Maintenance Grounds

Main Goals for Position:

The volunteer will have a chance to learn and gain experience and knowledge, skills and abilities associated with working at a national park. By participating in routine grounds maintenance tasks such as mowing, weed eating, cleaning, and painting, volunteers directly contribute to the park’s upkeep, ensuring that facilities remain inviting and safe for visitors. This involvement not only enhances the park's aesthetic appeal but also improves operational efficiency by allowing maintenance staff to focus on more complex projects. Volunteers will foster teamwork through group projects, assist in landscape enhancement through planting and landscaping activities, and gain proficiency in using various maintenance tools. Engaging with visitors to promote awareness of the park's history and conservation efforts helps build community support and encourages stewardship. Adhering to safety protocols further ensures a safe working environment, allowing park operations to run smoothly and effectively. 

Position Duties:

As a uniformed volunteer with the National Park Service, the volunteer serves as a front-line representative of the agency working in the maintenance division. Volunteers will work with other volunteers and maintenance staff to help in the routine grounds maintenance, trail maintenance and custodial duties of the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park. This could include mowing, weedeating, blowing leaves cleaning structures, cleaning signs, painting, staining, and more. Required trainings will be provided. Volunteers may also perform landscape maintenance, including, but not limited to; operating a variety of mowers, blowers, trimmers and other hand tools, assist in fertilizing, weeding, planting trees, shrubs and grass, tree trimming/pruning, and mulching, and related tasks. May assist in work requiring carpentry, electrical repair, painting, plumbing, and masonry. Volunteer 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. Also included will be safety training for any essential tools. Must have ability to learn to use various powered and/or hand tools and train using proper safety practices such as wearing PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). 

Qualifications:

Ability to learn to use various powered and/or hand tools and train using proper safety practices such as wearing PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). Experience or knowledge with said position duties above a plus.

Working Environment and Safety Considerations:

Working Environment: 

• Natural Settings: Volunteers have the opportunity to engage with diverse landscapes, including wooded areas, meadows, and historical sites.  

Climate: 

• Seasonal Variations: The climate in Kentucky features four distinct seasons. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters are mild but can bring cold temperatures and occasional snow. 
• Rainfall: The region experiences moderate rainfall, particularly in spring and early summer, which may affect outdoor activities and planning. 
• Weather Preparedness: Volunteers should be prepared for changing weather conditions, with appropriate gear for both hot and cold weather. 

Physical Demands: 

• Mobility: Volunteers may need to walk or hike to different locations within the park, which can involve uneven terrain. 
• Manual Labor: Depending on their role, volunteers may encounter physical demands such as lifting materials, setting up materials, or carrying equipment. 
• Endurance: Working outdoors for extended periods can require stamina, especially during warmer months or while participating in community events. 
• Adaptability: Volunteers must be flexible in adapting to both environmental and community dynamics, responding to visitors and weather changes as they carry out their activities.