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Volunteer Opportunity: Summer of Surveying

Interested in a volunteer position where you camp at a different Washington state park each week, stay at parks along the Puget Sound, San Juan islands and other nearby areas of our beautiful state, and meet visitors from around the world? ??

We are looking for survey host(s) to conduct visitor surveys this summer in Washington State Parks Northwest Region (Thurston, Pierce, King, Island, San Juan, Snohomish, Skagit, and Whatcom counties). You would camp at eight and visit approximately 20 beautiful Washington state parks as part of this unique volunteer position. ?RV space and up to $2,500 in mileage and ferry reimbursement are provided.*??

Volunteer Duties:

• Surveying visitors using iPads and survey software (training and equipment will be provided)
• Recording basic field notes and briefing park staff on surveying activities
• Training other survey takers on how to survey visitors

Time Commitment:

• At least 24 hours per week with an additional 1 to 3 hours travel time between weekly rotations depending on the distance to the next park area. Tuesdays serve as travel days to each new area, offering opportunities to explore surrounding areas on your own.
• The first rotation begins June 25, and the last ends August 20, although there is potential for up to one additional week of surveying outside of the scheduled rotations through August 27.

Requirements:

• Strong social skills and ability to approach park visitors regarding the survey and work well with park staff.
• Basic understanding of computers and ability to record field observations through writing and photos.
• Must have a valid driver?s license and be able to pass a criminal background check.
• Must provide own RV with enough space to securely transport and store approximately two boxes of survey equipment.

Apply:

• Email Darleen Simkins at [email protected] with your contact information and how you meet the requirements for this volunteer position.
• Our preference is for hosts that can cover the entire survey period. If you only have partial availability, please include the time period you would be available to serve.
• The position(s) are open until all weekly rotations are covered, but applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to ensure full consideration.

*Mileage reimbursement is based on OFM?s published rate for mileage reimbursement and covers travel between all parks in the project but excludes travel from the host?s residence to the first park or travel from the last park back to the host?s residence and any personal travel exceeding the mileage for Parks business.