Visitor Services Assistant

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Position Description:

The Visitor Services Assistant serves as a front-line representative of Fort Donelson National Battlefield. This volunteer position involves direct interactions with visitors of the park by greeting them, providing information on park history, operations, and programming, orienting visitors and providing direction to park resources, and assisting park staff with visitor center operations. The VIP will operate a cash register after training.

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.
• Must be comfortable speaking to small groups and on-on-one.
• Be able to remain calm and courteous during occasional hectic or emergency situations.
• Be able to speak comfortably about the American Civil War and related topics in an unbiased and factual manner that aligns with NPS interpretation and the mission of Fort Donelson National Battlefield.

Responsibilities:

• Develop knowledge of park history, resources and programming, and park regulations and NPS policy to share information with visitors to Fort Donelson National Battlefield.
• The VIP will be responsible for their own housing and transportation, and for showing up to their scheduled shifts on time.
• The VIP will answer phone calls to the visitor’s center, which may involve inquiries about the park or Civil War history.
• If the VIP is interested there may be opportunities for training in interpretative services such as formal interpretive programs and tours.
• Operates the Eastern National cash register with supervision.
• VIPs may, on occasion, drive park vehicles. Must possess a valid driver’s license and clean driving record.

Work Environment:

The volunteer will have frequent contact the public and park staff. Standing for long periods of time, walking, bending, lifting, and sedentary work is required. While most work will take place within the Visitor Center in an office-like setting, work outside may occur for programs and events. If work is conducted outside, the 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.

Time Commitment:

Volunteers are scheduled for a morning (8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.) and/or afternoon (12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.) Saturdays and Sundays. The visitor center is open seven days a week, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and is closed only on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

Visitor Center VIPs are asked to work at least one shift per week.

Uniform:

Volunteer Shirt and any other needed items will be provided.

Start Date - 2025-04-01

End Date - 2025-12-31