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Visitor Center Front Desk Volunteer (2025)

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ORGANIZATION: National Park Service

Park Information:

Located approximately 20 miles northwest of center city Philadelphia, Valley Forge was the site of the 1777-78 winter encampment of George Washington and the Continental Army. The park commemorates the sacrifices and perseverance of the Revolutionary War generation and honors the ability of citizens to pull together and overcome adversity during extraordinary times. ( http://www.nps.gov/vafo )


Qualifications:

  • Be 18 years or older.
  • Ability and desire to follow applicable federal, state, and local laws, and park policies, as well as directions from staff and other volunteer leaders.
  • Excellent communication skills: be able to treat visitors, park staff, and fellow volunteers with professional courtesy, and ask for help when needed.
  • Ability to stand for up to four hours at a time on a hard surface.
  • Ability to move quickly and carefully within a small work area (8’x5’) around chairs, desks, boxes, filing cabinets, and other staff at the desk.
  • Ability to hear and follow conversations easily within a crowded room.
  • Manual dexterity and ability to do repetitive motions with very few errors.
  • [IF AT A SPECIAL PROGRAM OR EVENT OUTDOORS] Ability to walk and stand for the duration of the shift over uneven ground in a variety of natural conditions involving weather (e.g., heat, cold, humidity, rain, wind, etc.), animals and pests (e.g., ticks, bugs, pollen, other animals, etc.), early morning or evening hours.


Short Term Impact of this Work:

  • Visitors feel welcomed and receive the information they need to enjoy the park.


Long Term Impact of this Work:

  • Visitors feel inspired to take action that furthers their knowledge, appreciation, or stewardship of Valley Forge and the National Park Service.


Time Commitment:

New volunteers must complete a mandatory 90-minute virtual park orientation. All volunteers complete periodic refresher training as needed. A minimum commitment of 8 hours monthly, depending on the availability of shifts. The typical shift lasts four hours, and shifts are scheduled based upon park priorities and the availability of volunteers. The busiest months are March - October of each year.


Description of Duties:

  • Accurately and professionally communicate the following kinds of information: directions, program schedules, special events details, and park regulations.
  • Answer the desk phone, take and relay messages.
  • Administer the Junior Ranger program.
  • Troubleshoot any customer service issues.
  • Ensure adequate number of printed materials (e.g., park unigrids, trail maps, Jr. Ranger books, etc.) and other resources (e.g., stamps, Boy Scout and Girl Scout ranger patches, etc.) are available.
  • [OPTIONAL] Assist in a similar capacity outdoors at a special program or event. NOTE: See final bullet under Required Qualifications.

Start Date - 2025-02-04

End Date - 2026-02-03

Activities include: General Assistance;Visitor Information

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About National Park Service

Location:

1849 C Street NW, Washington, DC 20240, US

Mission Statement

The National Park Service preserves 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 Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.

Description

The U.S. National Park Service, www.nps.gov, cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage. We care for more than 400 national parks and help communities preserve their historic places and open spaces.

CAUSE AREAS

Arts & Culture
Environment
Sports & Recreation
Arts & Culture, Environment, Sports & Recreation

WHEN

We'll work with your schedule.

WHERE

1400 North Outer Line DriveKing of Prussia, PA 19406

(40.1011,-75.42195)
 

SKILLS

GOOD FOR

N/A

REQUIREMENTS

N/A

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