Civil War Defenses of Washington Trail Ambassador

Ever wanted to care for your own little slice of nature and history? You can do just that as a Trail Ambassador along the Civil War Defenses of Washington Trail!

In this role, you'll join other volunteers to monitor a chosen portion of this immersive pathway, stretching between Fort Mahan to Fort Stanton, as a representative of the National Park Service. Walking your adopted trail section out and back at least once a month, you will:

• Trim overgrown vegetation and branches. 
• Record and report statistics to NPS staff.
  • Number of people, locations of downed trees, trail maintenance issues, etc.  
• Call US Park Police (202-610-7500) about dangerous or potentially dangerous scenarios.  
• Cleaning up litter.
• Answer visitor questions.
• Remove invasive species (requires additional training) 
• Perform trail maintenance projects planned and coordinated by NPS.
• And much more!

This position is very active and outdoors-focused, so be ready to:

• Stand and walk for moderate-to-long periods. 
• Follow safety guidelines and use personal protective equipment.
• Safely operate manual tools. 
• Work with others and follow directions.

Key qualifications for this position include:

• Some preexisting trail maintenance skills and knowledge. 
• Availability to walk your trail segment at least once a month (more often if possible). 
• Wearing a volunteer uniform when on active duty.
• Required participation volunteer orientation and training before starting work.

You can select and work on any of these trail sections:

1. Fort Stanton Park: Fort Place SE to Marion Barry Avenue SE (~ 0.6 mile one-way) 
2. Inter-fort area: Marion Barry Avenue SE to Park Drive SE (~ 1.1 mile one-way)
3. Fort Davis Park: Branch Avenue SE to Massachusetts Avenue SE (~ 1 mile one-way) 
4. Fort Dupont Park: Massachusetts Avenue SE to Ridge Road SE (~ 1.5 miles one-way) 
5. Fort Chaplin Park: Ridge Road SE to Benning Road NE (~ 1.1 mile one-way) 
6. Fort Mahan Park: Benning Road NE & Fort Mahan Park circular trail up to Grant Street NE (~ 1 mile one-way) 

Volunteers will receive guidance from Rebecca George & other NPS staff and work in groups of at least 3; all supplies and equipment will be provided. Reimbursements and use of government vehicles are not authorized.

As an NPS VIP (Volunteer-In-Park), your benefits include:

• Skill development and hands-on experience.
• Opportunity to support and contribute to the National Park Service as an official volunteer.
• An America the Beautiful Volunteer Pass upon completing 250+ hours.
  • Unless already possessing an America the Beautiful Senior, Assess, or Military Pass.
• Recognition items based on hours of service.
• Potential training opportunities to develop knowledge, gain skills, and enhance your service.

Apply to become a Trail Ambassador today and prepare to get those steps in!