Visitor Services Assistant

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Camp Nelson National Monument:

The US Army established Camp Nelson as a fortified supply depot in April 1863. The site evolved into a massive recruitment and training center for African American soldiers (United States Colored Troops) and a refugee camp for their families. Camp Nelson served as a shelter for civilians fleeing war and for enslaved people hoping to secure their freedom and aid in the destruction of slavery.

Position Description:

The Visitor Services Assistant serves as a front-line representative of Camp Nelson National Monument. Their volunteer position involves direct interactions with visitors of the park by greeting them, providing information on park history, operations, and programming, orienting visitors and providing direction to park resources, and assisting park staff with visitor center operations. The VIP may conduct sales of cooperating association materials if willing and trained to do so.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Volunteer must be at least 18 years old.
• Must enjoy interacting with others and the public and possess a desire to share their knowledge and educate others.
• Must be comfortable speaking to small groups and on-on-one.
• Be able to remain calm and courteous during occasional hectic or emergency situations.
• Be able to speak comfortably about the American Civil War and related topics in an unbiased and factual manner that aligns with NPS interpretation and the mission of Camp Nelson National Monument.

Responsibilities:

• Develop knowledge of park history, resources and programming, and park regulations and NPS policy to share information with visitors to Camp Nelson National Monument.
• The VIP will be responsible for their own housing and transportation, and for showing up to their scheduled shifts on time.
• The VIP will answer phone calls to the visitor’s center, which may involve inquiries about the park or Civil War history.
• If the VIP is interested there may be opportunities for training in interpretative services such as formal interpretive programs and tours.
• Operates the Eastern National cash register with supervision for VIPs who wish to learn.
• VIPs may drive park vehicles such as the golf cart or Kubota in certain circumstances to aid staff and visitors if they wish to do so. Must possess a valid driver’s license and clean driving record.

Work Environment:

The volunteer will have frequent contact the public and park staff. Standing for long periods of time, walking, bending, lifting, and sedentary work is required. While most work will take place within the Visitor Center in an office-like setting, work outside may occur for programs and events. If work is conducted outside, the terrain may be rugged and uneven. Volunteers may work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, including hot and sunny days, stormy weather, rain, cold, etc.

Time Commitment:

Volunteers are scheduled for a morning (8:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.) and/or afternoon (12:00 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.) on a specific day or days each week. The visitor center is open seven days a week, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. between Memorial Day and Labor Day. After Labor Day the visitor center is open five days a week, Wednesday to Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is closed only on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

Visitor Center VIPs are asked to work at least one shift per week.

Location:

Camp Nelson National Monument Visitor Center, located at 6614 Danville Rd Loop 2, Nicholasville, Kentucky, 40365. Camp Nelson National Monument is located approximately 18 miles south of Lexington, Kentucky.

Start Date - 2024-02-19

End Date - 2025-02-01

Activities include: General Assistance;Tour Guide/Interpretation;Visitor Information