Ice Harbor Lock & Dam/Windust Park-Park Host and Mower/Irrigator

Point of contact for this opportunity:  Janet.E.Cook@usace.army.mil  509-385-2263.

Description: Located in southeastern Washington State, along the lower Snake River near Lower Monumental Lock and Dam and surrounding public lands), near Kahlotus (38 miles from Tri-Cities:  Pasco, Kennewick, and Richland).

THE SITE: Located near the Tri-Cities, Washington, on the lower Snake River, Ice Harbor and Lower Monumental Dams include a powerhouse, a navigation lock, and fish passage. A visitor center is open at Ice Harbor Dam. We manage several campgrounds and day use parks near the dams, as well as habitat management units (HMUs) for wildlife in the region.

Windust Park is a remote oasis consisting of a first-come, first-served campground with 24 sites and day use facilities, boat ramp, boat dock, picnic sites, swim beach, and dump station, flush toilets, and sinks.  ** This campground was a fee-free site in the 2018 season and will likely be free again in 2020. ** Summer recreation season is May 13 through September 30.

JOB DESCRIPTION/DUTIES:

1. Public relations duties, including greeting campers and being a point-of-contact for visitor inquiries, and handing out brochures to inform users of the rules and regulations to encourage them to use the facilities safely and responsibly. Track and maintain general situational awareness of overnight visitors to the park. Provide a visible presence in the park to aid in proper use of the park and communicate issues to park ranger staff to maintain compliance (Daily)

2. Maintain a certain minimum level of appearance of the park. Use pressure taps and other sprinkler components to irrigate lawn and tree area; provide mowing, trimming, and edging of developed areas of the grounds (appx 12 acres); maintain playground (rake ground cushion fiber); occasional duties related to vegetation maintenance (pulling of weeds along walkways & parking areas), general maintenance (removal of tree suckers, removal of blown tumbleweeds along road edges and fences), spraying of nuisance insects (wasps/spiders), and removal of weeds from lawn and asphalt (Non-holiday weekdays).

3. Clean fire pits and remove litter. Restock life jacket loaner boards (As needed).

4. Drinking water quality testing. This includes sampling, mixing a solution, and noting the test results (Daily)

5. Attend volunteer-related functions as requested, including training, potluck picnics, and recognition events (Occasionally).

6. Perform other duties as agreed-upon (Occasionally).

7. All of the equipment needed to complete the host duties shall be provided by the Government, including a utility vehicle.

8. Tasks will be directed by Volunteer Coordinator or representative (Maintenance Foreman). Scheduling and tracking of hours and tasks accomplished will be maintained by the Volunteer Coordinator or representative (Volunteer Point of Contact).

Requirements:

1. Ability to work independently, professionally, and cooperatively with a diverse team of personnel and visitors. Maintain professional image at all times, since you are representing the Corps of Engineers.

2. Capable of physical work duties in an outdoor environment. Have physical ability to sit, stand, bend/reach, and walk (or accessible equivalent) for varying lengths of time (position may require extended periods in the outdoors during adverse conditions such as heat, cold, or rain).

3. Willingness to commit to a majority of the recreation season between May and September (round-trip mileage allowance may be authorized for 13 to 16 weeks of service).

4. Ability to pass a criminal background check.

5. Have or obtain a valid government-issued driver’s license and pass Corps-sponsored online driver safety course.

6. Willingness to follow safety regulations and policies, wear personal protective equipment as required to perform tasks, and abide by same rules and regulations as the general public (“Title 36” Rules and Regulations Governing Public Use of Corps of Engineers Water Resources Development Projects, 36 CFR 327).

7. Be visually able to spot potential safety and security hazards and take prompt appropriate action to report and/or correct in accordance with training provided.


SCHEDULE FOR COMMUTER VOLUNTEERS: Local Commuter Volunteers work a minimum of one eight-hour work day per week. 24 to 32 hours per week, unless otherwise agreed-upon. Work schedule is often shared with other volunteers, and is typically balanced to accommodate personal preference and coverage needs, with 3 to 4 days off in a row to allow for exploring the area.


HOW TO APPLY: Apply online at volunteer.gov. Volunteer Coordinator will be notified of application. Applications will be collected through January 30th for the following year and adjusted as needed as spots fill up. Interviews, reference and background checks will be conducted.

Resumes, applications and other information can be emailed or mailed directly to the Volunteer Coordinator.

Janet E. Cook, Volunteer Coordinator
USACE—Ice Harbor Lock and Dam
Tri-Rivers Natural Resources Office
2339 Monument Drive
Burbank, WA  99323

janet.e.cook@usace.army.mil
Phone: (509) 543-6066
Walla Walla District website: www.nww.usace.army.mil

www.corpslakes.us/volunteer 
1-800-VOL-TEER (865-8337)
(Updated 12/31/2019)