Park Ambassador

Description:

Program Description

As a Park Ambassador, you can choose which opportunities are right for you. Possible Park Ambassador Roles are listed below.:

• Trail Ambassadors (On foot or mounted)
• Walk or ride the park’s trails to provide information to visitors including trail information, location of park facilities, information about upcoming events, and fun facts. Volunteers must act as responsible and inclusive role models exhibiting a friendly face to the public, great personal trail etiquette, and leave no trace practices.
• Volunteers on bikes or horses will provide their own transportation.
• Special Events and Projects
• Barr Lake is a busy park with countless events and projects all year! 
• Help out with our events and projects by: setting up the day before or the day of an event; cleaning up at the end of an event; hosting a table, game, or activity at an event; preparing materials for an event such as crafts or other items requiring assembly; maintaining the area for the event such as picking up litter, removing obstacles like tree limbs, and other maintenance activities.
• Events may be at the park, or at off-site locations such as local festivals or with park partners like Bird Conservancy of the Rockies.

Responsibilities and Duties

Trail Ambassadors (On foot or mounted)

• Greet and assist visitors. Share information about the park including park activities, locations of facilities, trail information, and upcoming events. Sharing other information like park history, wildlife facts, and other interesting tidbits about the park and its natural resources is encouraged!
• Take note of trail conditions and report any significant changes or concerns to park staff. Pick up trash, and notify staff if assistance is needed.
• Educate visitors on park regulation violations such as dogs off leash, littering, and taking of plants, rocks, etc. Share Leave No Trace protocols to help visitors understand why these rules are enforced.
• While trail ambassadors are one of the faces of the park, you will never be expected to put yourself in danger or in an uncomfortable position. Contact a ranger if conflict occurs or if a situation requires staff assistance.

Special Events and Projects

• Primary expectations include: setting up and/or taking down, and clean up of event items like decorations, tables and chairs, tents, games, etc.; planning and coordinating logistics; attending events as a representative of the park; hosting a table or activity.
• As a special projects volunteer, you may be asked to share input about an event or project, and help brainstorm ideas. Creativity is a plus!

Time Commitment:

4 hours per month, depending on the season and park programming

Volunteer Benefits:

• Feel good giving back to the Park you love and share the experience with new and returning visitors.
• 48 hours of service earns you an annual Colorado State Parks volunteer pass, good at all 43 state parks.
• End of season appreciation barbecue and gifts.
• Continuing education opportunities possible.
• Add volunteer experience to your resume and LinkedIn profile!

Documents:

Qualifications Desired

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Willingness to work with people of diverse backgrounds.
• Dependable and communicative.
• Excel at working individually and as a team member.
• Good decision-making skills and judgment.
• Familiarity with Barr Lake State Park and its activities is a plus.
• Committed to Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Barr Lake State Park’s mission and goals.

Training and/or Preparation Required

• Training will be provided on-site with staff or experienced volunteer.
• Must create a user profile in CPW Connect to track hours.

Evaluation Expectations

• Supervisor will check in with each volunteer on a regular basis to discuss concerns, report both positive and negative aspects of their experiences, and modify duties if appropriate.
• Volunteers must wear CPW uniform items provided by the park.
• Volunteers may be dismissed if they are not carrying out their responsibilities, are not reliable, or are otherwise unprofessional.

Interests:

Customer Service - Greet and Orient Visitors, Education - Ambassador, Outdoors and Community Science - Hiking, Education - Leave No Trace, Customer Service - Customer Service/Visitor Information

Places:

Barr Lake State Park