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Volunteer Opportunities

 

      The Saylorville Lake Volunteer Program offers something for everyone. Most positions are available May – September, but extend throughout the year in some instances. Part-time positions may earn 1 night of camping for 3 hours of service. The following positions are not the only volunteer options at Saylorville Lake . Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator for information and additional offerings.

 

Animal Care Cleaning Hosts Part-time Hosting
Bird Feeders Day Use Entrance Station Photography
Bluebird Nest Monitor Litter Pick-up/Shoreline Beautification Shetler Reservation Desk
Butterfly Gardening Natural Resource/Habitat Enhancement Special Events
Campground Host Office/Clerical Visitor Center

Cleaning Hosts

The primary duty of the Cleaning Host is to maintain cleanliness at picnic, campground, and boat ramp areas as outlined below. Park facilities being cleaned by volunteers are traditionally lightly used. Cleaning days assigned in more popular recreation areas are days with the lowest usage. Facilities should meet the standard of clean daily, but may not require daily cleaning. Volunteers will average 21 hours of service per week. The host must provide their own reliable, licensed vehicle, fuel, and insurance to transport materials including trash. Volunteers must maintain a valid driver's license. The estimated miles/week varies with each position so please check the descriptions carefully. Maps of each area can be found at https://www2.mvr.usace.army.mil/Saylorville. If the host wishes to receive camping in return for volunteer services they will be provided a site with water, electric and sewer hook-ups .

 

Specific positions include:

 

Sandpiper Cleaning Host

Season: Mid-April – Mid-October

Days Off: Sunday and Monday

Campsite: water, electric, and sewer in Sandpiper Volunteer Campground Mileage/Week: approximately 40 miles

  

Sandpiper Picnic Area on Tuesday and Wednesday:

  • Open gates to shelter area at 6:00am
  • Clean Sandpiper Super Shelter, post shelter reservations, clean and service 1 restroom building, service trash receptacles
  • Pick up any litter within the gated area

Sandpiper Roadways, Beach and Boat Ramp on Tuesday, Thursday evening/Friday before 7am, and Saturday

  • Pick up litter and debris from the Sandpiper Recreation Area, including the entrance road, boat ramp, beach, and parking lots. Work orders shall be submitted as needed.
  • Clean 2 vault toilets and 1 changing station at the beach/boat ramp area

Recycling

  • Host will collect recyclable materials from collection sites (4 campgrounds, administration building/lunchroom) and transport to main bin at administration building 1-2 times per week.
  • The volunteer is responsible for keeping the collection bins cleaned to minimize insects and odor. Note: Cans and bottles with deposits are not exclusive property of the volunteer and may be collected by other members of the public.

Restroom and picnic shelter cleanings should be completed before 10am.

Hosts may perform other duties as available and scheduled.

 


Oak Grove Cleaning Host

Season: Mid-May – Mid-September

Days Off: Tuesday and Wednesday

Campsite: water, electric, and sewer in Oak Grove Recreation Area

Mileage/Week: approximately 20 miles

 

Oak Grove Recreation Area on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday

Oak Grove Picnic Area—

  •  Unlock gates and restrooms at 6:00am
  •  Service 1 restroom building, clean 2 shelters, post shelter reservations and service trash receptacles.
  • Clean Grills on Thursdays

Oak Grove Beach —

  • Pick up litter and debris at least 3 times per week from the Oak Grove Recreation Area to include the entrance road, beach, and parking lots in both picnic and beach areas. Work orders shall be submitted as needed.
  • Cleaning the portable toilets at the beach areas are the responsibility of others and not a part of the volunteer position.

Cherry Glen Boat Ramp on Thursday and Friday

Cherry Glen Boat Ramp

  • Unlock restroom at 6:00am
  • Service 1 restroom building and trash receptacles
  • Cleaning the portable toilets is the responsibility of others and not a part of the volunteer position.
  • Pick up any litter and debris along roadway beyond fee booth and in parking lot areas. Work orders shall be submitted as needed.

Restroom and picnic shelter cleanings should be completed before 10am.

Hosts may perform other duties as available and scheduled.


Cherry Glen Cleaning Host

Season: Mid-April – Mid-October

Days Off: Thursday and Friday

Campsite: water, electric, and sewer in Oak Grove Recreation Area

Mileage/Week: approximately 30 miles

  

Cherry Glen Boat Ramp on Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday

Cherry Glen Boat Ramp —

  • Service 1 restroom building in upper parking lot, pick up litter and debris at minimum 3 times per week from boat ramp area, and service the trash receptacles. Work orders shall be submitted as needed.
  • Cleaning the portable toilets at the beach areas are the responsibility of others and not a part of the volunteer position.

