Park After Dark Volunteer Opportunities
The various stations for Park After Dark are shown below. One hour before the event starts, staff and volunteers will meet (August = 6:30 pm, September = 5:30 pm, October = 4:30 pm) to go over event details. After the meeting, staff and volunteers will set up the event. Every volunteer role shift is four hours, except for the Scope Operator position. The Scope Operator volunteer role will be 2.5 hours.
Thank you for your interest in supporting public programming at the park!
Insect Finding Station Assistant
Seated and standing position supports entomologist. Responsibilities include catching insects, putting them into jars, and viewing them with visitors. Assists with station setup/teardown such as setting up lights and materials.
Photo credit: NPS/Kurt Moses.
Orientation Trailhead Assistant
Seated and standing position directs and orients visitors towards events at the beach or prairie. Provides event and park information to attendees who miss the welcome table. Offers red cellophane to flashlight users.
Photo credit: NPS/Kurt Moses.
Welcome Table Assistant
Seated position warmly meets and greets visitors with strong customer service skills. Provides directions to activities and access to park publications (maps, information, Jr. Ranger books, etc.). Swears-in Junior Rangers if booklets are complete. Offers red cellophane to flashlight users. Communicates with point-to-point radio with event any accessibility needs or issues. Assists with station setup/teardown.
Photo credit: NPS/Edwige Moses.
Twilight Walk Assistant
Standing position supports the NPS ranger as a trail sweep with group management, communicates safety concerns to the ranger, and responds to visitor questions during the walk. Shares interpretive information in informal conversations with participants related to the program, area, and park. Strong customer service skills are preferred.
Photo credit: NPS/Edwige Moses.
Community Building Assistant - Fire Tender and S’mores Maker
Seated and standing position warmly greets and engages visitors on the beach. Answers questions about the park and event. Distributes materials for s’mores and maintains the fire. Provides safety information around the fire. Ensures MPC-provided blankets stay in the area for borrowed use. Assists with station setup/teardown.
Photo credit: NPS/Kurt Moses.