Volunteer Work Leaders Needed
Yosemite National Park
Disclaimer: This page and its content is presented on behalf of Resources Management, National Park Service, Yosemite National Park. There is no association between this information and Native Habitats or between National Park Service and Native Habitats, except as a web page provider for this volunteer project in Yosemite.
We need more volunteer work leaders - or leader assistants - in Yosemite
for summer seasons for non native plant eradication. The openings are Volunteers
In Parks (VIP) positions in the Resources Management division of National
Park Service. This is a great opportunity to spend time in a place
you love, helping people help Yosemite! This is also a great opportunity
to enhance your skills and experience with the critical "first step" of
ecological restoration. And last but not least...a chance to spend time getting
to know Yosemite on an "up close & personal" basis. Training will be
provided - please see more "Qualifications" information below.
The work is fun and very rewarding...and the views are great! Contact Georgia
Stigall at gstigall@aol.com or at the
postal address below if you are interested.
NOTE - the qualifications listed below are only for
those who wish to pursue becoming an "authorized group leader ". To
ASSIST the project leader (currently Georgia Stigall, who reports to Yosemite's
vegetation ecologist) and/or to co-lead you need only to be in very good
physical condition, able to hike cross-country with a full day pack, and
willing to take direction from the leader. Assistance from anyone who
meets the physical requirements is WELCOME, regardless of prior work experience
or lack thereof.
Tasks performed (for full leaders; not all necessary for assistant leaders
- see NOTE in red above)
o Schedule volunteers for work trips; mostly weekends, but some weekdays
(recruiting of volunteers is done by Georgia Stigall)
o Work with Yosemite's Volunteer Coordinator to arrange camping space,
entrance passes, etc. (a process is already set up for this)
o Coordinate vehicles, tools and other resources for work parties
o Interact with Resources Management staff (weekly staff meetings,
etc.) to coordinate locations for work parties and other specifics
o Explain "why and what" of non native eradication to volunteers, inquiring
visitors, etc.
o Drive volunteers to work sites; train on methods of identification
& eradication; work with and supervise volunteers
o Track sites & species worked for NPS Resources Management
records
o Other related tasks
Qualifications (for full leaders; not necessary for assistant leaders
- see NOTE in red above)
o Previous experience with non native plant eradication
o Understanding of and ability to explain ecological reasons for
eradicating non native plants
(click here
to link to more information on this topic)
o Ability to identify target species (click here
for list of Yosemite's non native plants)
(Click
here for identification photos database)
o Plant science background/education not necessary but very helpful
o Interest ("hobby" or otherwise) in native plants and/or restoration
ecology
o Ability to work solo AND to lead groups
o Ability to work flexible schedule, including many weekends
o Experienced cross country hiker (day hiking only) in very good physical
condition
o Good people & communication skills for leading volunteers &
responding to inquiring visitors
o Valid driver's license & good mountain road driving skills
o Minimum commitment of one month (for full leaders only - others are
welcome for even one day!)
Infrastructure:
o Shared camping space (including bear-proof food storage)
o Free entrance to Yosemite during work season
o Shared vehicle (for work use only)
o Tools
o Possible daily stipend (for minimum commitment of one
month)
Georgia Stigall, 17287 Skyline Blvd #102, Woodside, CA 94062-3741 (please
include an SASE with inquiries)
Email gstigall@aol.com with a subject
line of "Yosemite Restoration"
Return to: Yosemite work info
Main restoration page
Rev. 4/21/99