• Castle Williams as seen from New York Harbor

    Governors Island

    National Monument New York

Volunteer - Tour Guide/General Interpretation

Position Description:

Roving Interpreters - On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, most visitors to Governors Island will explore the historic district on their own. When staffing permits, we place rangers and volunteers in high visitation areas to answer questions about Governors Island history, explain architectural features, provide impromptu programs or help visitors find their way around the island.

Program Presenters -  Volunteers who already provide roving interpretation may present interpretive walks and other programs that cover the history and natural resources of Governors Island. This can include, but is not limited to, porch talks at Fort Jay, nature walks, historic district programs, PowerPoint presentations/lectures/short tours on a specific Governors Island related topic, living history programs/demonstrations and assist with the development of educational programs for local school groups. National Park staff will provide interpretive training for these program areas.

Program and Lecture Wizards - Volunteers help to prepare for events and lectures.

Training:

Volunteers interested in this opportunity must attend a training offered in May. Volunteers who apply during the season (June - mid October), will be contacted and interviewed at the end of August.

Volunteer Availability:

Wednesday - Sunday, June- mid October

Suggested Number of Hours: 8 hours/week

Other Information:

  • Volunteers will receive training from the Volunteer Coordinator and park staff.
  • Volunteers will wear a standard uniform during the season. National Park Service Volunteer patches are provided by the park.
  • Government Housing is not available.

How Can I Apply:

Click here to apply on-line.

Did You Know?

General US Grant

When Ulysses Grant asked Julia Dent's father for permission to marry her, Ulysses was instead offered her younger sister, Ellen. Ulysses and Julia were married on August 22, 1848