Opportunity Details
Trails & Rails Interpretive Guide
This position is located at Gateway Arch National Park. The official duty station is onboard Amtrak trains with some remote virtual volunteer opportunities from home. The Trails & Rails program is offered during summer and fall on the Missouri River Runner and the Illinois Lincoln Service. Volunteer presents Trails & Rails programs onboard Amtrak trains to passengers, providing information on the significant natural and cultural sites, history, and the environment. Programs are presented in the café car or other designated areas. Volunteers will be available to answer questions about the region, the Park, the National Park Service, and to hand out literature.
Major Duties
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Assists in the development and presentation of various onboard educational programs about the natural, cultural, and historical resources of each route.
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Sets up temporary displays and associated materials in designated areas of the train. Is available to answer questions concerning areas of interest along the train route, provide information about the park, region, places of special interest, and the National Park Service.
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Meets and works with various passengers and entities relating to cultural and natural interpretation and folk life activities.
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Participates in all sessions and completes assignments, training, and presentations required for the Trails & Rails training.
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Maintains consistent, positive relations with NPS staff, partners, Texas A&M University, and Amtrak staff who may participate in conducting mandatory training or managing the Trails & Rails program.
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Resolves activity conflicts. When higher resolution is needed, refers them to park staff or Amtrak.
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Some activities may take place virtually such as training and meetings.
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The volunteer should have access to a computer with camera and audio, printer, and WIFI connection to complete assignments and participate in real time virtual activities.
Knowledge and Skills Required by the Position
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Knowledge of the resources and history of Missouri and Illinois.
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Knowledge of the cultural and natural history of the Park, Amtrak route, and surrounding region.
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Ability to effectively communicate orally with a wide variety of individuals and groups.
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Ability to work and deal harmoniously with people and resolve conflicts under possible stressful situations.
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Ability to develop and present information as an educational program and to provide accurate information to passengers.
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Ability to anticipate, recognize, and analyze problems and to make effective decisions, devise contingency plans, and develop alternatives.
Supervisory Controls
The volunteer is under the direct supervision of the park's Trails & Rails Coordinator. Assignments are made in broad terms, generally as to objectives desired.
The volunteer will communicate frequently with the Trails & Rails Coordinator on the steps to complete assignments.
Volunteer may independently plan the detailed steps necessary to complete assignments. Selects and/or establishes the proper methods and procedures for resolving problems or situations within established guidelines and carries through to completion without direct supervision. Controversial/ sensitive matters are discussed with supervisor before implementation. Makes difficult decisions and judgements affecting program and interpretive development.
Arts & Culture, Children & Youth
Age Minimum (with Adult): 16+, Minimum Age:18+
More Info
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Signup Questions
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