Davis Bayou Kayak Guide

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Gulf Islands National Seashore's Resource Education Division is seeking volunteers to assist staff with weekend kayak programs. Volunteers will assist staff with monitoring visitor safety, facilitating responsible recreation, and providing visitors with a general orientation of park facilities, the natural and cultural resources of the National Seashore, and information about the local area.

Volunteers are needed on either Saturday or Sunday mornings at the Davis Bayou Boat Launch.

Duties include:

• Attending a one-day kayak training at Davis Bayou
• Assist park staff in loading and unloading kayaks and other equipment.
• Assist with fitting equipment (Personal Flotation Devices, paddles, kayaks, etc)
• Assist park staff in routine kayak tour programs throughout the year, especially during the summer, guiding attendees through the bayou via kayak.
• Follow all safety guidelines and use protective equipment provided
• Answer questions from visitors before, during, and after the kayak program.
• Assist with one-hour-long interpretative kayak trips, complete pre-float plans, identify a route for the program, and aid with other program logistics.
• Knowledge of and interest in kayak safety, equipment, and recreation
• Greeting and interacting with visitors in a friendly, professional manner
• Working together as a cohesive team with other volunteers and staff
• Assist visitors with following all park regulations through education and direction.
• Perform light maintenance work, including cleaning and storing equipment.
• Accurately track service hours and submit them monthly through volunteer.gov
• Effectively communicate availability with the supervisor.
• Do not perform any work you are not qualified for, have not been adequately trained, or do not feel comfortable doing.

Schedule Commitments:

• Attend one day of kayak program training for NPS-required certification.
• Assist with at least 1 kayak program a month during the summer season.
• Assist with at least 1 kayak program each season throughout other seasons of the year.
• Kayak programs are primarily on Sundays from 9 am - 12 pm unless otherwise stated; Volunteers will be notified in advance for alternative kayak program scheduling.

Training will be provided. No housing is available for this position.

Start Date - 2025-03-01

End Date - 2025-11-30