Employment and VIP Opportunities For information about employment, please visit the website of the Office of Personnel Management, the U.S. Government's official site for jobs and employment information.

About Volunteers
Volunteering is an American tradition that over the years has made an immeasurable contribution to communities, organizations and individuals throughout the country. A recent poll found that over one-third of the American public has been or is now a volunteer. Over half of those presently involved in volunteer work are also employed in full or part-time jobs. Today's volunteers are active, dynamic, creative individuals of all ages who possess the skills, desire, patience and time to accomplish a wide variety of tasks.

Volunteers come from every state and nearly every country in the world to help preserve and protect America's natural and cultural heritage for the enjoyment of this and future generations. Young and old alike give of their time and expertise to assist our paid staff in achieving our national mission.

75,000 volunteers in national parks and affiliated areas contributed $35 million worth of services in one year alone, from maintaining the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, to welcoming visitors at information desks, to monitoring biological research plots.

Current VIP Opportunities
Each year, volunteers contribute more than 40,000 hours to Shenandoah National Park. Visitors, residents, families, school groups, scouts, clubs, businesses, people just like you - help care for the trails, campgrounds, visitor centers, offices, and wilderness of Shenandoah.

Over 500 people annually make the time to give something back to Shenandoah National Park. Most people work for half a day or more on the trails or backcountry areas. A select few spend several months working in various locations throughout the park such as our campground hosts.

The following questions will introduce you to Shenandoah's Volunteers-In-Parks program. Discover why our volunteers are truly VIPs.

What types of work can volunteers do? We have a wide variety of opportunities including, but certainly not limited to, the categories listed below:

• Welcome visitors to the Park's Visitors centers
• Help care for the Birds of Prey
• Maintain the digital slide files
• Answer information requests by mail and telephone

Maintenance

• Work in the Sign Shop
• Assist in park-wide cleanups
• Litter Patrol

Protection

• Serve as campground hosts
• Assist with search and rescue

Resource Management

• Join crews that maintain the trails
• Monitor wildlife populations
• Gather water quality data
• Input data for Geographic Information System
• Research and update records on park lands
• Assist with clerical and computer work

How long do volunteers work? This depends on the specific projects, the requirements of the supervisor and your schedule. Generally, supervisors are interested in working with volunteers who can stay with us at least one month and preferably longer. Most volunteers work with us for two to four months and many return year after year.

Where do volunteers live? While the park would like to be able to provide housing for any volunteer who needs it, our housing is very limited and restricts the number of volunteers we can accept. Very few volunteers ever get park housing. For campground host volunteers with their own travel trailers or RVs, we can sometimes provide a trailer pad with utility connections. Camping in one of the park campgrounds may be an option for some. Local rentals can be difficult to find and will, most likely, be very expensive.

What qualifications do volunteers need? Requirements vary, depending on what role you would like to play in the Park. Let us know your volunteer work interests, and the appropriate supervisor can tell you what qualifications we seek for that position. All applications will receive consideration without regard to race, creed, national origin, sex, age, color, political affiliation or physical handicap.

How do I apply? You may apply using the on-line application for any jobs that have been posted at the National Park Service Volunteers in Parks website or you may request a copy of a Volunteer Application Form from the Volunteer Coordinator. Applications are reviewed and distributed to supervisors for posted jobs. Supervisors, not the Volunteer Coordinator, will contact qualified applicants directly, considering their needs and upcoming projects. Many more people apply to Shenandoah than we can possibly accept. Nor can we contact everyone who submits an application. Every effort is made to secure volunteers as early as possible, so if you don't receive an initial call within 90 days or by late April (for summer positions) you should assume we are unable to offer you a position.

What does the Park provide? When required by the job, the Park supplies uniform shirts, hats, jackets, equipment or supplies if appropriate to the project. It is not Shenandoah's policy to offer any stipends for volunteers.

Are there any short-term opportunities? There are a few short-term opportunities for volunteer work in the Park. These short-term opportunities are open to everyone. Spend approximately four hours picking up litter or cleaning campground/picnic area grills. Tools and work gloves are provided. These ongoing projects are good for all ages from young teens on up. Lead-time of a month or two is usually plenty for scheduling volunteer work. You can call (540)-999-3181 for more information.