Cherry Glen Picnic Area on Tuesday and Wednesday

Cherry Glen Picnic Area —

  • Open gates and restrooms at 6am
  • Service 4 restroom buildings, service trash receptacles, clean 6 shelters, post shelter reservations

Restroom and picnic shelter cleanings must be completed before 10am.

Hosts may perform other duties as available and scheduled.

 

West Lake Cleaning Host

Season: Mid-April – Mid-October

Days Off: Thursday and Friday

Campsite: water, electric, and sewer in Acorn Valley Campground

Mileage/Week: approximately 45 miles

  

Tuesday and Wednesday

Walnut Ridge Picnic Area—

  • Open gates and restrooms at 6am
  • Service up to 2 restroom buildings, service trash receptacles, clean 3 shelters, post shelter reservations

Acorn Valley Campground– from May 21 – September 8

  • Service up to 3 restrooms, service trash receptacles
  • Clean vacated campsites

Saturday, Sunday, Monday

Lakeview Boat Ramp—

  • Pick up litter and debris at minimum 3 times per week from roadway and boat ramp area, and service the trash receptacles. Work orders shall be submitted as needed.
  • Maintain cleanliness of the shelter area which includes restroom and grill.

Restroom and picnic shelter cleanings should be completed before 10am.

Hosts may perform other duties as available and scheduled.

Day Use Entrance Station

The primary duty of the Day Use Entrance Station Host is to staff the entrance station at boat ramps and beach areas collecting fees using a cash register. Day Use Entrance Station hosts are required to provide an average of 21 hours per week and may serve the entire recreation season May through September. All volunteers must be eligible to be bonded; ineligibility will remove you from the list of candidates for this position. Reasons for ineligibility may include recent bankruptcy or bad credit history. The Corps of Engineers will bond all Day Use Entrance Station Hosts with a $5,000 fidelity bond to protect the government from loss of funds. Day Use Entrance Station hosts who wish to receive camping in return for volunteer services will be assigned a campsite with water, electric and sewer hookups in the Sandpiper Volunteer Campground.

 

Specific duties include:

  • Hosts will work 4 days on-duty, followed by 4 days off-duty, rotating between Oak Grove Beach , Lakeview Boat Ramp, Cherry Glen Boat Ramp, and Sandpiper Beach/Boat Ramp . A schedule will be provided at the beginning of the season and adjusted as demands require.
  • Oak Grove Beach shifts are 4 hours per day (varying between 10 am – 6 pm). A schedule will be provided by the Volunteer Coordinator.
  • Boat ramp shifts are 2 – 6pm on weekdays and 10 am – 6 pm on weekends and holidays.
  • At the beginning of a shift, hosts shall tour area parking lots placing notices on vehicles that have failed to purchase or properly display proof of purchase of day use fee. A record of violations should be maintained by recording information from the vehicle notice on to the log sheet provided.
  • Hosts will collect fees using a cash register in the fee booth. Two-days of training and a training manual will be provided prior to service.
  • Hosts will be required to balance funds and receipts following each shift.
  • The volunteer will be required to provide and maintain a $50.00 change fund to be used while collecting fees at the entrance stations.
  • Hosts will be assigned 1-3 bulletin boards to update during the duration of the year. The bulletin board supplies and detailed instructions will be kept in the fee booth for replacement ease. The bulletin boards will need to be updated every 4 weeks with upcoming events.
  • Hosts may perform other duties as available and scheduled.
 

Available Positions: 4 positions available with 4 days on-duty, followed by 4 days off-duty.

Visitor Center

The primary duty of a Full-time Visitor Center Host is operation of the Saylorville Lake Visitor Center . There are two Full-time Visitor Center Host positions (see schedule below for work days). Hosts are required to provide an average of 21 hours of service per week and may serve the entire recreation season May through September. Additional volunteer activities may be necessary to meet hour requirements, but can be arranged through the volunteer coordinator (see Additional Volunteer Opportunities) . Visitor Center hours during this period are 10 am – 6 pm daily. Volunteers are encouraged to begin service early or continue later in the season during shortened hours in April and October. Full-time Visitor Center Hosts who wish to receive camping in return for volunteer services will be assigned a campsite with water, electric and sewer hookups in the Sandpiper Volunteer Campground.

