Long-term Volunteer Opportunities

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Discover the Benefits of Volunteering
The Department of Parks and Recreation is looking for great volunteers to assist in parks and recreation programs. There are a variety of opportunities and many positions are flexible. Some positions are year round and some are short term. This packet explains our volunteer positions and contains a volunteer application. The opportunities are listed by category.

Here's all you need to do:

• Read through all the different volunteer positions and locations and choose the volunteer position that best fits your interest. Please read positions and details carefully.
• Complete the entire volunteer application and list the volunteer position and location on the application. If you are interested in more than one volunteer position, you can copy the application.
• Send the completed application to the appropriate address. This information is located with the volunteer position information.
• Applications are accepted until positions are full or stated otherwise. Positions fill quickly! Send in your application today.

Some information about volunteering with us:

• Each position has different requirements, (duties, responsibilities, age, training, etc.), depending on the opportunity. Staff bases these requirements on the complexity of the position.
• Volunteer work schedules will vary depending on need and are determined by the supervisor and volunteer.
• A Background check/fingerprinting is required for volunteers ages 15 and over who work directly with children. Bring a photo ID and Social Security card with you.
• Training is mandatory for all of our volunteers. This will assist you in your placement.
• Please provide your own transportation.
• Have fun and…
• Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Parks and Recreation. There is something for everyone!
• For more information about the Volunteer program contact the Volunteer Services Office, 301-454-1484; TTY 301-699-2544

Volunteer opportunities available in the following areas:

Festivals
Natural Areas, Museums, Historic Sites
Special Programs: Therapeutic Recreation Programs
Sports

Festival
SOUTHERN AREA FAMILY FESTIVAL

Title	Festival Assistant
Duties/Responsibilities	Work carnival booths including games, arts and crafts and provide customer service for carnival participants. Assist staff with set -up and break down of Festival site.
Qualifications/Requirements	16 yrs & up; enthusiastic; dedicated and enjoy working with the public; able to lift up to 20 pounds.
Program dates	Friday, July 18, 2008, 5-9 pm
Contact	Southern Area Office, 301-203-6000
Send application to	Southern Area Operations 10701 Livingston Rd. Ft. Washington, MD 20744

Archaeology
The Archaeologist program is a chance for volunteers to work side by side with an M-NCPPC staff archaeologist engaging in excavations and/or laboratory sessions.

Title	Archaeologist Assistant
Duties/Responsibilities	Assist staff with archaeological digs/excavations and lab work in the Upper Marlboro area. Sessions are held on Saturdays from 9 am-4 pm.
Qualifications/Requirements	14 yrs & up; able to dig into ground and lift up to 10-15 pounds; have an interest in excavating, history and research.
Contact	Kristen Montaperto or Mike Lucas, 301-627-1286; TTY 301-699-2544
Send application to	M-NCPPC/Archaeology Program 8204 McClure Rd., Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

Historic House Museums
Historic sites and museums offer fascinating historic programs. The public can learn and celebrate Prince George's County's rich history through tours, exhibits, special events, lectures and more! For more information and to send an application, refer to the following facilities:

Billingsley Historic House Museum
6900 Green Landing Rd., Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
301-627-0730;TTY 301-699-2544

Marietta House Museum
5626 Bell Station Rd., Glenn Dale, MD 20769
301-464-5291;TTY 301-699-2544

Surratt House
9118 Brandywine Rd., Clinton, MD
301-868-1121; TTY 301-699-2544

Patuxent Rural Life Museums
16000 Croom Airport Rd., Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
301-627-6074; TTY 301-699-2544

Title	Tour Guides and Docents
Duties/Responsibilities	Conduct tours of historic houses while interpreting the unique history of the property Billingsley Historic House Museum volunteers will also assist with the library and the inventory of collections. Surratt House docents will wear period clothing. Patuxent River Park Rural Life Museums offer experiences for volunteers to conduct tours of the blacksmith shop, Charles Duckett Freedman Log Cabin, Duvall Tool Museum and the Tobacco Farming Museum. Positions are also available for volunteers who have the skills to provide interpretation in these rural museums. These positions are a must for history buffs!
Qualifications/Requirements	18 yrs & up; must possess appropriate skills for position; ability to speak in front of groups; schedule varies with program.
Send application to your desired facilities

