Position: Overlook Campus and Program Volunteer

Location: Yellowstone Overlook Field Campus, Gardiner, MT

Reports To: Field and Fleet Director

Summary Description:
 

Yellowstone Forever (YF) is the official nonprofit partner of Yellowstone National Park. Our mission is to protect, preserve, and enhance Yellowstone National Park through education and philanthropy. YF provides opportunities for all people to connect with Yellowstone, turning wonder into impact. YF’s operations include Park Stores in and around Yellowstone; the Yellowstone Forever Institute, which offers in-depth educational programing for people of all ages; and a supporter program which raises funds for projects that support our mission and benefit Yellowstone.

The Overlook Campus and Program Volunteer supports YF Programs and the Yellowstone Overlook field campus.  The Yellowstone Overlook field campus is based in Gardiner and provides a location for adult students and youth groups to stay in comfortable lodging during their stay while participating in YF programs. Campus and Program Volunteers welcome participants and groups, orient them to Yellowstone Forever and the facility, maintain and clean campus facilities. Campus and Program Volunteers also provide linen service and basic maintenance services at the Yellowstone Overlook field campus. Weekly schedule depends upon Yellowstone Forever’s needs, the check-in and turnover needs on Campus, and program schedule. Depending on the program schedule and need, some Overlook volunteers will be trained to drive 14 passenger minibuses to assist on programs with driving and field assistant needs. YF field seminars are supported by one of our Campus and Program Volunteers. Field seminars are based at the Lamar Buffalo Ranch field campus, the Yellowstone Forever classrooms in Gardiner, or another location in the park. Volunteers may also support youth, philanthropy and community programs. Volunteers assist instructors in logistical aspects of courses, drive the 14-passenger mini-bus for field trips and shuttles, assist in risk management in the field, Success in this position requires a welcoming demeanor, being a responsible and independent worker and being able to assist with the needs of various students. Not all Overlook volunteers are program drivers. Drivers are required to go through additional training at the start of volunteering and will need to pass a practical driving course run by our staff. 

Primary Responsibilities: 

• Greet and check-in students and instructors
• Represent Yellowstone Forever and its mission accurately and positively
• Clean and turnover participant cabins 
• Clean and maintain assigned vehicles and facilities daily 
• Assist students and instructors in the classroom as well as in the field
• Oversee student safety and risk management in the field
• Foster a collaborative, team-oriented environment with YF employees, volunteers and partners
• Travel into Yellowstone, throughout the Greater Yellowstone area and other, as required
• Other tasks as assigned by the Field and Fleet Director, or other designated leadership 

Basic Qualifications: 

• Willingness to live in close quarters, with a housemate at a remote facility in potentially extreme environmental conditions
• Proven interpersonal and customer service skills for greeting and orienting students, instructors and visitors
• Ability to maintain friendly, cooperative working relationships with a diverse population
• Willingness to keep facility and vehicles clean, safe and maintained
• Ability to perform basic cabin cleaning and maintenance tasks proficiently
• Physically able to perform basic maintenance skills, lift up to 40 pounds,
• A satisfactory criminal background check is required, annually
• Demonstrated ability to anticipate student and facility needs and work with minimal supervision
• Willingness to support the needs of Yellowstone Forever through multiple assigned tasks in a volunteer capacity
• Attention to safety and risk management
• Physically able to accompany courses into the field on hikes of 2-10 miles at elevation on uneven terrain
• CPR certification
• Ability to represent YF in a courteous and professional manner

Drivers Only:

• This position involves driving YF vehicles, therefore applicants must hold and maintain a valid US driver’s license, and maintain a favorable driving record for insurance purposes 
• Ability to pass a DOT Medical Exam (only 14 passenger vehicle drivers)
• Wilderness First Aid certification (generally provided in training for Seminar Drivers and Program assistants only)
• Transport course participants in 14-passenger mini-buses 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience with campus management
• Experience with risk management
• The ability to pass and maintain a Department of Transportation medical exam

Benefits:

This is a volunteer position located at the Yellowstone Overlook Field Campus, just outside the northern gate of Yellowstone National Park. Campus and Program Volunteers will be provided with a comfortable cabin that may be shared with other volunteers. Volunteers will be provided a nominal fee of $15 per day to help offset out-of-pocket expenses. This may be taxable income; therefore, volunteers will receive a 1099 from Yellowstone Forever. Volunteers must provide their own health insurance for any health issues unrelated to the volunteer duties. Yellowstone Forever volunteers also receive a 30% discount on most Park Stores products and a free Yellowstone Forever Institute Field Seminar each year with over 10 days volunteering.  Discounts on other courses and products are also offered.  Benefits of this position include knowing that your efforts directly benefit Yellowstone National Park and having the opportunity to work in one of the world’s premiere wilderness areas.

Yellowstone Forever is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy to comply with all applicable local, state and federal laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, political beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.