Mount Rainer National Park – Volunteer Program Assistant 800-hr AmeriCorps Member

Volunteer Program Assistant 800-hr AmeriCorps Member Northwest Youth Corps – Mount Rainier National Park Longmire Visitors Center and Paradise Area Mount Rainier National Park, WA

Position Title: Volunteer Program Assistant 800-hr AmeriCorps Member

Grant Program: OYSI 22EDBDC0020010 / EAP 21EDBDC0010041

Position Summary:

Mount Rainier National Park is recruiting one 20-week (800-hr) AmeriCorps member beginning May 13, 2024 to help manage a vibrant and diverse volunteer program that works with almost 2,000 people every year on projects ranging from meadow patrol and citizen science to trail maintenance and revegetation. The member will divide their time between correspondence, scheduling, and administration, and coordinating one of the park’s major volunteer programs two days a week. They will receive training in volunteer program management.

Duties and Responsibilities:

30% Volunteer Outreach and Data Logistics

Maintain volunteer program records, including Volunteer Agreements, the Volunteer Database, records of hours, and volunteer applications; and serve as a primary point of contact for volunteers scheduling days of service with the Meadow Rover program and reservations in the volunteer program’s Stewardship Campground.

20% Volunteer Coordination and Placements

Assist the full-time Volunteer Program Manager and seasonal Volunteer-in-Parks Assistant in the day-to-day operation of the volunteer program. Correspond with potential volunteers and volunteer groups and work with park supervisors to match them up with potential volunteer projects; maintain and distribute supplies, such as volunteer uniforms; visit volunteer groups in the field to welcome them and document their work with photographs and videos; and post about ongoing volunteer activities on social media.

40% Direct Volunteer Orientation Services

Serve as the backup coordinator of the Meadow Rover volunteer program at Paradise on the primary Meadow Rover Coordinator’s days off, two or three days a week. Check volunteers into service at the beginning of their day, assign them a radio, fill them in on current events, monitor their progress by radio throughout the day, and check them out of service at the end of the day. Assist with training throughout the season.

10% Formal Training

The member will receive training in volunteer program management, both in general and specifically as it applies to Mount Rainier and its activities. The member will also participate in resource-oriented sections of seasonal interpretive training. Formal training will not exceed 20% of the members’ total service hours.

Required Qualifications:

• Ability to work in an office setting doing computer-based tasks two or three full days a week.
• A positive attitude and ability to work with people of many different backgrounds.
• Ability to quickly learn a complex program and assist in its implementation, with supervision.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Reliability and attention to detail.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, and to provide leadership to volunteers.
• Willingness to submit to a government background check.
• Current driver’s license and clean driving record.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience and skill with Microsoft software including Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, and Teams.
• Experience working with volunteers or coordinating activities.
• Ability to work out of doors in all kinds of weather at an elevation of 5,400 feet. Ability to hike several miles in rough terrain.

Duty Location:

Duties are divided between offices at Longmire and Paradise in Mount Rainier National Park, Washington. The Paradise location may also include frequent work in the field on local trails.

Terms of Employment:

One AmeriCorps member will complete a 20-week term of service, starting approximately May 13 through September 28. These dates may be shifted up to two weeks later to accommodate student schedules. The member must complete a minimum of 800 service hours by the end of their term. The member will receive a 30-minute lunch each day and this lunch break does not count towards AmeriCorps member service hours. Training will not exceed 20% of total member service hours. The AmeriCorps member is responsible for providing their own housing and food. Personal transportation is needed.

Program Benefits:

$12,000 living allowance dispersed on a monthly basis and upon successful completion of program requirements, education award amount of $2,626.27. Health care coverage offered, workers compensation, and FICA/Medicare.

The living allowance and education award are taxable. Members are responsible for providing their own food. Service eligibility is contingent upon the results of a criminal and driving background check.

These positions are sponsored by The Corps Network’s OYSI and EAP program.