Remote Village Docent

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Located across from Ocracoke, NC is Portsmouth Village. What was once a bustling sea village now stands as a testament to times gone by. Those who are willing to face the bugs, weather, and remoteness are suitable for this position at Cape Lookout National Seashore.

Portsmouth Village is an unique place. It is remote, isolated, and different from any other part of the part. You will need flexibility, ingenuity, the ability to work without direction under changing conditions, and the confidence to act even when you’re not quite sure what to do.

The volunteer spends most of their days and nights alone in the area at their cabin. The volunteer needs to be comfortable with solitude, and creative, self-reliant problem solving. The position requires a personal calm and self-awareness. Couples are preferred.

Housing:

Volunteers in this position will live in the historic Summer Kitchen) of the U.S. Life-Saving Service Station on the eastern end of the village on the barrier island. The house contains two twin beds, a private bathroom and shower, and a small kitchen. All dishes, pots, pans, and cutlery are provided. Volunteers are required to bring their own bedding and lines.

An RV spot is available on Ocracoke for volunteers. Additional shared mainland housing, which includes laundry facilities, is available on Harkers Island during days off.

Primate Duties:

The main duty of this position is to be village docent and groundskeeper. Volunteers will greet visitors and given them tours of the village. They will also maintain the houses, bathrooms, and cut grass.

• Opens (10:00 a.m.) and closes (4:00 p.m.) Portsmouth Village buildings
• Meets and greets visitors arriving on ferry boat
• Provides oral and written information to visitors
• Provides tours of the village to arriving visitors
• Cleans public restroom
• Cleans public buildings, including exhibits and displays
• Provides visitor assistance (information, first aid, assists park staff in search and rescue, etc.)
• Carries park cell phone 24-hours a day to respond to emergencies. Cell phone is carried on days off.

Work Schedule

Volunteers are required to at least two weeks in this position. 32 hours is required for housing. Volunteers will be stationed in village Friday through Monday. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, they can return to mainland and enjoy their days off. There is a laundry facility in the Ocracoke Volunteer Campground.

Responsibility

A valid driver’s license and safe driving record are required. Pets are generally not permitted. Alcohol storage and consumption are prohibited. The National Park Service is an Equal Opportunity Employer; there is zero tolerance for inappropriate behavior or comments. .

Working Conditions

Work is performed indoors and outdoors. Volunteers work and live in remote and isolated areas of the park, often with limited privacy. Outdoor work can be subject to environmental factors such as wind, rain, blowing sand, high heat and humidity, and exposure to sun and biting insects. When Personal Protective Equipment (life jackets, gloves, etc.) is required, it will be provided by the park.

Transportation

Volunteers will be transported via the State Ferry from Cedar Island to Ocracoke. . Once on Ocracoke, VIPs can check-in with the Ocracoke NPS Visitor Center at 38 Irvin Garrish Hwy, Ocracoke, NC. The final stretch of travel from Ocracoke to Portsmouth is completed via the Austin Ferry Service.

VIPs may bring their own boats but must clear it through their supervisor first.

Qualifications:

Volunteer must be an adult and possess the following:

● Must provide their own RV that is fully contained.

● Must enjoy working with people from a variety of backgrounds

● Strong communication skills

● Have a willingness to learn about the park's resources

● Must be able to walk one to three miles a day on uneven desert terrain and surfaces.

● Ability to read and research area information

Start Date - 2026-03-01

End Date - 2026-11-01