Volunteer Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

Volunteers are recruited and accepted from the public without regard to race, creed, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, color, national origin, disability, gender identify, or OPM classification laws, rules, and regulations. You must not engage in any work you are not qualified to perform. You must be adequately trained and feel comfortable doing and willingly agree to do the required responsibilities for each role.

Volunteers under the age of 18 must have a signed parental approval form. You must be at least 16 years old to volunteer without a chaperone.

Any non-U.S. citizens with legal permanent resident status in the United States may be accepted as VIPs upon providing proof of resident status. Any other non-US citizen must meet Department of State and Department of Homeland Security requirements before participating as a VIP. All non-resident non-U.S. citizens who with to volunteer for the NPS must enter the country pursuant to a J-1 or other approved visa.

It has been deemed inappropriate for individuals who are participating in court-approved probation, work release, or alternative sentencing programs, to serve as a VIP at Gulf Islands.

“Fit for Duty”

You must be fit for duty for the position you will perform. The definition of “fit fort duty” depends on the service description and the requirements of that position. Medical clearance is required for some hazardous duties and is recommend for strenuous positions.

If there is a question regarding your ability to perform the assigned duties, the VIP program coordinator may request the volunteer complete a Self-Identification of Medical Disability form (SF-256), request a doctor’s note (doctor’s medical clearance form) or obtain a medical examination at the government’s expense.

 

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Volunteer Positions