Tips for applying to be a national park volunteer
So you have a whim of inspiration and have decided that you would like to volunteer in a national park. There are many factors that may have prompted this decision, but in many cases it is likely that you are seeking to build up your resume/CV in view of gaining entry into university, acquiring a scholarship, seeking to obtain an award, or perhaps love the outdoors and meeting people. Whatever the case may be, the core issue that you will be faced with is how to go about seeking this type of position.
Before you venture any further, there are some key factors that you should take into consideration:
Once you have carefully considered the above factors, you should be ready to seek volunteer work in a national park. For the most part, seeking volunteer work is a lot easier than actually seeking paid employment. Nonetheless, because there are many people seeking to fill in these same vacancies, the competition can be quite fierce. You, therefore, need to be a step ahead of the game.
Your first point of call should be to do a little background research on the body governing your national park service. For the United States, this would be U.S.National Park Service, while for Canada it would beParcs Canada. You should be able to obtain information on volunteering on the respective websites and in many cases download an application form.
You should also take a step further and explore the specific national park(s) that attract your interests. Being well informed about your desired national park site demonstrates genuine interest and can significantly increase your chances of landing a position.
Upon doing background research you should be able to make an informed decision as to where you would like to volunteer. However, you must bear in mind that flexibility is a key factor that will give you an edge. You are therefore advised not to limit yourself to a single location but be open to several options instead.
On your national park websites there is a list of opportunities that you can choose from. It is advised that you select an opportunity that best matches your existing skills although in many cases you will receive some level of training. If you do not see any suitable opportunities, take a step further and contact the person in charge of volunteering at your intended park and inquire about the available positions.
Depending on your intended position, you may subject to a background screen check, especially if you apply for a position where the welfare of children, vulnerable individuals, or valuable historic artifacts or minerals is entrusted in your care. This is a security measure put in place to protect the interest of the general public.
Generally, the right way to apply would be to download an application form from the website of your designated national park, fill out the form, and post it to them. However, there have been instances where intending volunteers actually show up at the park site and apply in person. Whether you decide to apply in person, via telephone or perhaps by post, for all intents and purposes, the application process is in fact an evaluation and interview process. It is therefore recommended that you endeavor to make a good impression and stand out, as this will positively influence your chances of securing a position.
In relation to the time of applying, it is highly recommended that you apply early. Hence, if you intend to apply for work in the summer then you should consider applying in the autumn or winter immediately preceding the summer when you intend to volunteer. In view that many persons seek volunteer work during the summer, you could increase your chances of securing a place by applying to do volunteer work during the winter, spring or fall.
In any case, whether you decide to volunteer during the winter, spring, summer or fall, it is important that you acquire relevant information pertaining application deadlines (if any).
In many cases you will not receive a confirmation of your application unless you are being selected for a position in the Nation Park Service or Parcs Canada. It is therefore advised that you verify whether you have been selected for your chosen position by receipt of confirmation of your application or perhaps contacting the national park itself.
In view of the fact that there are many national parks within the US, you should endeavor to ensure that you obtain relevant information that is specific to your designated park(s). If you are a non US or Canadian resident seeking volunteer work as an international volunteer, you should apply well in advance (typically at least 6 months in advance) as you would be subjected to immigration screening procedures, which may include possession of international passport or travelling document, relevant visa (where applicable), medical insurance and the suitability for position you have applied for. In the event that you are selected for a position, you may want to equip yourself with your own tools such as a first aid kit, insect/bug repellent, and camping gear etc. It also worth noting that many of the national parks are remote in nature and you may therefore need your own vehicle to commute from point to point. Notwithstanding, many national parks make necessary provisions for their workers.
Now that you have equipped with yourself with the core essentials, you should be on your path to successfully securing a position as a volunteer with a national park.
