B.A.R.K Ranger Ambassador

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Position Description:

The B.A.R.K. Ranger Ambassador and their pet (B.A.R.K. ranger) serve 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 and policies, and orienting visitors on trails. This position is designed educate visitors on B.A.R.K. and Leave No Trace, and NPS pet policy with the hope of decreasing harmful behavior.

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.

· Enjoys time spent outdoors around other people and pets.

· Able to remain calm and courteous during occasional hectic or emergency situations.

· Able to memorize B.A.R.K., Leave No Trace, and NPS pet policy and able to share that information.

· All B.A.R.K. Rangers are to be up to date on pet vaccinations, medicines, including flea and tick prevention, and comfortable interacting with strangers and other pets.

· The B.A.R.K. Ranger Ambassador must be knowledgeable of their dog’s capabilities and able to advocate for their dog, removing them from overwhelming or dangerous situations.

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.

· Be familiar with B.A.R.K., Leave No Trace, and NPS pet policy and able to explain to a visitor.

· The B.A.R.K. Ranger Ambassador will be responsible for their own housing and transportation, and for showing up to their scheduled shifts on time. The VIP will keep record of their hours online through Volunteer.gov or in the log at the front desk in the Camp Nelson Visitor Center.

· Performing duties as scheduled in proper uniform.

· Following standard operating procedures.

· Willing to pick up litter or other waste from trails while roving to help maintain park standards.

· The Ambassador will remain courteous and polite when interacting with visitors.

· Reporting any suspicious activity on park grounds to a ranger and the 1-800-PARK-TIP hotline.

Work Environment:

The volunteer will have frequent contact the public and park staff. The work for this position is outside; 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. There is potential for excessive exposure to sun, dehydration, and overheating. The VIP is expected to take the necessary precautions to help ensure their own safety, the safety of their pet, and to encourage visitors to do the same.

Time Commitment:

Park grounds are open from dawn to dusk. 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.

B.A.R.K. Ranger Ambassadors are welcome to work during times when the Visitor Center is not open and are responsible for recording their volunteer hours. Required training must happen during the park’s operating hours.

B.A.R.K. Ranger Ambassadors are asked to work at least one shift per week. During off-season, weekends are preferred due to higher rates of visitation during those times, but not required. Length of shift and work schedule will be determined in agreement between the Ambassador and NPS staff.

Physical Requirements:

The B.A.R.K. Ranger Ambassador position is a roving position that requires long periods of walking outdoors on park trails over uneven ground in a variety of weather conditions, and with potential exposure to pests, wildlife, and irritating plants. When accompanied by a pet, the Ambassador will need to keep their pet on leash and restrained while traversing the park and be able to bend to pick up after their pet. The Ambassador is expected to carry anything they may need while walking the park on their person.

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 - 2024-04-12

End Date - 2025-04-11

Activities include: General Assistance;Visitor Information