Student Maintenance Volunteer

Position Duties: As a uniformed Volunteer-in-Park (VIP) with the National Park Service (NPS), the VIP serves as a front-line representative of the agency working in the Maintenance Division. VIPs will work with maintenance staff and other VIPs to support routine grounds maintenance and custodial duties of the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park (ABLI). These activities may include mowing, cleaning structures, cleaning signs, painting, staining, and more. Required trainings will be provided. VIPs may also perform landscape maintenance, including, but not limited to; operating a variety of mowers, trimmers and other hand tools, assist in fertilizing, weeding, planting trees, shrubs and grass, tree trimming/pruning, mulching, and related tasks. VIPs assist in work requiring carpentry, electrical repair, painting, plumbing, and masonry. VIPs will be trained on use of UTVs and may operate them. This will include an introduction to the park grounds as well as the history of the park. Safety training required to operate essential tools will also be included.

This position is ideal for students in both high school and college who are looking to gain work experience in a national park. Candidates can work both during the summer months as well as while enrolled in classes during the school year.

Requirements: VIPs are required to wear the provided park maintenance uniform (including a VIP shirt, hat and jacket) and represent the NPS by acting in a courteous and professional manner with visitors, park staff, and other VIPs. Candidates should have the ability to learn to use various powered and/or hand tools and train on proper safety practices such as wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). (VIPs will receive any PPE required.) Experience with or knowledge of the stated duties above are a plus.

Work Environment: VIPs work indoors and outdoors, and will be exposed to a variety of conditions. (ABLI provides VIPs with appropriate uniform gear to perform duties, including seasonal duties.)

Physical Demands: Walking, stooping and bending in conditions varying from heat, cold and precipitation. May be required to lift items weighing 50 lbs or more.

Training: The supervisor will provide an orientation to the site, its mission, and staff. The VIP will get on-the-job training from maintenance staff regarding park operations, workplace safety, and will receive proper training and certifications to operate various equipment.

Other comments: Hours may be negotiable. The VIP will be assigned a separate supervisor in the maintenance division who will oversee and evaluate their work, and support them.