 

Specific duties include:

  • Answer questions and assist customers both in person, at the Visitor Center information desk, and by phone regarding directions, recreation opportunities, area amenities, and other resources.
  • Open and close the Visitor Center (instructions provided).
  • Sell merchandise in the gift shop for Saylorville Lake 's cooperating association, the Iowa Academy of Science. Credit card machine, cash register and/or computer use may be required.
  • Hosts will be required to balance funds and receipts following each shift.
  • Maintain brochure racks, stock/inventory sales items, and complete brochure order when supplies are low.
  • Help update interpretive displays as needed.
  • General housekeeping duties: Maintain cleanliness of floors (sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming), clean restrooms, restock toilet paper and empty trash receptacles as needed.
  • Pick up litter and debris around the visitor center grounds daily.
  • Assist park rangers with special events and educational programs.
  • Hosts may also assist with other duties as available and scheduled.

Available Positions: 2 positions available with a rotating schedule and two weekends off each month. One position will start on week 1, the other on week 2.

   Meet Friends . . .

Full-time Campground Host

The primary duty of the Full-time Campground Host is to staff the campground entrance station when the contracted park attendant is off duty (10am – 2pm). The host shall provide an average of 21 hours of volunteer service per week and may serve for the entire recreation season May through September (Cherry Glen host will begin mid-April). The hosts will also staff the Visitor Center as scheduled, conduct walking tours of the parks, and update bulletin boards in the park. Additional volunteer activities may be necessary to meet hour requirements, but can be arranged through the volunteer coordinator (see Additional Volunteer Opportunities) . Volunteers selected for this position are assigned a campsite in the respective campground with water, electric, and sewer hookups.

 

Specific duties include:

  • Staff the entrance station from 10 am – 2 pm on Friday and Saturday and other days as agreed to or scheduled with the Volunteer Coordinator.
  • Inform incoming campers of registration policies and explain how to reserve a campsite through the National Recreation Reservation Service.
  • Assist campers with reservations, locating their reserved campsite, and assist walk-in campers in selecting a non-reserved site. Assist campers in filling out registration cards.
  • Maintain a list of campers who arrive during your tour of duty and provide it to the park attendant when they return to duty.
  • Using a computer printout provided by the campground park attendant conduct evening walking tours of the campground; focus on greeting and providing information to new arrivals.
  • Assist the Corps in promoting scheduled programs by conducting walking tours of the park distributing interpretive program flyers. Tours should be done 2-4 hours per week Thursday-Saturday.
  • Hosts will be assigned bulletin boards to update during the duration of the year. The bulletin board supplies and detailed instructions will be kept in the fee booth for replacement ease. The bulletin boards will need to be updated every 4 weeks with upcoming events.
  • Staff the Visitor Center for 4 hours per week (Bob Shelter Host 8 hours per week) – see Visitor Center Host description for more information.
  • Assist with other duties as available and scheduled.

 

Available Positions:

 

  • Bob Shetler Campground Host: Staff the campground entrance station on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 am – 2 pm, and staff the Visitor Center on Thursdays, 10 am – 6 pm.
  • Cherry Glen Campground Host: Staff the campground entrance station on Thursday-Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm, and staff the Visitor Center on Wednesday mornings, 10 am – 2 pm.
  • Prairie Flower Campground Host: Staff the campground entrance station on Thursday-Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm, and staff the Visitor Center on Wednesday afternoon, 2 pm – 6 pm.

Interpretive Program Host

The primary duty of the Interpretive Program is to assist the Interpretive Service and Outreach Personnel with providing educational opportunities for school-aged children as well as assisting with special events for the public. Work days will vary by week and program schedule. Generally, volunteers will work 3-5 days per week and average 21 hours of service per week. Host will be involved in scheduling, developing, and giving programs. Additionally, the host should be computer literate and able to assist with written publications. Fulltime hosts who wish to receive camping in return for volunteer services will be assigned a campsite with water, electric and sewer hookups in the Prairie Flower Campground. Part-time host will be provided a site with electric only.

 

Specific duties include:

  • Schedule interpretive programs with teachers, childcare providers, scout leaders, etc. via phone.
  • Present interpretive programs on topics including but not limited to Saylorville Lake , water safety, geology, mammals, and nature hikes. Training and sample outlines will be provided.
  • Create the Weekly Update for distribution to employees, contractors, and volunteers by Thursday at noon. Templates will be provided.
  • Create flyers and news releases to advertise for upcoming events and programs.
  • Track Visitor Center Gift Shop inventory in excel database by entering the weekly inventory sheets provided by Visitor Center Volunteers. Restock shelves and compile orders as needed.
  • Assist with planning and preparations for public events. Assist with setup and implementation on event day, typically 1-2 Saturdays or Sundays per month.

