2027 Visitor Center Interpretive Hosts Spring-Summer (On-site RV Residents)

** Two volunteers per RV site are preferred to meet workload needs. If you are applying as a couple/team, please indicate the name of your partner in the “any other additional

qualifications?” section of this application**

Overview: Bonneville Lock and Dam is a National Historic Landmark operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Our site includes two powerhouses, a navigation lock, fish passage, and three visitor centers; two accessible from Oregon via I-84, and one accessible from Washington via SR 14. In conjunction with park rangers, volunteers will manage land across the entirety of the project.

Location: Bonneville Dam is located in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, and is approximately 40 miles east of Portland, Oregon.

Work Schedule: Volunteers will be expected to work approximately 24 hours per week per person. The weekly schedule is 3 days on, 3 days off. Additional hours may be requested for special events.

Arrival window: March 31, 2027 through April 7, 2027.

Departure window: July 8, 2027 through July 15, 2027

Lodging: RV sites with standard hookups (electric, water, sewer) are available. Additionally, internet (via Starlink), laundry facilities, and a gym are included. These amenities are provided for volunteers who meet the weekly work hours requirement (24 hours per week).

Position Description:

To be a volunteer here is to help visitors relate to the site, tell the Corps’ story, and provoke curiosity on the many aspects of Bonneville Dam and the Columbia River Gorge. Volunteers assist the Ranger staff with these goals by greeting and orienting visitors at the Information Desks, running the register in our bookstore, providing personalized visitor interactions while roving through the visitor centers, staffing interpretive locations, and being our assistant on powerhouse tours.

Bonneville volunteers provide high quality interpretive services to enhance visitor experiences in the busy visitor centers, including:

- Staff visitor centers and bookstores

- Greet visitors and answer questions about the site and surrounding area

- Provide information about the site

- Work with our Junior Ranger program

- Inventory lost and found items

- Handle cash

- Educate visitors about park rules

- Provide informal or formal interpretive programs

- Assist Rangers with positive image and safety of Visitor Center and surrounding grounds through housekeeping, litter pick-up, and similar tasks.

Training will be provided on interpretation, cash handling, customer service, public speaking, communication, and you will receive an orientation to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers & Bonneville Lock and Dam. Prior experience in any of these areas is a plus.

Volunteers will be working mostly indoors, independently from staff while working at the Information Desk and Bookstore. Staff are nearby to respond to emergencies but will be occupied and will depend on volunteers utilizing protocols taught in training to respond to small issues or questions independently.

Physical Demands: Volunteers should be able to stand or walk for moderate periods of time, should be willing to intermittently work outdoors in hot weather, walking up to a half mile. Adjustable-height seating and anti-fatigue floor mats are available while staffing information desk and bookstore.

Additional Information:

·      Preference for RV sites will be given to two-person volunteer teams due to workload demands.

·      An FBI fingerprint criminal history check will be administered upon arrival if volunteers do not already have a recent clear check in the federal database.

·      Mileage reimbursement for your travel to the site may be available and is dependent upon several factors. If offered, reimbursement will occur only after successful completion of the season.