to learn.