Interpretation & Visitor Center Services Volunteer - Mabry Mill

Save to Favorites

The National Park Service is seeking Interpretation and Visitor Center Services Volunteers to serve at the Mabry Mill Visitor Center located at milepost 176 on the Blue Ridge Parkway near the Meadows of Dan, Virginia. The volunteers will staff the visitor center information desk answering questions and providing site and park orientation to the Parkway visitors. Volunteers are asked to commit to at least 8 hours of volunteer service per week.

Mabry Mill is one of the most picturesque places on the Parkway. Named for Edwin Boston Mabry who built, owned and operated the mill in the first decades of the 1900s. It began as a blacksmith and wheelwright shop, then became a sawmill. By 1905, it was in operation as a gristmill. By 1910, the front part of the mill was completed and included a lathe for turning out wheel hubs, a tongue and groove lathe, a planer and a jig-saw. Between 1905 and 1914 Mabry bought adjacent tracts of land, mostly for the purpose of acquiring more waterpower. The state of Virginia acquired the property in 1936 for the new Blue Ridge Parkway, and the National Park Service began restoration efforts in 1942.

Major Duties

· Greet and interact with visitors, answering often repetitive questions at visitor information desks or while roving at locations on the Mabry Mill grounds.

· Provide information, orientation and quality customer service to visitors in person, virtually or by phone.

· Stock and hand out National Park Service printed informational materials such as maps, directories and other materials.

· Assist with demonstrations and programs for park visitors.

· Lead hikes, walks or talks while sharing park information and key messages

· Direct traffic in parking areas or during special events as needed

· Assist with sales for Park Partner during high traffic times, lunch and restroom breaks

· Assist with raising and lowering the flag in proper manner.

· Know procedures for emergencies and how to initiate emergency response for lost hikers, injuries and other emergencies.

· Utilize safety procedures and follow established safety rules and regulations.

· Maintain work area in a neat and clean condition.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities 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

Start Date - 2025-06-15

End Date - 2025-10-31