Ichetucknee Springs State Park Workamping can be very busy during the summer months. This is true even with the concessionaire and their employees during most of the work with the tubing crowd. The winter months are quieter and probably a great time to get assigned in the park. Like all day-use only parks you get access to the entire park when they closed the gates for the evening. It will be just you, any other workampers, and a few of the live-onsite personnel.
North Florida is quite different than central and south Florida. Since we are closer to the Georgia border it can get quite cool here in the winter months. January and February may even have a day or two of below freezing days. Of course, it hasn’t snowed here since 1987 so that is a plus. The summer months are hot, humid, filled with mosquitoes and the occassional sunning snake. You should always be aware of the wildlife, reptiles and insects as most are not that friendly. Do not leave your shoes outside over night and drink lots of water during the day. Keeping hydrated and as cool as possible is extremely important.
The park rangers will teach any new comer all the skills to do the jobs required. All that they ask is that you approach each day with an open mind and a helpful attitude. It gets too dang hot here to have to put of up grumpy people. Again, if you agree to do a job please make sure you are on-time, dressed properly and willing to give it a go. You might not get it right the first time or two but keep trying and you will.
Residential volunteer sites as of 2016: six total (two full-service at Zone 2Hw near Head Spring Visitor Use Area; one primitive near North Shop; one full-service at South Shop; two full-service near PM residence).
Residential Park Hosts Job Description
Toll Collector – Working in Ranger Stations (Opening and Closing)
Education Center Docents
Repairs and Maintenance
Below is an example listing on the Volunteer Opportunities Website for the Florida State Parks
Maintenance
OVERVIEW:
Come volunteer as a park resident at one of Florida’s true wonders! With three miles of clear spring fed river within the park you will be sure to enjoy your time here. We are actively recruiting for the summer season. We may have openings open for spring or winter if there has been a cancellation.
Our sites are full hook up (water, sewer and 50 amp/20 amp* electric hook-ups). The spaces are roomy and can accommodate larger RVs. We also have a laundry room that our resident volunteers share. There is no wifi or cable, but we do get great cell reception. Do you enjoy canoeing, kayaking, and swimming? Then what better way to relax after a day of giving back than enjoying your favorite activity in a spring that flows clear and beautiful.
Never volunteered with the Florida State Parks before? Don’t worry, we will provide you with all the tools you need to succeed, including training. Come join a friendly team and help provide enjoyment to thousands of visitors. Just don’t forget to enjoy it yourself!
Email Caitlin Gonsiorek at caitlin.gonsiorek@FloridaDEP.gov for more information on our available positions.
REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES:
- Willingness to submit volunteer hours digitally in the VSys volunteer portal (will receive training as needed)
- Ability to lift 15 lbs either independently or with the assistance of a device or partner.
- Pass National and Florida Sexual Predator check
SCHEDULING REQUIREMENTS:
- Park Residents minimum of 20 hours per week per campsite
- 2 month minimum commitment (unless you have worked for Ichetucknee before)
- In-park 4 consecutive days minimum (we can be flexible with doctor appointments and occasional schedule changes)
TRAINING/PRE-REQUISITS UPON ARRIVAL:
Once the resident volunteer(s) arrive, they will be expected to complete the following training or pre-requisits:
- Volunteer agreement
- Foundations of Interpretation
- Volunteer DEP Combo Training
- Ethics Training
- American Disability Act Training
- Bloodborne Pathogens Training
- ATV/UTV training (as needed)
- Chainsaw training (as needed)
All of these, except the volunteer agreement and volunteer DEP combo training, only need to be completed once for the lifetime of the volunteer service with Florida State Parks.
You will be asked to provide a valid form of identification.
BENEFITS:
- 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
District 2.Ichetucknee Springs State Park
Wrap-Up
If you have any questions about our experiences or would like to share your own experiencces workamping in any of the Florida public land areas we would love to feature you in one of blog articles. CLICK HERE
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