Alf_and_Me
San Diego
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Joined: 06/11/2008
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Based on replies to my first post, I now have what seem to be great leads for camp host/ranger-wanna-be opportunities.
My new question is: How easy is it to get WK/volunteer jobs at COE, NP, FWS, FS and other govt locations.
The reason I ask is that I've already committed to teaching several photography classes during the fall semester and would hate to back out if my chances of getting a WK/volunteer spot entails a 6 month application process, security clearance, background check, cavity search and FBI interview (like when I got a TS clearance in the service).
Being the govt, I'm sure they have lots of paperwork. Has anyone ever called and been told, "Come on down!" or is it always a long process? Thanks and I apologize if this has been covered before.
Lee and my buddy Alf
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Islandman
NW Washington
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Joined: 02/18/2007
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Lee - A phone call to the Angeles or Cleveland NF offices in your area might provide some leads and the same goes for Joshua Tree and Yosemite NP's. These places may also have information that you need on their web sites. And writing them a letter stating your intentions would probably help too. I'm just including places from memory that are reasonably close to San Diego; not familiar with any Corps or FWS locations near you. Good Luck!
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Alf_and_Me
San Diego
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Joined: 06/11/2008
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Thanks, I've been placing lots of calls and sending e-mails but wanted to also hear from the "other side of the desk." As for web sites, I've been having a good time with govt sites because many are circular, ie I'll click on a link about volunteers and it takes me to a site with a 2nd link that takes me back to the first site. Kinda reminds me of the govt in general! LOL
Lee and my buddy Alf
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agefhx
Republic of Texas
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Joined: 06/17/2003
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Quote:Has anyone ever called and been told, "Come on down!" or is it always a long process?
For me and the COE it was "Come on down" Its quick and easy. maybe get interviewed on phone. Show up at your site. Sign a few papers maybe take a driver saftey course on the internet so you can drive gvt trucks and your good to go.
2004 KZ New Vision Sportster, 6ft toybox side ramp. 2002 F-350 Crewcab-Superchipped. At COE Lake Bardwell Texas
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Kirk
Livingston, Texas.
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Joined: 06/17/2001
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We work-camped at Joshua Tree NP from Oct. 1 through Jan. 8 of this year. It was just a matter of a little paperwork and authorizing a background check. We have found that same thing at most national parks. We are presently with the Corps of Engineers, and it was very easy, but again they do run a background check.
Good travelin! ........Kirk
sent via Starband, Manual Flyer dish
www.adventure.1tree.net
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Alf_and_Me
San Diego
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Joined: 06/11/2008
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Hi Kirk and agefhx,
Thanks for the feedback. That makes me feel better. I hate it when they want to do a cavity search! LOL I'm headed for JTNP in a few weeks so I'll ask about volunteer gigs then. BTW, I was at Black Rock Canyon on March 1st so I just missed you.
Lee and my buddy Alf
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DS&J
Overbrook,Ks
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Joined: 01/15/2007
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We've showed up at a COE lake and liked it. Asked the first Ranger to come by who the volunteer coordinator person was. Turned out it was her. She sent the maintenance supervisor over for a quick interview and evrything rolled from there. Spent 5-mths working 20/hrs a week and really enjoyed it.
In my case it was 16 miles round trip from campground to office and back. If you ask about it when you sign up there is a goverment mileage reimbursment available,I think this is for all Federal agencies but you have to bring it up. It was worth over $400 to us.
Happy Trails , Dave
Dave & Shellie
3 yr old Grandson Jaden
"Keno" the cat
"BlackJack" the dog
2006 Ford Superduty
2007 CC Silverback 35L4QB
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Alf_and_Me
San Diego
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Glad to hear there are still reasonable, rational people working in the govt. I'm going to start asking whenever I check into CG on federal land. Found a great COE CG in NM earlier this year. I wouldn't mind spending 3-6 months there.
Lee and my buddy Alf
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Laura-N-Sasha
Dumfries, VA
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Joined: 04/24/2006
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Alf_and_Me wrote:My new question is: How easy is it to get WK/volunteer jobs at COE, NP, FWS, FS and other govt locations.
Being the govt, I'm sure they have lots of paperwork.
Has anyone ever called and been told, "Come on down!" or is it always a long process?
How easy - When DH & I hiked in Prince William Forest Park in November of 2006, we came back over to the visitor center, asked about volunteering and were given a single piece of paper to fill out.
I started volunteering two months later. I asked to do Fridays and Saturdays to gain the experience before the summer, and we started full-timing there in May.
So I guess you could say they said, come on down, in a sense.
Laura Jevtich
Laura-N-Sasha.com
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yepekya@msn.com
Cordele, GA
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Joined: 01/07/2006
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Received offers from two separate COE parks almost immediately after completing on line application. COE does a good job orienting and with expectation and guidelines. Professional and joy to work with. Currently at Youghioghany Lake with COE.
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