VOLUNTEER POSITIONS - 2009 John Day Fossil Beds National Monument

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at the monument. There are a few things you should be aware of regarding these positions. The monument’s volunteer program does not offer payment or stipend, and except as noted, there is no housing provided by the park.

Limited meal and mileage reimbursement may be available based upon need. Most positions are located at the Sheep Rock Unit of the monument, and many of the positions are seasonal in nature; the tenure of each position may be up to one year. All volunteers must complete required training or demonstrate familiarity with the NPS, the monument, and the job. Some positions require basic background checks. All volunteers are expected to wear NPS VIP identification (such as a badge or pin) and volunteers who have regular contact with the public may be required to wear a volunteer uniform; uniforms and identification will be provided by the park. Full job descriptions are available for positions listed below.

Interested volunteers should apply via resume or thorough application including references. For more information, contact the Volunteer Manager at (541) 987-2333, or <amy_poff@nps.gov>.

RV/Trailer Pad - For some positions below that involve more than 24 hours per week of work, a trailer pad with hook-ups (water, sewer, and electric) may be available. The pad is located in Dayville, ten miles from the Sheep Rock Unit. The volunteer(s) will need to provide their own RV/Trailer residence and personal transportation between the monument and the pad, but the pad and utilities are free of charge.

NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

Resource Management Assistant: This position consists primarily of fieldwork and is seasonal in nature. Volunteer duties include recognizing and mapping non-native species. Volunteer works with NPS employees to remove non-native plants, add protection screens around young riparian plants, and help accomplish other similar tasks. The volunteer may also collect data on park plant species, including prescribed fire effects on vegetation. A minimum of 40 hours of work is desired. The trailer pad may be available for this position.   

Group Projects ... (6 to 12 person group) There are a few group projects in landscape restoration that may be completed in a few hours or up to several days of work. Projects may be available only during specific seasons. Youth groups will need an adult supervisor. Contact the Volunteer Coordinator for more information. Some reimbursement for camping costs at local campgrounds may be available.

VISITOR SERVICES

Visitor Center Aide: The Visitor Center Aide opportunity is available during the spring through fall months, and involves helping to staff the ThomasCondonPaleontologyCenter and/or the CantRanchHistoricalMuseum at the Sheep Rock Unit of the monument.

The volunteer will answer visitor questions, operate AV equipment and a cash register, and potentially develop formal or informal interpretive programs or work on other interpretive projects, depending on the monument's needs and the volunteer's desires and abilities. The volunteer may also conduct weekly trail hikes on this unit's five miles of trails to monitor conditions, greet visitors, and note needed repairs.

A knowledge and interest in history and the geological and biological sciences is desired. Each volunteer's tenure will last one month or more, as negotiated with the supervisor. The trailer pad may be available for this position.

Trail Inspector(one position, or couple):  Volunteer(s) will walk five miles of park trails surveying for conditions, vandalism, and resource problems; greet and talk to visitors; and conduct minor maintenance as needed. This position offers easy to moderate exercise, and requires a minimum of one month of service, hiking one day per week. No housing is provided. [This position may be combined with the Visitor Center Aide position.]

Library Assistant: The Volunteer Library Assistant will aid in completing specific projects in the monument's library: these may include cataloging materials into a computerized database program, organizing and shelving reprints and articles, setting up library shelves, creating PDFs from paper materials, and performing basic book maintenance.

The volunteer should have some prior education, training, or experience in library science or information management and the ability to work for a sustained length of time at a desk with a computer in a room without windows.

John Day Fossil Beds NM has an active paleontology program and the library, which supports this program, contains extensive materials pertaining to John Day paleontology and geology, some of which are rare. The monument, which is located in the isolated high desert of eastern Oregon, will provide workspace, relevant orientation and training, and some reimbursement for expenses incurred by the volunteer. The trailer pad may be available for this position.

PALEONTOLOGY

Paleontology Assistant: Volunteer Paleontology Assistants are accepted by referral only and must possess skill in working with irreplaceable, extremely fragile fossil specimens and familiarity with basic field or laboratory tools, materials, and methods. Paleo certification through an acceptable museum or other organization is desirable.

The Paleo Assistant aids park paleontology staff or permitted researchers in activities related to field paleontology, which may include: prospecting for vertebrate, invertebrate, plant, or trace fossils; collecting of loose or out-of-context material; consolidation and recording of in-situ fossil material; collecting geological samples for scientific study; and assisting park staff in the excavation of in-situ fossils. Alternatively, the volunteer may help park staff with laboratory and museum activities, which may include removing matrix and preparing specimens for display or study; washing and labeling specimens; casting and molding; data entry; and using proper techniques for moving specimens from one curatorial space to another.  

All JODA Paleontology volunteers will work under the direct supervision of a NPS paleontology staff member and must be approved by the Chief Paleontologist. All volunteers must follow established safety procedures for lab activities, fieldwork, and museum work. Familiarity with basic field or laboratory tools, materials, and methods is desired.

The volunteer should possess the endurance to hike moderate distances over uneven ground in hot, dry conditions as well as the ability to carry approximately 40 pounds of gear or specimens for varying distances.  The trailer pad may be available for this position.

MAINTENANCE

Maintenance Assistant:  The volunteer Maintenance Assistant supports the Maintenance division by completing agreed upon tasks or projects, which may include trailwork, groundswork,housekeeping/cleaning, painting, carpentry, or other activities. The length of service will depend on the nature of the project and will be agreed upon in advance between the volunteer and the supervisor. 

The monument will provide tools and personal protective equipment; the volunteer must provide his/her own water bottles, packs, gear, and clothing and footwear appropriate to working conditions. The trailer pad may be available for this position. Click here for an online volunteer application.