DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES - Primarily provides front-line customer service by staffing the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Visitor Center desk and occasionally while roving on foot. Distributes information, provides informal interpretation, and orients visitors to the park. May provide short interpretive geology talks to visitors. Learns Park resources by reading books, reviewing maps and park research materials. Issues wilderness permits as needed and educates visitors regarding the requirements for climbing and backpacking, and the rules and regulations. Solo roving patrols will be completed. As assigned and with supervision, performs various administrative and collateral duties which may include preparing documents, gathering routine information for reports, compilation of statistical data, cleaning and housekeeping projects, assisting with inventories, photography, and response to information requests. Work requires standing for long periods of time, occasional easy to arduous hiking at high evaluations (8,500’) in snowy, icy conditions; and bending, and lifting moderately heavy items in a repetitive motion. Mental stress and physical fatigue may occur due to high volume of personal contacts, occasional emergency responses, and repetitive nature of interpretive operations. Work is performed primarily indoors at the visitor center and may involve assisting with snow shoveling as able. The safety of park staff is the priority and participants are not asked to perform tasks outside their comfort level. Additional work is performed outdoors resulting in exposure to extreme temperatures, rain, snow, ice, wind, and direct sunlight at high elevations in the Rocky Mountains. BENEFITS - Park housing is provided at the government’s cost: one private bedroom and bathroom in a potentially shared 2-bedroom apartment with shared kitchen and living space. Candidate may at times be the only person living in Black Canyon housing (a remote location from Montrose) in the winter time. Specific rules and restrictions apply including no pets or family members. Cell service is not available at housing, nor is there WIFI (landline provided; cell service typically within a 10-minute drive). Detailed housing information is available. No monetary reimbursement is provided. QUALIFICATIONS - Knowledge and interest in national parks and public lands. Self-motivated, intendent, professional, friendly, and enjoys exploring and learning about the region. Likes people. Willing to live and work in a remote, high elevation area. Personal car is required to get to town for groceries, etc. SUITABILITY - Students, adults, seniors, internationalA background investigation is required for this position. DATES / SCHEDULE - Two-month minimum commitment. Work schedule is part-time of 32 hours per week; 8-hour days, 4 days per week. Lieu days will be determined based on operational needs. Weekend work will likely be required. OTHER - Candidate may operate government vehicles (requiring a valid driver’s license), electronics, computers, a variety of office equipment and other related items. Candidate will be supervised by the permanent GS-9 Park Ranger. The candidate will receive guidance, orientation, and training from a variety of staff members. Formal training is minimal but may include online training courses and on the job, activities including orientation trips in the park and tours.Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a wilderness of ancient rock cliffs, river rapids, and pinyon and juniper forests in southwest Colorado. Black Canyon’s South Rim Scenic Drive is typically closed to vehicles starting around Thanksgiving through mid April. A ski/snowhoe trail is groomed on the closed road once there is sufficient snow. The South Rim of Black Canyon is located east of Montrose, Colorado, at the end of state highway 347, seven miles north of its intersection with U.S. Highway 50. Current Volunteer Opportunities |
Last updated: July 5, 2023