 

Available Positions:

  • 1 Full-time Interpretive Program Host . Late-April – mid-September. Full-hookup campsite provided in Prairie Flower Campground.
  • 1 Part-time Interpretive Program Host Position . Late April – July. Part-time position will spend the majority of time giving programs. Campsite with electric hookup provided in public campground.

 

Natural Resource &

Habitat Enhancement

The primary duty of a Natural Resource/Habitat Enhancement Host is to help improve overall park aesthetics by performing/assisting in day to day and seasonal management activities, while promoting native landscape species. Volunteers must be willing to work in all weather conditions and have an underlying knowledge of landscape/park maintenance.  Knowledge of pruning methods, tree care and use of chemicals is preferred, but training is available. Hosts shall provide an average of 21 hours of volunteer service per week and may serve the entire recreation season April – October. The hosts will work on established weekdays between the hours of 8 am and 4 pm. The volunteer may be required to lift up to 40 lbs. and operate tools such as a weed whip, Kubota, chainsaw, prunners, pole saw, backpack sprayer, or other tools. All tools will be provided by the government and volunteers may operate a government vehicle while performing official duties. Volunteers must have a valid driver's license and are responsible for ensuring that their personal insurance will cover any/all expenses acquired in the event of an accident in a government vehicle. Volunteers selected for this position who wish to receive camping in return for volunteer service will be provided a campsite with water, electric and sewer in Sandpiper Volunteer Campground or Bob Shelter Campground.

  

Specific Duties may include but are not limited to:

  • Duties will be performed weekdays between 7 am and 4 pm – days will vary as decided by the Staff Supervisor.
  • Removing invasive species and unwanted species
  • Brush clearing of recreation and prairie restoration areas
  • Pruning of trees and shrubs on project lands
  • Seeding native prairie seed by hand and with a seed drill
  • Pesticide/herbicide application (with proper training)
  • Watering prairie seedings and tree plantings
  • Mulching
  • Planting of trees and native grasses
  • General landscape upkeep (weeding, raking, etc.)
  • Equipment use including Kubotas, mowers, and blowers.
  • Other tasks as assigned by OD-S Staff

Available Positions: 3 fulltime positions are available. 2 Full-hookup campsites with 50 amp electric at Sandpiper Volunteer Campground. 1 Full-hookup campsite with 30 amp electric at Bob Shetler West Campground.

 

  Camp Free . . .

Office Cleaning/Delivery Host

The primary duty of the Clerical/Delivery Host is to clean the administration office and lunchroom once/week, make copies and deliver brochures and supplies once/week to campgrounds and picnic areas, and maintain several bulletin boards in day use areas. The host shall provide an average of 21 hours of volunteer service per week and may serve for the entire recreation season Mid-May through September. Additional volunteer activities will be necessary to meet hour requirements, but can be arranged through the volunteer coordinator (see Additional Volunteer Opportunities) . Volunteers selected for this position are assigned a campsite with water, electric, and sewer hookups in Sandpiper Campground.

 

Specific duties include:

  • Clean Administration Building and Lunchroom 1 time per week to include vacuuming office floors, mopping lunchroom and restroom floors, cleaning 2 restrooms in admin building and 2 locker rooms in lunchroom
  • Make copies and fill delivery orders (ex. Brochures, receipt paper, etc). at the Administration Office on Thursdays.
  • Deliver materials to each campground and day use area.
  • Hosts will be assigned bulletin boards to update during the duration of the year. The bulletin boards should be updated every 4. Supplies and instructions will be provided.
  • Volunteer is responsible for all transportation and transportation costs associated with the position.  This includes having access to a reliable licensed vehicle, fuel, valid vehicle insurance, and a valid driver's license.
  • Assist with other duties as available and scheduled.

 

Available Positions: 1 position available

 

Shelter Reservation Desk

The primary duty of the Shelter Reservation Desk is to take and process shelter reservations at the Saylorville Lake Administration Office. The shelter reservation desk hours are 9 am – 4 pm, Monday through Friday. Hosts are required to provide an average of 21 hours per week and may serve the entire recreation season April – September. Hosts will work 1 Wednesday every 2 weeks in a Day Use Fee Booth. Additional volunteer activities may be necessary to meet hour requirements, but can be arranged through the volunteer coordinator (see Additional Volunteer Opportunities) . The Corps of Engineers will bond all Shelter Reservation Desk Hosts with a $5,000 fidelity bond to protect the government from loss of funds. All volunteers must be eligible to be bonded; ineligibility will remove you from the list of candidates for this volunteer position. Reasons for ineligibility may include recent bankruptcy or bad credit history. Shelter Reservation Desk Hosts who wish to receive camping in return for volunteer service will be provided a site with water, electric and sewer hookups in the sandpiper Volunteer Campground.

