Fort Laramie NHS Maintenance Volunteer

The primary goal of this position is to assist staff in maintaining the natural and historic landscape of Fort Laramie National Historic Site.

Description of Duties

• Cleaning day use areas (ie. sweeping, scrubbing, striping, waxing, and polishing floors; washing walls using power-washers and/or by hand)

• Help feed horses

• Ground mowing/trimming

• Trash collection

• Preventative maintenance

• Assist with historic preservation on the buildings and ruins. This work many involve carpentry work, masonry, plaster, and painting.

• Be able to utilize a radio or cell phone to contact dispatch in case of emergency or when in need of immediate assistance.

•  Help move heavy supplies and equipment.

• Replace and/or install paper goods, etc., in restrooms.

• Occasionally work on ladders and scaffolds to change light bulbs, wash walls, etc.

• Pick up scraps of wood, metal and other materials.

• Assist with emptying scrap and trash cans as directed.

• Load and unload supplies and materials from trucks, trailers, dollies, etc.

Qualifications

Volunteers must feel fit for the job and capable of working in outdoor environments.

· Have excellent teamwork skills.

· Be able to communicate with their supervisors and fellow volunteers and park staff effectively.

· Be able to take direction as well as exercise good judgment while adhering to park regulations and safety standards.

· Have a valid driver’s license.

· Be able to stand or walk for extended time, bend and kneel and may occur on uneven, rough, or slippery terrain.

· Be able to lift 10-20 pounds unassisted.

· Comfortable using common hand and light power tools and performing minor equipment maintenance.

· Awareness of surroundings, especially when operating machinery or tools in the field.

Working Environment and Safety Considerations

Temperatures can range from 0 in the winter, to over 100 degrees in the summer. Volunteers working outside will be subject to direct sunlight, potential exposure to bugs that bite or sting, and potentially wildlife mostly snakes and spiders. Danger exists due to possible cuts, scrapes, bruises, and burns. Groundskeeping takes place outside, usually

without any shade or cover. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided.

Time Commitment:

· Local volunteers minimum 3 hours per week but can be flexible.

Lodging: There is no available lodging or RV pads for park volunteers at Fort Laramie NHS.