Whitewater and Carley State Parks

Purpose (why we are doing this)

Desired outcomes:

Park volunteers with the Friends Group work collaboratively with park management staff to identify, prioritize and support projects and events that enhance the natural, cultural, structural and educational resources of the State Park.

Impact this position will have:

• Enhance the quality and diversity of educational and outreach programs offered through the State Park.
• Increase sustainability of park resources via adopted maintenance projects.
• Enhance park amenities and offerings through prioritized and strategic projects approved by park management staff and the Parks and Trails Council management staff.

Responsibilities (duties and tasks)

Authorized work:

• Work with park liaison to identify potential projects and tasks to support park management and interpretive services goals.
• During project work with the State Park, volunteers serve as representatives of the Department of Natural Resources and shall demonstrate professional behavior and act respectful to all park visitors.
• Assist with naturalist program activities, events and interpretive projects.
  
• Assist with resource management projects.
  
• Follow safety guidance related to each separate project and activity and serve as a model for safe behaviors.

Restricted work:

The duties assigned to this volunteer position are laid out above. Tasks pertaining to other park or trail units must be agreed upon in a separate volunteer agreement.

Qualifications Desired (education, skill, experience)

• For volunteers leading programs, experience working with youth and adult audiences is preferred.
• Repeat volunteers are encouraged to consider participating in the Minnesota Master Naturalist volunteer training.
• Ability to work as a team and independently.
• Access to internet and email.
• For resource management projects, volunteers must be able to lift 20 pounds and bend over.
• Project work is flexible and can be matched to volunteer abilities and interests.
• Participate in cultural awareness and customer service training provided by the State Park.

Safety training topics to be covered with volunteers: 

• Ticks
• Heat and Cold Related Illness
• Poisonous and Hazardous Plants
• Others as needed
  

 Minimum Time Commitment: 

Flexible schedule.

Sign up:

• Complete the online application
• Please note that this application will time out after 30 minutes of no activity
• Be sure to +SignUp after submitting your application
  

The goal of Whitewater State Park is to provide the people of Minnesota with a variety of recreational facilities while protecting and perpetuating the abundant natural and historic resources of the park.