Builder's Day - Gateway Arch National Park

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Our Opportunity:

Builders’ Day Volunteers help with our annual October event, Meet the Builders. At this event, the tradesmen, construction workers, photographers, and many others who helped build the Gateway Arch are invited to share their stories, sign autographs, show their personal pictures from construction, and meet some of the many people inspired by their work. Since the arch was constructed in the 1960s, the builders are elderly and many need help getting around. Volunteer help is essential to make this yearly event a success.

How does this position make an impact?

Every year, unfortunately, there are fewer builders able to make the journey, and it is more and more difficult for the builders to get to and from the arch. Volunteers help ensure that the builders have positive experiences and continue to come back for the Meet the Builders events.

This role is suitable for those with:

● Empathy and kindness for the elderly

● Physical ability to push a wheelchair

● Enthusiasm, friendliness, and a positive attitude

● Respect for confidentiality of the Gateway Arch National Park’s volunteers, partners, members, and donors

● Willingness to take initiative and voice ideas

Commitment:

This is a one-day event. Volunteers are requested to work from 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM, and they may choose to stay to work until noon. The day will start with a brief orientation and safety briefing at the entrance to the Gateway Arch visitor center. Around 8:00 the builders will start arriving. A van operated by NPS staff will pick builders up from the Stadium East parking garage and will drop them off at Market Street or Chestnut Street. Volunteers will be waiting along Chestnut or Market Street with wheelchairs ready, where they will pick up the builders, help them pass through the security checkpoint, and get them to the education classroom by 9am for their breakfast. From 9:45 until 10, volunteers will help the builders get from the education classroom to the tram lobby for the event. At this point volunteers will be dismissed from service, though if they choose to stay until they end of the event, they can help builders return to their vehicles.

Site:

Volunteers will get free parking at the Kiener West Garage at 604 Pine Street. Accommodations may be available upon request.

Roles and Responsibilities:

18 or older (younger applicants with parental/guardian approval may be considered). As representatives of The National Park Service and Gateway Arch Park Foundation, volunteers must adhere to the policies, procedures, and code of conduct as outlined in the volunteer handbook provided prior to or during training.

Physical Requirements:

● Ability to stand and/or sit for extended periods of time

● Ability to occasionally lift and move up to forty (40) pounds

● Ability to push a wheelchair, potentially up or down slopes or through tight spaces.

Training and Supervision:

● Volunteers will arrive at 7:30, fill out their paperwork, and be ready for a brief orientation/wheelchair safety session at 7:45. If working the late morning shift, the safety orientation will take place at 10 a.m.

Support:

Gateway Arch National Park and Gateway Arch Park Foundation staff will be available for questions and assistance as needed.

Management:

The volunteer program is co-managed by Gateway Arch National Park and Gateway Arch Park Foundation. Together, our program seeks to build a diverse corps of park stewards and to enhance the experiences of both volunteers and visitors.

Volunteer Perks:

● Contribute to Gateway Arch National Park

● Annual general membership to Gateway Arch Park Foundation (250+ hours)

● Annual volunteer recognition event

● Free parking if needed during volunteer hours

About Gateway Arch National Park

Gateway Arch National Park is a part of the National Park Service (NPS) and therefore follows the NPS mission to preserve unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Gateway Arch reflects St. Louis' role in the Westward Expansion of the United States during the nineteenth century. The park is a memorial to Thomas Jefferson's role in opening the West, to the pioneers who helped shape its history, and to Dred Scott who sued for his freedom in the Old Courthouse. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/jeff.

About Gateway Arch Park Foundation

The Gateway Arch Park Foundation is a non-profit organization with a mission to ensure that the Gateway Arch, its grounds, neighboring public space, and attractions are a vital, active, and welcoming, well-supported resource to the community and nation for generations to come. The Foundation is part of an alliance that helps meet this mission, which includes the National Park Service, Bi-State Development, Great Rivers Greenway, Jefferson National Parks Association and the City of St. Louis. For more information, visit www.ArchPark.org .