Title	Junior Docent
Duties/Responsibilities	Marietta House Museum offers a junior docent program for youth ages 13-17. Assist staff with large special events at the facility; provide tours; work with children in crafts and outdoors activities; assist with other facility events. Great for teens interested in history! Training is provided. Contact 301-464-5291;TTY 301-699-2544 for more information.
Qualifications/Requirements	13-17 years of age; responsible; dependable; enjoy working with the public; enthusiastic and creative.
Send application to	Marietta House Museum 5626 Bell Station Rd., Glenn Dale, MD 20769 301-464-5291;TTY 301-699-2544

Nature Centers and Parks
Nature centers and parks provide year-round educational exhibits of nature and conservation interests, house live reptiles, some centers house birds of prey, herb, butterfly and craft gardens, greenhouses, unique gift shop and trails. For more information and to send an application, refer to the following facilities:

Patuxent River Park
16700 Croom Airport Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
301-627-6074; TTY 301-699-2544

Mt. Rainier Nature and Recreation Center
4701 41st Place, Mt. Rainier, MD 20712
301-927-2163; TTY 301-699-2544

Title	Animal Care Aide This position is available at Watkins, Mt. Rainier and Clearwater only.
Duties/Responsibilities	Assist in the care of animals involving thorough cleaning of cages, replenishing water and feeding the animals.
Qualifications/Requirements	13 yrs & up; general knowledge and appreciation of domestic and wild animals; must be comfortable interacting with and if necessary handling the various animals including small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds.

Title	Butterfly Gardens Aide This position is available at Clearwater, Watkins and Mt. Rainier only.
Duties/Responsibilities	Assist staff in weeding, planting, labeling, and photographing gardens at center. Assist in maintenance of gardens and assist with tours.
Qualifications/Requirements	16 yrs & up; knowledge of gardening. Scouts, groups and home school children encouraged.

Title	Greenhouse and Gardens Aide Gardens aide position available at Mt. Rainier, Clearwater and Patuxent only. The Greenhouse position is available at Clearwater only.
Duties/Responsibilities	Assist in garden design, seeding, planting, weeding, watering, trimming and greenhouse care.
Qualifications/Requirements	13 yrs. & up; have experience and enjoy working in the garden and with plants; enjoy working with people.

Title	Naturalist Aide This position is available at all facilities.
Duties/Responsibilities	Assist staff in presenting interpretive nature programs to visitors from preschool age to adults. Assist in the preparation and presentation of nature education programs including slide shows; animal and plant talks, nature hikes, campfires and other related nature programs.
Qualifications/Requirements	14 yrs.& up; enjoy working with public; appreciation of nature; some knowledge of animal care and handling is beneficial.

Title	Nature Trail and Maintenance Aide This position is available at Clearwater, Patuxent and Watkins only.
Duties/Responsibilities	Assist staff with hiking trails, checking for hazards, cleaning and maintaining these areas. Trails will be pruned and erosion control bars kept free of blocking debris.
Qualifications/Requirements	14 yrs. & up; groups encouraged; enjoy the outdoors; dedication to wildlife management; able to use trimming and gardening tools.

Title	Nest box Monitor This position is available at Clearwater and Watkins only.
Duties/Responsibilities	Assist staff in monitoring trails, checking bluebird and kestrel boxes and keeping data for wildlife management. Monitors will adopt a trail and record data during the months of May-August.
Qualifications/Requirements	14 yrs. & up; enjoy the outdoors; dedication to wildlife management.

Title	Puppeteer Aide This position is available at Clearwater and Mt. Rainier only.
Duties/Responsibilities	Assist in researching, writing and presenting puppet shows.
Qualifications/Requirements	14 yrs.& up; possess artistic abilities; able to hold and maneuver puppets to pre-recorded music and voices; must enjoy working with young children.

Title	Secretarial/Office Aide This position is available at Clearwater only.
Duties/Responsibilities	Assist in typing, filing, answering telephones; greeting public; providing customer service; registering public for programs.
Qualifications/Requirements	14 yrs. & up; possess accurate typing, spelling and grammar skills; friendly personality; computer knowledge is helpful.

Title	Summer Day Camp Assistant This position is available at all facilities.
Duties/Responsibilities	Assist in the daily operation of day camp including child care; preparation and presentation of nature education programs; assist in craft and nature programs; animal and/or plant talks, hikes, campfires, and other related nature programs.
Qualifications/Requirements	15 yrs. & up; appreciation of nature; able to work in an outdoor setting; some knowledge of animal care and handling is beneficial.

