Volunteerism

Locations:

Bellevue/Fox Point State Park

Brandywine Creek State Park

Brandywine Zoo

Fort Delaware State Park

Lums Pond State Park

Cultural and Recreational Services - Dover

Director's Office - Dover

Killens Pond State Park

Cape Henlopen State Park

Delaware Seashore State Park

Trap Pond State Park

Responsibilities:

• Recruits, interviews and selects volunteers, schedules interviews and does follow-up referrals.
• Supervision of volunteers and volunteer service projects.
• Assesses the need for volunteers and volunteer projects within park or program through consultation with park personnel; explains the concepts and potentials for utilization of volunteer resources.
• Confers with professional staff in order to assign volunteers to specific areas.
• Serves as liaison between volunteers and staff to promote acceptance of volunteers' role.
• Assigns and places volunteers.
• Conducts volunteer orientation and training.
• Prepares recruitment materials and develops and implements recruitment plans in the community through group contracts, media and individual contacts.
• Provides information and counseling to volunteers with regard to their needs and concerns.
• Develops and implements volunteer recognition plans to promote public support of volunteers.
• Makes presentations to civic and community groups to promote interest in volunteerism.
• Promotes volunteerism through participation in community-wide events, contact with local media and membership in professional organizations.
• Maintains records of hours of service and other records as required.
• Performs related work as required.

Benefits:

• Park and Division Recognition Program
• Training Opportunities
• Admission to Park
• Park and staff events
• Special events
• $10,200 living allowance
• $4,725 educational award (upon completion of service year)
• Health Insurance
• Childcare and interest-free deferment of current student loans, if eligible
• Uniform
• Admission to all Delaware State Parks and special events.
• Recognition
• Discount on merchandise purchases
• Opportunity to learn or expand knowledge of environmental, historical, cultural and recreational resources.

Required Skills:

• MUST BE AT LEAST 17 Years of age
• U.S. citizen or U.S. national or lawful permanent resident alien of the U.S.
• High school diploma or equivalent (or working towards GED)
• Able to stand for long periods and to walk trails accompanying and leading participants, incorporating reasonable accommodation for members with disabilities.
• Appreciation and understanding of the natural environment/ parks and recreation.
• Knowledge or ability to learn the concepts, principles and practices involved in the recruitment, supervision and administration of volunteers and volunteer resources.
• Able to communicate effectively with a diverse public.
• Knowledge of community resources for volunteer recruitment.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision.
• Ability to report and keep records.
• Ability to learn and apply program rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, subordinates, volunteers and staff at program sites.
• Knowledge of program development and administration.
• Able to assist with both Indoor and Outdoor programs.
• Able to speak publicly in front of groups or audiences.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Independent and responsible.
• Attends training and performs duties in compliance with Division and Park Customer Service Guidelines and Safety Guidelines.

Time requirements:

Flexible hours. Must complete 11-month service commitment, 1700 hours.

Supervision:

Direct supervision by Park Superintendent and Volunteer Administrator.