FY26 Visitor Aid Wall Ranger District

Become a Visitor Aid at Wall Ranger District! (Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands)

Directions for Application-

Wall Ranger District is looking for individuals or couples to serve as Visitor Aid(s) for Wall Ranger District. Ideally, we would prefer applicants to be able to commit to a continuous 1-2 months, however we are open to applicants that are only available for a continuous 2-week appointment. Positions are available March – September.

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 Wall Ranger District is in Wall, South Dakota, a small active community. The National Grasslands Visitor Center (NGVC) is also managed by the Wall Ranger District. NGVC is the only interpretive visitor center that represents all 20 of the National Grasslands and Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. Wall sees a high volume of tourists throughout much of the year due to the surrounding attractions: Badlands National Park, Minuteman Missile National Historic Site coupled with our world-famous Wall Drug and of course our National Grasslands Visitor Center.

The primary purpose of this volunteer position is to provide visitor information services by greeting and assisting all visitors and sharing information on the local recreational activities, trails, camping, programs, exhibits, and similar facilities. Front desk staff and Volunteer Aid serve as the primary contact with visitors and positively represent Wall Ranger District and the National Grasslands Visitor Center. The Visitor Aid will actively engage with visitors, ensuring they leave with a positive, informed, and fulfilling experience.

Service Description-

• Customer Service/Administration specific duties: answering phone calls, sales, inventory, filing, tracking recreation numbers, to name a few.
• 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.
• Possibly conduct site checks at our local recreation sites.
• NGVC Specific duties:
  • Process bookstore sales.
  • Assist with general cleaning/maintenance.
  • Minor pruning and weeding of our "Living Landscape” – weather permitting.
  • Greet visitors with a friendly smile and warm tone.
  • Provide visitors with information about the area, while also providing maps, brochures, and guides to assist the visitor.
  • Possibly assist with education programs either presented at the NGVC or off-site with the guidance of Forest Service staff.

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 to learn about the Forest/District and region.

Schedule/Housing-

The facility is open to the public from April through early October with extended hours from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Volunteers must be available during the week, Monday – Friday between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM for the duration of the service.

The Visitor Aid(s) will be able to camp, fee free, at Pinnacles Dispersed Camping Area (dry camping), which is a first come first serve campground located 15 minutes south of Wall Ranger District Office. 

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 etc.

Additional Resources:

Travel South Dakota

South Dakota Scenic Byways