Park Ranger Programs
Park Rangers provide public safety, education and conservation services to the citizens of our County and to the Department. The following are volunteer positions available with the Park Ranger program. For more information contact the Park Ranger Office at 301-627-7755; TTY 301-699-2544.

Title	Adopt-A-Trail Partner
About this Program	This program provides a way to show commitment to the future of our parks and trails by adopting a section of a trail. This program is part of the new Partners 'n Parks program where groups can help the environment by reducing litter, maintain the trail for future enjoyment, experience fun in the outdoors, be actively involved in a community project and have its efforts recognized with signage.

Title	Eagle Scout and Gold Awards
About this Program	The Park Rangers coordinate a variety of conservation related projects for Boy Scouts to receive their Eagle Scout Awards and Girl Scouts to receive their Gold Awards. Work closely with the Rangers and pick a park to begin your experience.

Title	Weed Warriors
About this Program	One of the greatest threats to our forest's native vegetation is the spread of non-native invasive plants. Through training and working with the Park Rangers you can make a meaningful difference by identifying and removing invasive plants and reclaiming these areas for native species. Individuals and groups are welcome!

Patuxent River 4H Center
The 4-H Center sponsors environmental programs, facility rentals, 4-H activities, camping and farming programs and is located on the beautiful Patuxent River. The following volunteer positions are available:

Send application to:
Bonnie Dunn, 301-390-7259; TTY 301-699-2544
Patuxent River 4-H Center
18405 Queen Anne Rd., Upper Marlboro, MD 20774

Title	Camp Health Care Specialist
Duties/Responsibilities	Review and maintain health forms on campers and staff; provide general first aid and administer medications. Enjoy working with children. Needed for summer day camp.
Qualifications/Requirements	21 yrs. & up; physician, LPN, or EMT certified.

Title	Creature Keeper
Duties/Responsibilities	Assist in the care of reptiles and fish.
Qualifications/Requirements	16 yrs. & up; experience with animal handling.

Title	Kitchen Assistant
Duties/Responsibilities	Provide assistance in kitchen area particularly with food preparation, cleaning and maintenance of the area. Serve food and meals to participants.
Qualifications/Requirements	16 yrs.& up; enjoy the culinary arts and working with the public.

Title	Teacher/Nature Instructor for Environmental Education Program
Duties/Responsibilities	Provide hands-on teaching in environmental setting.
Qualifications/Requirements	18 yrs. & up; background in teaching and experience working with children is necessary; knowledge of the environment and other related subjects necessary.

River Clean-Up

Title	River Clean-up Assistants The Bladensburg Waterfront Park is a unique waterfront park featuring a riverside walk, pavilions, fishing pier, boat tours, canoe and kayak rentals, nature programs and more! Volunteers can assist in river clean ups throughout the spring, summer and fall seasons.
Duties/Responsibilities	Assist in cleaning the riverbanks, removing trash from the Anacostia River and help to restore the waterfront.
Qualifications/Requirements	13 yrs. & up; groups and families welcome; enjoy working in the outdoors. Wear appropriate clothing.
Contact	Park Staff, 301-779-0371; TTY 301-699-2544
Send application to	Bladensburg Waterfront Park 4601 Annapolis Rd., Bladensburg, MD 20710

Special Programs: Therapeutic Recreation Programs
The Special Programs Division offers countywide programs and events for persons with disabilities. The following volunteer positions are available:

Send application to:
Henson Creek Golf Course
1641 Tucker Rd., Ft. Washington, MD 20744
301-567-4646; TTY 301-699-2544

Enterprise Golf Course
2802 Enterprise Rd, Mitchellville, MD 20721
301-249-2040; TTY 301-699-2544

Title	Golf Course Cart Coordinator
Duties/Responsibilities	Maintain golf carts, assist staff with facility operation; provide excellent customer service.
Qualifications/Requirements	18 yrs.& up; golf background helpful.

Title	Golf Course Ranger
Duties/Responsibilities	Provide excellent customer service while enforcing rules and regulations on the golf course.
Qualifications/Requirements	18 yrs. & up; golf background necessary.

Title	Golf Course Snack Bar Assistant
Duties/Responsibilities	Assist staff in the snack bar preparing and serving food to public; assist in overall operation of facility.
Qualifications/Requirements	18 yrs.& up; enjoy working with people and working in the food industry.

Title	Golf Course Starter
Duties/Responsibilities	Ensure proper order of golfers to play golf; provide excellent customer service.
Qualifications/Requirements	18 yrs. & up; golf background necessary.