Virginia State Parks Looking For Vista Volunteers

Richmond, VA – If you’re looking for a job that will allow you to work in a beautiful natural setting, then the Virginia State Parks Americorps Vista program may be just the ticket. Virginia State Park Officials are looking to recruit 34 volunteers to work in parks across the state from April through September, 2011.

Americorps members will work as interpreters, presenting information and programs to parks guests and as liason to the community. They’ll work with park Friends groups, parks volunteer coordinators and park rangers to increase volunteerism in the park, and to schedule tours and environmental related programs in the parks. These include guided hikes, and in some cases, canoe or kayak tours.

And of course, outreach is part of the program too. They’ll go to schools, festivals and special events to help recruit and place new volunteers for the parks. They’re also required to maintain a journal of their activities.

For their season of committed service, i.e., 675 hours, Americorps members will receive a $3000.00 living allowance, an educational award of around $2300.00, and professional development. There are opportunities all over the state for this program, including nearby Douthat State Park.

This program is made possible by a grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency that funds Americorps, Senior Corps and Learn and Serve America. The Virginia State Parks, operated by the Virginia Dept of Conservation and Recreation, is providing the initial in-kind and cash match contributions for this grant.

To find out more about this program, visit the Virginia state park website at www.dcr.virginia.gov , click on the link for state parks and look under What’s New’. Applicants must be at least 17 years old. The deadline to apply for a position is March 31st, 2011. You can also contact Cyndi Juarez at 540-288-4333.