2026 Visitor Use Area Gardener

Volunteer will assist in the gardens at visitor use areas (such as KPVC, DFVC, Milford Beach, Headquarters, and other locations). Duties vary but may include mapping out current gardens, plant identification, deciding on which native plants to use and their placement, labeling plant markers, planting, weeding beds, cleaning out debris, leaves, sticks, and dead plant shoots, pruning plants away from sidewalks, windows, and handrails, filling in empty spaces with natives, selectively manicuring shrubs, applying mulch or organic material when applicable, and other duties as necessary. All work will be supervised by an NPS representative.

Volunteer will be expected to work outdoors. Associated Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should be worn to mitigate identified hazards. Additionally, safety considerations such as proper hydration, heat-related illnesses, hypothermia, insect/animal bites and stings, and tick-borne illnesses should be discussed as appropriate given the local work environment, season, and geographic location. Types of weather may include hot, humid, wet, windy, and cold. Work may occur across uneven terrain, including hills, slopes, grades, and wetlands, in both forested and open areas. Exposure to long periods of sunlight, precipitation, wind, dust, dirt, insects, irritating or poisonous plants may be present.

Skills needed/preferred:

• Plant ID (Native plants)
• Plant ID (Invasive plants)

Work associated with gardening may range from light exertion to physically demanding work depending on the task. In general, tasks involve frequent stooping, lifting, reaching, bending, carrying, and repetitive motion. Limited walking, often while carrying tools or supplies. At times, tasks may require the ability to lift or carry moderate or heavy weight.

Hours of work will be recorded and provided to the park monthly. All work will be done per NPS rules and regulations and with park staff approval. Volunteers will be identified by wearing park issued uniform items.