Campground Host making guests feel welcome July - October, 2025

Make guests feel welcome by providing information and assistance while conveying a friendly, professional Florida Park Service image. Camp Host opportunity available at the parks' Palmetto Ridge Campground consists of one 42 site loop of full hook-up campsites and 2 restroom facilities.

PLEASE DO NOT RESPOND IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR DATES OTHER THAN ADVERTISED. THANK YOU.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Camp Monitor: Be aware of park rules and regulations; have copies of same to be given out to campers who don't seem to be aware of them. Always approach campers in a kind and respectful manner. Notify a ranger of any problems in the campground that cannot be resolved in the above manner. Call an assistant manager to report disturbances during quiet hour (11:00 p.m.-8:00 a.m.).

Campground Facility Maintenance: Clean restrooms thoroughly at least once a day. Check restrooms periodically to keep them looking nice and well stocked with appropriate supplies. Check to see that everything is operating correctly and that there are no burned-out light bulbs, leaks, vandalism, etc. Make repairs that you feel comfortable handling or report the need for repair to a ranger. Keep the outside of the building looking nice, sidewalks swept, and cobwebs and mud daubers removed.

Campground Site Maintenance: Pick up litter in sites daily. Campers who see you working are less likely to litter. Clean grills and picnic tables as needed. Check sites for repair needs (faucets, electric, grills, tables, site markers). Remove exotic plants and wind-blown branches from sites.

REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Camp host positions can be strenuous at times, requiring the ability to walk over uneven terrain for several hours in duration as well as bend, stoop and twist to clean, mop large floor areas, pick up debris, etc.
• Moderate lifting of boxed materials, shoveling of heavy cinders from campfire rings, emptying of trash cans and loading firewood will require the ability to lift and carry.
• Several hours of work each day will expose hosts to high heat & humidity during the summer months.
• Hosts work independently most days and thus these positions are best for self-starters and those that can identify and problem-solve situations.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Ability to take initiative and exercise judgment as situations require.
• Good people skills-courteous and professional manners on the radio and in person
• A neat and professional appearance
• Ability and desire to acquire park knowledge necessary to answer visitors' questions

SCHEDULING REQUIREMENTS:

• This position is available for the months of July through October 2025.
• A minimum of 2 months and maximum of 4 months is required.
• Hosts work 4 days a week, with 3 days off; daily hours will vary with workload.
• Schedule will include weekend days.
• 24 hours per week per campsite is required for park residency (can split between site occupants).
• There are usually 2 couples assigned campground host positions.
• Schedules can vary and overlap to suit individual/park needs or workload.

TRAINING/PRE-REQUISITS:

• In the Volunteer Portal, have a Volunteer Application and a current Volunteer Agreement and Volunteer DEP Annual Combo Training (diversity, sexual harassment & workers' compensation), both renewed annually. Must pass state and national sexual predator checks.
• Training on host duties and expectations will be provided by staff or experienced volunteers upon arrival and prior to beginning regular schedule.
• This host position requires the use of a UTV or golf cart and therefore requires a valid driver's license and DEP UTV/LSV training prior to vehicle operation. The UTV course will be offered within the week of arrival if you have not completed previously. Courses completed through other agencies or schools are not accepted.

BENEFITS:

Enrichment and the satisfaction of helping Myakka River State Park by providing services the park would not otherwise benefit from. Myakka values its volunteers and the services they provide. To show that appreciation, resident volunteers are provided the following benefits;

• Campsite with water, electric, sewer, grill, picnic table.
• Coin operated laundry facilities
• Wide range of recreational opportunities
• You will be provided a Volunteer T-shirt and a nametag
• Upon completion of your first 50 hours, you will receive a free entrance pass* to the park you currently serve and 6 visits for you and your family to any other state park
• Upon completion of 250 hours, you will receive a special volunteer annual pass for you and your family to any Florida State Park (*request passes from the Volunteer Manager. Some restrictions apply)
• Join us in park staff gatherings (i.e., potlucks, celebrations, holiday parties, etc.) and the annual district Volunteer Appreciation gathering
• Be a part of the Florida Park Service family, working alongside like-minded staff and volunteers
• You have the opportunity for personal enrichment and experience working in a unique state park setting

Location: District 4.Myakka River State Park