Park Volunteer (Non-Coaching)

JOB SUMMARY

Pelican Park welcomes passionate, community-minded individuals to join our team as unpaid Volunteers. As a Park Volunteer, you play an essential role in enhancing the park experience for visitors and supporting the smooth operation of park activities. You will work closely with park management and fellow volunteers to maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment. This is a flexible and rewarding opportunity to give back to the community, meet new people, and support the Park's One Park-One Team mission.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain good public relations with participants, parents/guardians, other staff members and general public.
• Responsible for keeping accurate records, maintaining records and completing reports as necessary.
• Maintain a clean, orderly, safe and secure environment for participants.
• Communicate effectively with staff, participants and parents/guardians.
• Enforce rules and regulations, policies and procedures in a responsible manner.
• Friendly, positive attitude and willingness to help.
• Ability to follow directions and work independently or as part of a team.

POTENTIAL VOLUNTEER ASSIGNMENTS INCLUDE

• Special Event Support: Staff the Pelican Park booth during community events; distribute seasonal park information and answer general questions.
• Guest Services: Serve as greeter and/or usher for events at the Castine Center; assist guests with directions, seating, and event related inquiries.
• Nature Program Assistance: Support instructors or naturalists during outdoor programs; help with setup, cleanup, and participant engagement.
• Park & Facility Maintenance: Assist with light maintenance tasks at park facilities; support trail maintenance efforts including debris clearing and upkeep.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage with diverse visitors.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team of volunteers and park staff.
• Commitment to punctuality and following through on responsibilities.
• Flexibility in handling various tasks and responding to dynamic park environments.
• A passion for community service and a genuine interest in outdoor recreation and park activities.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• At least 15 years of age.
• Current driver's license issued by the state of residence.
• Satisfactory Motor Vehicle Report and background check.

PHYSICAL AND DEXTERITY REQUIREMENTS

Ability to stand, walk, or move around for several hours during events or regular shifts. Duties may include setting up or dismantling equipment, moving supplies, and maintaining park areas, which can require lifting, bending, and reaching.

Fine motor skills are important for tasks like handling small tools or equipment, performing routine maintenance, and assisting with event setups.

The outdoor setting often calls for endurance and the ability to adapt to varying weather conditions while performing physical tasks.

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS

• Exposure to extreme heat, cold, or sudden weather changes.
• Risk of slips, trips, or falls due to uneven surfaces or obstacles.
• Possibility of insect bites, stings, or encounters with local wildlife.
• Exposure to pollen, plant irritants, or other natural allergens.
• Potential contact with pesticides or other maintenance chemicals.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Volunteer opportunities at Pelican Park are seasonal and may vary throughout the year based on current programs, special events, and park needs. Assignments will be matched based on your interests and the Park's current volunteer needs.

Volunteers will report to the division supervisor or designated coordinator overseeing the area where they are placed. Training and guidance will be provided based on the nature of the assigned duties.

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT

Volunteering at Pelican Park is a way to support the community and enhance the Park experience for all, but it does not constitute employment. Volunteers serve in an unpaid capacity and are not entitled to compensation or employment benefits. All volunteers are expected to represent Pelican Park in a respectful and professional manner and abide by all Park rules and policies. The above is intended to describe the content of and requirements of the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. Recreation District of St. Tammany reserves the right to change, add, or delete at any time from this job description to meet the need of the organization.