 

Specific duties include:

  • Hosts shall staff the shelter reservation desk for 7 hour shifts (9 am – 4 pm) on scheduled weekdays. A schedule will be provided at the beginning of the season.
  • Hosts will take picnic shelter reservations by phone and in person.
  • Hosts will issue and/or collect fees for Day Use Annual Passes and Special Event Permits.
  • Hosts will collect fees using a cash register and credit card terminal.
  • Hosts will be required to balance funds and receipts following each shift.
  • Hosts will use a computer to enter shelter reservations and generate shelter reservation reports.
  • Two days of training on cash register and shelter reservation computer. Training manual will be provided for reference.
  • Staff day use booth from 2-6 on the alternate Wednesdays.
  • Hosts will be required to fill out an SF 85, “Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions,” in order to access the computer database. A local background check will also be completed by the Rock Island District before access is allowed.
  • Assist with other duties as scheduled.

 

Available Positions:

 

  • Shelter Reservation Desk Host A – Staff the Shelter Reservation Desk Monday, Tuesday and every other Wednesday from 9 am – 4 pm. Host will be required to staff a Day Use Booth on the alternate Wednesdays from 2-6pm.
  • Shelter Reservation Desk Host B – Staff the Shelter Reservation Desk every other Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 am – 4 pm. Host will be required to staff a Day Use Booth on off-Wednesdays from 2-6pm.

Part-time Hosting Opportunities

The part-time host program will include positions focusing on interpretive programs and special events around the lake. Specialized training will be provided for each position. These positions have varying time commitments for those volunteers interested in volunteering for shorter duration. Volunteers will average 3 hours of service per night of free camping. Campsites will electric hookups will be provided in either Cherry Glen or Prairie Flower Campground depending on position selection.

 

Please indicate date and activity preferences:

 

Friday, April 17 – Sunday, April 26, Assist with Earth Day

   Earth Day is April 23 from 10am – 2pm   

•  Make copies and put together teacher and student packets

•  Gather and sort service project tools and supplies

•  Help oversee up to 200 elementary students during interpretive programming (provided by students from Iowa State ) and service projects

•  Cleanup after event

•  Camping will be in Cherry Glen Campground

 

Monday, May 11 – Monday, May 25, Assist with Field Trip Programs and Memorial Day Weekend Night Hike

•  Give interpretive programs for elementary students as scheduled, typically between 9am-2pm topics may include nature hikes or water safety programs.

•  Saturday, May 23 at 8:30 pm - lead a night hike on the Neal Smith Trail between Prairie Flower and Oak Grove

 

Wednesday, May 13 – Wednesday, May 27, Assist with National Safe Boating Week

•  Conduct Boat Safety Checks at boat ramps on evenings and weekends

•  Give beach programs 2 weekend afternoons with Bobber, the Water Safety Dog (you will NOT be required to dress as a mascot unless you choose to do so).

 

Friday, June 5 – Sunday, June 21, Assist with Educational Programming and Night Hike

a. Tuesday, June 9, 2 pm - Nature Tails at the Visitor Center

i. Read a pre-selected nature related story for children

ii. Lead a craft or other nature related project

b. Saturday, June 20 at 8:30 pm – lead a night hike in Cherry Glen Picnic Area

c. Give water safety programs at Special Events in Des Moines and Johnston

 

Wednesday, June 23 – Wednesday, July 8, Promote Water Safety

•  Conduct Boat Safety Checks at boat ramps on evenings and weekends

•  Give beach programs 2 weekend afternoons with Bobber, the Water Safety Dog

 

Wednesday, July 8 – Wednesday July 22, Assist with Junior Ranger Camp

Camp is Monday, July 13 – Friday, July 17 from 9am – 3pm daily.

  a. Assist Rangers with camp preparations

  b. Supervise up to 20 4 th and 5 th graders

  c. Lead some camp activities.

  d. Assist with setup and cleanup each day.

  e. Assist with cleanup after camp.

