26Visitor Host: Hudson-Meng Education & Research Center and Toadstool Campground

Become a Visitor Host with Pine Ridge Ranger District! (Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands)

Directions for Application-

Pine Ridge Ranger District is looking for individuals or couples to serve as Visitor Host(s) at two locations Toadstool Geological park & Campground and Hudson-Meng Education & Research Center. We would prefer applicants to be able to commit from May 29^th – September 4^th, however we would consider applicants that can commit for a portion of the time frame.

Couples who apply must have individual Volunteer.gov/s/ accounts and apply separately. (Onboarding paperwork will be completed through Volunteer.gov/s/ and separate accounts are required.)

Applications will be processed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.

Site Description-

The Pine Ridge Ranger District office is in Chadron, Nebraska and manages approximately 114, 869 acres in both Dawes and Sioux counties. Pine Ridge Ranger District oversees the stewardship of the Oglala National Grassland, Nebraska National Forest, Soldier Creek Wilderness area, Pine Ridge National Recreation Area, Toadstool Geological Park, and Hudson-Meng Education & Research Center. 

Toadstool Geological Park & Campground and Hudson-Meng Education & Research Center are located within the Oglala National Grassland north of Crawford, Nebraska. Toadstool Geological Park is a moonscape of eroded buttes and drainages with evidence of volcanic events and extinct animal species that occurred from 38 to 26 million years ago. Toadstool Campground consists of 12 sites with picnic tables, fire rings, upright grills and two accessible vault toilets, there is no water. Hudson-Meng Educational & Research Center, previously known as Hudson-Meng Bison Kill Site, a nearly 10,000-year-old archeological site contains the skeletal remains of over 600 specimens of an extinct bison species, Bison antiquus. The sites are close in proximity to drive to and to hike along a three-mile (one way) hike along the Bison Trail. Toadstool & Hudson-Meng Trail System.

The purpose of this volunteer position is to provide visitor information services by greeting and assisting all visitors by sharing information on the local recreational activities, trails, and cultural/historical knowledge of the area.

A Visitor Host serves as the primary contact with visitors and positively represents Pine Ridge Ranger District by actively engaging with visitors, ensuring they leave with a positive, informed, and fulfilling experience.

Service Description-

• Greet visitors with a friendly smile and warm tone
• Provide visitors with local travel information and regulatory information relating to site-specific regulations, rock-collection, off-roading opportunities, hunting and fishing programs, and other recreational activities.
• Toadstool Campground Specific Duties:
  • Visitor Fee Compliance and Enforcement.
  • Maintain cleanliness of the area. Possibly assist with cleaning bathrooms and emptying trash.
• Hudson-Meng Education & Research Center Specific Duties:
  • Provide guided tours from a script.
  • Process sales through the ERS and the partner tablet.
  • Assist with general cleaning/maintenance within the building: clean bathrooms, take out trash, etc. 
  • Conduct general recreational maintenance around the outside of the building and possibly the trails – weather permitting.
  • Provide visitors with information about the area, while also providing maps, brochures, and guides to assist the visitor.
  • Possibly assist with education programs.

Required Skills-

Communication:

Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication with visitors and staff. Able to speak clearly and concisely to the public. Communication methods should be respectful, professional, and friendly, to ensure visitors have a positive experience.

Punctuality:

Reports to all scheduled shifts on time. Notifies leadership and staff as soon as possible if any schedule changes occur, especially for unexpected time off needs like an illness.

Curiosity:

Shows curiosity and a strong work ethic. Willing to learn about the Toadstool Geological Park and Hudson-Meng Education & Research Center to share the historical/cultural knowledge with visitors.

Schedule/Housing-

Exact days/hours of availability will be coordinated with the Site Contact during your interview. Toadstool Campground is open year-round however Hudson-Meng Education & Research Center has limited days/hours from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

The Visitor Host will be provided with a camp site located at Hudson-Meng Education & Research Center with water, electricity, showers, and toilets. It is highly recommended for the Visitor Host to have a hard sided camper (RV, Pull-behind, 5^th-wheel) and that the Visitor Host has a vehicle separate from the camper. It is not recommended to walk the 3 miles daily from one site to the next, and we are not able to provide you with a vehicle to use.

Required Trainings/Certifications-

If you are chosen, you will be assigned a task to complete the required paperwork for a background check and Information Security Awareness (ISA) training. Your Site Contact will coordinate with you any additional training courses such as CPR/First Aid, Collection Officer etc.