Volunteer as a Welcome Center Steward at HVNC!
Cutting the ribbon at the Roland S. Barth Welcome Center Dedication Ceremony
Midcoast Conservancy’s Hidden Valley Nature Center (HVNC) is 1,000 acres of protected land in Jefferson, ME, rich with a variety of habitat and terrain including over a mile of shorefront on Little Dyer Pond. Miles of multi-use trails great for hiking and biking, rolled and groomed XC ski trails, and several rustic huts and tent sites make camping accessible and fun. HVNC is a forest where all can learn about sustainable forestry, learn new skills, explore, and more at a world-class, award-winning nature center.
The Roland S. Barth Welcome Center is the first point of contact for most visitors to Hidden Valley Nature Center. Welcome Center Stewards meet and greet visitors, and help them get launched on their adventures. It’s a great place to volunteer for anyone who loves to use their people skills and is passionate about our mission!
As a volunteer Steward, share your knowledge of HVNC and enthusiasm for outdoor recreation, sustainable forestry and/or land and water conservation with people who visit HVNC! You will meet and greet visitors; provide knowledge on HVNC’s background, sustainable forestry, trails and trail conditions, accommodations, and events; assist guests with equipment rentals and equipment safety; process day use donations, memberships, and equipment rental fees; and help to staff large events at HVNC.
If you are excited by the opportunity to help us engage visitors and interested in applying to become a Welcome Center Steward, please review the details below then email HVNC Director Andy Bezon at andyb@micdcoastconservancy.org for an official application.
Details
The Perks
Educational: This volunteer role receives training and ongoing education so you can expand your knowledge of Midcoast Conservancy, HVNC, and all we have to offer.
People-focused: Meet conservation and recreation enthusiasts from all over Maine and across the country while working to educate and protect and preserve a vital piece of Maine’s ecosystem.
Fun: Help people already excited to be visiting HVNC!
Flexible scheduling: Eventually, both weekday and weekend hours will be available; at present we are seeking weekend volunteers only. Time commitments can vary, but ideally should be at least four 4-hr shifts per month.
Stewards receive a free one-year membership to Midcoast Conservancy and a two-night stay in the cabins at HVNC (subject to availability).
Qualifications
Volunteers should have good communication skills, an interest in and ability to learn about HVNC, Midcoast Conservancy, conservation, sustainable forestry, and outdoor recreation, and a desire to share this knowledge with our visitors, including children and school groups. Flexibility in handling variations in routine due to shifting priorities and visitor needs is appreciated. This role will provide a motivated person the opportunity to spread their appreciation of the natural world to many HVNC visitors.
Skills and Abilities
People-skills and interpersonal communications are a must.
Strong knowledge of Midcoast Conservancy, HVNC, and the midcoast region of Maine are a plus – but there are plenty of opportunities to learn more!
A basic knowledge of recreation activities and equipment is a plus. Activities include: trail hiking, trail running, mountain biking, paddle boarding, kayaking and canoeing, snow shoeing, and cross country skiing.
Commitment to great customer service.
Basic computer skills.
Accurate cash handling and inventory management skills.
Comfortable in a fun and busy atmosphere!
This role will be subject to a background check and check of references.
Thank you!