 

Wednesday, July 22 – Wednesday, August 5

Conduct Boat Safety Checks at boat ramps on evenings and weekends

Saturday, July 25 Beach Water Safety Event

i. Assist Ranger with planning of Water Safety program

ii. Provide assistance during the event

Tuesday, August 4, 2 pm - Nature Tails at the Visitor Center

i. Read a pre-selected nature related story for children

ii. Lead a craft or other nature related project

 

Wednesday, September 16 – Sunday, September 27, Assist with Fall Events

Prairie Maze at Redfeather Prairie

i. Place signs inside the maze and check periodically

ii. Ensure map and passport box is stocked

Prairie Festival

i. Give prairie hikes at a Festival for 4 th graders

ii. Event runs September 22 – 24 from 9 am – 1:30 pm

National Public Lands Day

i. September 26

ii. Assist park ranger staff with leading service projects across the lake.

Make a difference ! ! !

Additional Opportunities:
       The following positions are part-time or temporary volunteer positions. A combination of positions may be grounds for a full time volunteer position.

Animal Care

The primary duty of Animal Care volunteer is to provide food and clean cages for each animal in the Saylorville Lake Visitor Center. Animal care knowledge is beneficial, but the volunteer will be trained on specific needs of each animal.


Bird Feeders

The primary duty of Bird Feeder Volunteers is to fill the bird feeders at the Saylorville Lake Visitor Center weekly with food provided by the Corps of Engineers. Volunteers will also fill, clean and refill the hummingbird feeders in the Saylorville Lake Butterfly Garden .


Bluebird Nest Box Monitor

The primary duty of Bluebird Next Box Monitors is to monitor 6-12 bluebird boxes as assigned around Saylorville Lake . The boxes should be checked at a minimum of once a week April-August. Volunteers keep a log of the activity at each box, these records and volunteer hours should be turned in to the Bluebird Volunteer Coordinator each month. Volunteers are responsible for all transportation and transportation costs associated with their position.  This includes having access to a reliable licensed vehicle, fuel, valid vehicle insurance, and a valid driver's license.


Butterfly Gardening

The primary duty of the Butterfly Garden Volunteers is to care for and maintain an assigned flowerbed in the Saylorville Lake Butterfly Garden . Gardeners help plan, plant and maintain their respective flowerbed. This position requires a few hours of volunteer service each week during the growing season. Plants and some equipment are provided by the Corps of Engineers.

Educational Programs
The primary duty of Educational Program Volunteers is to assist with interpretive programs and events. Volunteers perform programs or provide assistance to ranger staff doing school and public programs throughout the year.

Litter Pick Up/Shoreline Beautification
The primary duty of Litter Pick Up/Shoreline Beautification is to help keep our recreation areas and shoreline free of litter. Volunteers will be provided gloves and trash bags to assist in removing refuse from project lands.

Office/Clerical

The primary duty of Office/Clerical Volunteers is to assist ranger and administration staff in the Saylorville Administration Office. Duties may include data entry, filing, copying, folding and organizing.

Part-time Shelter Reservation Desk Host

Volunteers will process shelter reservations at the Saylorville Lake Administration Office. Hours are 9am - 4pm, Monday - Friday. Volunteers use cash register, computer, and must be eligible to be bonded, ineligibility may include recent bankruptcy or bad credit history.

*See full-time position description for more details. 1 night of camping earned per 3 hours of service.

Part-time Visitor Center Host

Volunteers staff the Saylorville Lake Visitor Center and assist the public by answering general questions. Hours vary throughout the year from 10am - 6pm.

*See full-time position description for more details. 1 night of camping earned per 3 hours of service.


Photographer
The primary duty of a Photographer is to snap photos of wildlife, recreation areas, people recreating, scenic photos, etc. at Saylorville Lake . Photos are then made available to Corps of Engineers employees for use in publications, displays, and on the web site.

Special Events
The primary duty of Special Events volunteers is to provide assistance to Park Rangers with scheduled events. Volunteer activities vary but may include parking cars, staffing information booths, and selling merchandise for the Iowa Academy of Science.

  Current 2009 Volunteer Openings


For more information, contact the Volunteer Coordinator:


· Phone: 515-276-4656 ext. 6518
· E-mail: saylorvillelake@usace.army.mil


For nationwide US Army Corps of Engineers Volunteer Opportunities:

· Phone: 1-800-VOL-TEER
· Web: www.orn.usace.army.mil/volunteer

Please return Volunteer Applications to:

US Army Corps of Engineers, Saylorville Lake Project
ATTN: Volunteer Coordinator
5600 NW 78th Ave
Johnston, IA 50131