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Volunteer Opportunities
Florida - Ocala National Forest OHV Volunteers Needed
The Ocala National Forest needs several volunteers to help with its OHV patrol. For more information, contact Bret Bush via email at
bbush@fs.fed.us, by phone at (352) 625-2520 ext. 2509, or fax at (352) 625-7556.
VOLUNTEER POSITION DESCRIPTION - North End OHV Volunteers
Duties
The positions primary duties involve operation of the District's North End recreation areas and trails. The volunteer is responsible for monitoring fee and regulation compliance at Delancy East, Delancy West, Shanty Pond, and Hopkins Prairie recreation areas. The volunteer will also serve as an OHV volunteer, promoting responsible use of off-road vehicles on the North End. This position does not require on site residence but full hook-up sites are available for the volunteer provided RV at the Ocala Seed Orchard.
Operational duties include monitoring the self-service pay station at the OHV campgrounds. The volunteer will normally be required to work Friday through Sunday evening and on holidays or other busy times. The volunteer may require certification as a FS Collection Officer in order to monitor the fees at the fee stations. The volunteer(s) will monitor fee compliance daily during the primary use season and frequently during the slow season. The volunteer is required to keep an accurate record of the area usage on forms provided by the FS.
A major function of this position involves monitoring the camping rules and addressing OHV violations. The volunteer is expected to handle minor violations such as failure to pay, pets off of leash, or noise. The volunteer is expected to call for FS enforcement support or Marion County Sheriff's Office assistance when they are uncomfortable or feel threatened by any situation. In most cases the volunteer will be able to handle a majority of the situations, as they are minor incidents.
The FS will provide an orientation to each volunteer. This will include the review of some written material as well as shadowing veteran volunteers, other volunteers and FS employees.
Additional Requirements and Skills
Volunteers must have a friendly, helpful manner and enjoy dealing with a variety of people. They should have some familiarity with the natural environment of the campground, and be able to share this basic knowledge with visitors. Good communication skills, tactfulness, and patience are important. The volunteer must always remember that visitors are associating them with the US Forest Service - a public service agency funded by the taxpayers.
The volunteer must abide by the "Standards for Ethics and Conduct" for Forest Service and other federal employees. The volunteer should never discuss political issues, religion, ethnic, or racial differences or other topics that may be offensive to the public. Derogatory or offensive language must never be used in conversation with visitors.
Wear of the FS uniform will be required on weekends. The volunteer will present a clean and well-groomed appearance. The resident volunteer site will be kept clean, neat, and in compliance with all Forest rules and regulations.
Safety on the job and safety of visitors is the number one priority. Before beginning new tasks the volunteer should familiarize themselves with the safety requirements. Volunteers should consult the FS safety handbook and any pertinent Job Hazard Analysis (JHA). Volunteers are required to attend monthly District safety meetings.
Operation of FS vehicles may be required to perform the duties of this position. The volunteer will be required to furnish their driving record prior to receiving a government driver's license. Additionally, the FS will perform a background screening.
Evaluations
Each volunteer will participate in a performance review at the end of each season. Long-term volunteers will receive a rating at intervals of six months. Interim reviews will be performed as needed to discuss any problems that arise.
Volunteer Amenities
The volunteer site for this area consists of:
- Water, electric, sewer hook-ups
- FS radio (hand held)
- Fuel for a volunteer provided ATV
- Use of phone at the seed orchard facility
- Use of shower facility at the seed orchard
sign up today...i already have a list of ppl...also dont forget to subscribe to our news letter
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