John Muir National Historic Site Docent

Description:

The John Muir National Historic Site is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our team of interpreters. The commitment is twice a month of three-hour shifts. Volunteers will work alongside interpretive staff sharing with visitors the history of the site, John Muir's legacy, and the evolution of the National Park Service. The mansion is located at the homesite, but our park also includes Mt. Wanda, which consist of Oak wilderness, and the family gravesite. Volunteers are also oriented to the other sites and include this history with visitors at the homesite.

Knowledge and Skills Required by the Position  

• Passion to learn and share knowledge with visiting public! 
• Knowledge of the cultural and natural history of the park and surrounding region  
• Ability to effectively communicate with diverse individuals and groups 
• Ability to work and deal harmoniously with visitors and staff to resolve conflicts under possible stressful situations 

Mansion Docent duties include:

• Welcome/greet visitors into the house with respect and enthusiasm. Will get trained on NPS.
• Monitor and protect historical items of the house from potential misuse or damage from visitors.
• Learn and retain relevant information to interpretative resources. Interpretive workshops will be offered throughout the year for docent and new ranger staff.
• Report to rangers any incidents involving visitors, staff, and resources. Participate in annual safety walkthrough with a ranger.
• Maintains consistent, positive relations with NPS staff and WNPA staff and communicates effectively about scheduling, any concerns, and new exciting facts or community events.
• Work independently in public speaking and interacting with the public and ability to walk throughout the various floors of the house, including the cupola.
• Learn how to communicate with park staff through park radio, landline phones, and location of safety exits and medical supplies.
• Ability to stay standing for 10-30 minute periods at a time while conversing with visitors and ability to walk up the hill to the house independently.

Visitor Center Docent: 

• Welcome/greet visitors into visitor center 
• Orient visitors to the park offering information on daily tours, activities, films, and bathroom/exit 
• Communicate with Muir Mansion about visitor needs, etc. using park radio 
• Communicate with park staff about visitor accommodations or safety concerns  
• Complete register purchases for park partner (not mandatory)

 Major Duties of Mt. Wanda/Extra Events Docent: 

• Monitor hiking trails on Mt. Wanda for graffiti, waste, conditions, etc.  
• Keep track of visitor engagement and comments through the Mt. Wanda survey (virtual)  
• Monitor JMLT hiking trails and create recommendations for NPS staff to utilize in Visitor Center 
• Create relevant, informative, and engaging group hikes with accurate naturalist information in collaboration with NPS staff 
• Coordinate with NPS staff on logistics and support for events (full moon hike, sunset hike, wildflower hikes, astronomy programs, etc.)

Volunteer will be provided with uniform, training, timesheet, orientation, and reading material by the NPS.