Visitator Center Information Assistant

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Job Title: Visitor Center Information Assistant , Little River Canyon National Preserve

Purpose of Position:

This position serves to create a quality experience for visitors through provision of visitor information and assistance. Volunteers will assist park visitors at the front information desk by providing accurate information on 1. Park resources (historical and current) 2. Directions (driving maps and directions as requested) 3. Special Park programs (such as Junior Ranger, demonstrations, Music Fest) and 4. Park events and activities. If the volunteer does not know the answer to the question the visitor will be referred to another staff member or visitor contact information will be requested so that a full answer can be forwarded when available. Volunteer will not interject personal opinions as to other tourist facilities, restaurants, hotels, etc but will instead permit the visitor to make his own choices and decisions without prejudice.

Qualifications:

Volunteer must be at least 18 years old, enjoy people, and possess a desire to share their knowledge and educate others. They must be comfortable speaking to small groups and on-on-one. Volunteer must answer repetitive questions about the park and its resources in a caring and professional manner. Volunteer must have an interest in the park and its resources and make an attempt to continually increase their knowledge of the park and its programs.

Volunteers must be able to get to and from the work site; no public transportation is provided by the park. The National Park Service will provide workspace and uniform items as available. General grooming and clothing needs to reflect a professional, clean and neat appearance at all times when representing the park.

Major duties:

• Assist with demonstrations and programs for the audience to make connections to the park
• Greet and interact with visitors, answering often repetitive questions
• Direct Traffic in parking areas or during special events
• Document visitor flow using statistical analysis
• Utilize safety procedures and follow established safety rules and regulations.

Knowledge and Skills Required:

• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to display a positive attitude and professional demeanor
• Knowledge of NPS regulations desired
• Ability to determine visitor needs and answer questions.
• Ability to remain courteous and calm in hectic circumstances.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to practice safety in all aspects of the job.
• Ability to work independently with little or no direct supervision

Time Commitment:

Volunteer is needed to work on-site at least one half day (4 hours) and is most needed during core hours of 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. A full day’s work (8 hours) is preferred.

A 30-minute lunch break and other breaks as needed must be worked into the schedule. The volunteer will be responsible for his or her own lunch which cannot be consumed in the visitor center other than in the staff eating area. Volunteer will clean up after using park lunch area including washing their own dishes/silverware and disposing of their own trash/recyclable containers. Staff facilities such as refrigerator, freezer, and microwave are shared and must not be monopolized by excessive use or storage of personal items. All food items not clearly marked with owner’s name risk being consumed by others.

Volunteer must work a predetermined schedule. Volunteer and supervisor will determine days expected on site at least one week in advance. Days needed would include a maximum of four days per week in order to be fair to other volunteers resident in the park. Volunteer would need to call the park should illness or other unexpected happening cause a change to the work schedule.

Safety:

Safety is a topic taken seriously by the National Park Service and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Safety is not one person’s responsibility, but the responsibility of everyone working on the Parkway. Job Hazard Analysis and Job Safety Analysis are key tools in developing each person’s understanding of what the hazards are and how they can be mitigated. These analyses, along with reporting tools, are available through park supervisors. We expect each individual to take safety seriously, talk to others about what they see, and report or stop unsafe activities. Safety is a "we" topic where we work together to make each person safe.

Start Date - 2025-02-16

End Date - 2025-12-14