Volunteer - Backpack Rover

Job Title:

Roving Interpreter

Job Description:

Fort Smith National Historic Site offers a variety of interpretive programs to visitors, free of charge. In order to provide programs year-round, we need VIP Roving Interpreters. VIP Roving Interpreters will rove the park grounds giving informal interpretation, handing out maps, giving basic park information to visitors, and possibly helping lead groups during park events. NPS staff will provide training, VIP backpack, and help boost VIP skills in informal interpretation. Park interpretive themes and training will be provided to inform the VIP of what information should be shared. Opportunities are typically available seven days a week and will generally take place outdoors.

Skills Needed / Preferred:

• Willingness and ability to talk with visitors about Fort Smith
• Ability to lead visitors to stewardship through effective informal interpretation
• Ability and flexibility to work in a variety of weather conditions

Training Provided:

NPS will provide orientation and interpretive training to assist VIPs in selecting appropriate subjects, techniques, and historical information that will be shared during each visitor interaction.

Goals / Outcomes of Job:

Provide a fun and educational experience for visitors, helping them understand the significance of Fort Smith’s story, along with other park themes.

Benefits to Volunteers:

Ability to work with a variety of visitors; strengthen informal communication skills; thoroughly learn Fort Smith’s story. Official VIP uniform provided.

Number of volunteers needed:

Numbers vary according to season

Minimum Commitment:

VIP should work with staff to refine informal interpretation skills.

Location of Position:

Visitor Center & Park Grounds

Supervisor:

Cody Faber

Contact:

Cody Faber, VIP Coordinator
479-783-3961
Email us

Firearms in the Park:

Under 43 C.F.R. § 20.511, Departmental volunteers in the course of their official duties are prohibited from possessing firearms on property under control of the Department. Because of the stated purpose of the sponsors of Section 512 to provide uniformity under applicable state law from bureau-to-bureau, the potential liability issues that could result, and the absence of any criminal penalties applicable to this regulation, this Departmental policy continues to apply to all NPS/FWS employees and volunteers during their official duties. Volunteers who are not on official duty may possess firearms on Departmental lands under the same conditions applicable to members of the general public, according to P.L. 111-24, Section 512. For this purpose, volunteers are considered the same as other employees when engaged in their official activities.