Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center Front Desk Volunteer

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The Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center (Visitor Center) helps people connect with the history, culture, and natural resources of the Northern Great Lakes Region through customer-based information, services, and educational programs. It operates through a unique federal, state, and local partnership. The Visitor Center is owned by the USDA Forest Service, Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, and is located in Ashland, Wisconsin

The primary purpose of this volunteer position is to provide visitor information services by greeting and assisting all visitors and sharing information on the local recreational activities, trails, camping, programs, exhibits, and similar facilities.

Front desk staff and volunteers serve as the primary contact with visitors and positively represent the Visitor Center and all partner agencies. They actively engage with visitors, ensuring they leave with a positive, informed, and fulfilling experience.

For more information on the Visitor Center, visit www.NGLVC.org

Major Duties

 Ensures the front desk is always attended in coordination with the scheduled Visitor Center staff member.

 Greets visitors and addresses inquiries about the Visitor Center and surrounding area.

 Informs visitors about local recreational opportunities and provides detailed information on trails, campgrounds, and roads.

 Assists with informational searches when the answer to a visitor’s question is unknown.

 Performs daily duties for the reception area, including opening/closing procedures and maintaining front desk organization and cleanliness. Secures the Visitor Center (a federal building) when closing.

 Monitors and reports visitor statistics.

 Restocks maps, brochures, and publications.

 Is knowledgeable about the Visitor Center building and trails.

 Assists with providing safety or security instructions to visitors during emergencies.

Required Skills

Communication:

Demonstrates effective written and verbal communication with visitors and staff. Able to speak clearly and concisely to the public for up to 4-6 hours during a half-day shift. Communication methods should be respectful, professional, and friendly, to ensure visitors have a positive experience.

Punctuality:

Reports to all scheduled shifts on time. Notifies leadership and staff as soon as possible if any schedule changes occur, especially for unexpected time off needs like an illness.

Curiosity:

Shows curiosity and a strong work ethic to learn about the Visitor Center and region. Preference may be given for those with knowledge of local recreational opportunities in the area and experience in customer service roles.

Schedule:

Available during Visitor Center public hours, Tuesday - Saturday, 9:00am to 5:00pm. Ideally available to help on some Saturdays each month.

Start Date - 2025-06-01

End Date - 2025-09-30