Scenic State Park and George Washington State Forest Campgrounds

Purpose

Enhanced hospitality in our state park and state forest campgrounds, better maintained facilities and land, and a safer and more welcoming camping atmosphere for Minnesotans and visitors.

 Impact this position will have

• Campers and visitors will have a more positive and meaningful park experience.
• Safety will be enhanced for all visitors.
• Park facilities including campsites and restroom/shower buildings will be attended to more frequently than staff alone can provide.
• Staff will have a better understanding of what needs attention on a daily basis, whether it’s maintenance or visitor conflicts.

Benefits to the volunteer

Campground hosts may stay in the campground for one month or more (time approved by park staff), at no cost to the hosts. Hosts work in a rewarding natural environment and hopefully enjoy a more relaxed pace of life. Hosts have the opportunity to meet, interact with and assist campers and visitors. Depending upon interest, hosts can engage in activities outside of the campground area such as interpretive program assistance, resource management etc.

Responsibilities (duties and tasks)

 Authorized work:

• Tell campers about park features and local points of interest, as well as where they can find things like camping supplies, groceries, fuel, and bait.
• Perform light campground maintenance: pick up litter, rake, sweep, restock restroom supplies, light sanitation building cleaning between scheduled cleaning rounds by staff, clean fire rings, report full fire rings, report maintenance issues or make minor emergency repairs.
• Set a good example. Follow all rules, and practice good housekeeping at all times in and around host site.
• Be observant. Advise campers of any rules they may not be aware of and report major violations to staff.
• Help direct emergency personnel and/or direct traffic in the event of a medical, utility or storm related event.

 Restricted work:

• Hosts are not required to perform any task they are not comfortable performing due to threatening behavior, disease exposure risk, physical hazards, lack of skill/experience/training or any other reason. If at any time during their service the hosts feel at risk, they will stop what they are doing and notify the park supervisor on duty.
• Hosts may not perform their duties if they are feeling ill.
• Hosts may not perform hazardous tasks (e.g., electrical repairs).
• Hosts do not perform any law enforcement duties.
• Hosts may not display any placard, bill, notice, or sign in their official host campsite area. Host sites represent the park and the DNR. Hosts may post a sign that includes their name and where they are from if desired.

Volunteer Expectations

Volunteers are expected to follow the same rules and regulations as employees concerning use of computers, email, Internet use, phones, workplace behaviors, alcohol and drug use, violence prevention, harassment, discrimination, and code of ethics (M.S. 43A.38). Zero tolerance of workplace violence applies to volunteers. (Op Order 104.)

Hosts must perform all duties in a manner that supports a healthy, safe, and productive environment for visitors, staff, and other volunteers:

1. Be open and honest. Communicate your ideas, concerns, and questions with staff early and often.
2. Respect others. Acknowledge visitors to state parks and trails are extremely diverse – treat everyone how they want to be treated and with respect.
3. Work together. Take pride in your volunteer role and help visitors, staff and other volunteers with professionalism.
4. Respect departmental processes. Understand and follow DNR policies and procedures.
5. Value safety. Put safety first, and demonstrate safety for others.

All volunteers agree to review the following documents before arriving on-site, or immediately upon arrival.

Trainings are available from your DNR contact as a hard copy book or electronically in the “files” section of the volunteer’s profile in MyImpact.com.

If you'd like to request PDF files, send an email to campground.host@state.mn.us.

Required annual trainings include:

• Guide to Department Policies

• Basic Rules of Safety in the DNR

• Volunteer Right to Know Law (VRTK) Overview

• VRTK Hazard Communication

• VRTK Infectious Agents

• VRTK Physical and Infectious Hazards

• Bloodborne Pathogens

• Confined Space Awareness

• Fire Prevention

• Hazardous and Poisonous Plants

• Introduction to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

• Preventing Sexual Harassment

• Respectful Workplace

• Severe Weather Awareness

• Worker's Compensation Information

 Qualifications Desired (education, skill, experience, physical abilities)

 Required:

• An interest in helping people and enjoyment of work in a natural environment.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to stand for some period of time, bend, walk on uneven terrain, lift up to 10 pounds and follow detailed instructions.

Preferred:

• Prior experience as a host is beneficial but not mandatory.
• An interest in plants, animals and other natural features is useful but not required.
• Modifications may be made to these qualifications on request.

 Annual Background Check Requirement

Volunteers will also be subject to a background check, as hosts work with all members of the public (including children). Volunteers will sign a separate consent form to provide permission for DNR to conduct a background check.