Mountain Steward Volunteer Job Description 2007

							                                Mountain Steward Volunteer Job Description 2009

Introduction:
The Mount St Helens Institute (MSHI) Mountain Steward Volunteers provide important public education,
resource protection and monitoring for the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. Mountain Stewards
can choose to be involved as Mountain Climbing Stewards and/or Mountain Recreation Stewards. These two
Stewards duties may differ but time requirements, qualifications and physical expectations are very similar.

Mountain Climbing Stewards:

Specific Tasks:
       Mountain Climbing Stewards typically concentrate all of their efforts on the Mount St. Helens Climbing
Route and Mount Margaret Back Country (MMBC).
       Provide general scientific interpretation, safety, and climbing information at Friday and Saturday evening
“fireside chats” for climbers at Climbers Bivouac.
       Perform trail and signage maintenance along the Monitor Ridge climbing route and on trails in the Mount
Margaret Backcountry, and portions of the Loowit Trail. Report recreational conditions, and resource monitoring
to the Climbing Program Rangers at the USDA Forest Service.
       Co-lead expeditions to the top of Monitor Ridge.
▪       Perform facility and campsite maintenance at Climbers Bivouac, at various established sites in the MMBC
and report recreational conditions.
▪       Provide recreators on the Monitor Ridge trail and in the MMBC with fee compliance, safety, and resource
protection messages along with additional general information about the volcanic landscape.
▪       Provide assistance to search and rescue efforts on Mount St. Helens and in the MMBC.
       Provide assistance to local vendors where permits are purchased.
       Support the installment of the blue bag waste disposal program.
       Experienced Mountain Climbing Stewards that have completed required training will be asked to mentor
and assist with training new and upcoming Mountain Climbing Stewards.
       Mountain Climbing Stewards will report directly to staff of the USDA Forest Service. Human Resource
paperwork, including monthly schedules will go through the Mount St. Helens Institute.


Mountain Recreation Stewards:

Specific Tasks:
        Represent the Mount St. Helens Institute and the USDA Forest Service in a positive way while educating
the public.
        Guide participants on a variety of hikes throughout the trails of the Gifford Pinchot Forest while providing
a safe, fun and informative environment.
        Participate in trail maintenance and volunteer work parties with the Mount St. Helens Institute (MSHI)
when available.
        Survey, report on and perform trail and signage maintenance within the Mount St. Helens National
Volcanic Monument (MSHNVM).
        Participate in the identification, reporting and eradication of invasive species within the Gifford Pinchot
Forest with concentrated efforts on the MSHNVM.
        Provide visitors on the MSHNVM with fee compliance, safety, and resource protection messages along
with additional general information about the volcanic landscape and current eruption while representing both the
MSHI and USDA Forest Service in a positive and professional way.
      Experienced Mountain Recreation Stewards that have completed required training may be asked to mentor
new and upcoming Mountain Recreation Stewards.
      Mountain Recreation Stewards will work directly with the Mount St .Helens Institute to identify areas of
need and volunteer scheduling.

Desired Qualifications:
       Must be at least 18 years of age.
       Physically fit able to hike 10-15 miles a day with pack and equipment. (see Physical Demands below for
more information)
       Basic to advanced understanding of trail maintenance concepts.
       Basic first aid knowledge and training.
       Basic understanding of biological and geological concepts.
       Able to attend a variety of trainings.
▪       Should have excellent customer service and communication skills, and a desire to work with the recreating
public, as the Mountain Stewards may be the public’s only official contact for the duration of their outdoor
adventure.

Time Preferred: Four days per month.

Physical Demands:
▪      As a Mountain Climbing Steward or a Mountain Recreation Steward volunteer position is physically
demanding, we ask that all applicants be able to hike steep terrain and are comfortable in the backcountry while
packing trail maintenance and safety equipment, as well as personal provisions, an average of 10-15 miles per
day.
▪      Mountain Climbing Stewards and Mountain Recreation Stewards must be able to perform a variety of
maintenance duties, which include the following physical tasks (not limited to); hiking/climbing steep terrain,
carrying a pack (average weight: 40 lbs), using a hammer and other hand tools, bending at waist and knees,
reaching, twisting at the hips, using long-handled tools for trail and facilities maintenance.
▪      As this volunteer position is during the peak climbing season, Mountain Climbing Stewards and Mountain
Recreation Stewards must be comfortable with physical exertion in hot, exposed areas.

Benefits Provided:
      Volunteer uniforms.
      Trainings provided by knowledgeable professionals at no cost to the volunteer.
      Climb Monitor Ridge at no cost.
      Training in basic scientific concepts of the fascinating volcanic landscape.
      Volunteers will have the opportunity to gain extensive backcountry and recreational site maintenance
experience.
      Ability to work with a growing and dynamic not for profit organization.
      Opportunities to participate at no cost in educational programs.
      Support the preservation of natural resources for future generations.

To apply or to find out more about the above job description and/or other levels of involvement please contact
Hailey Heath at 360-449-7883 hheath@mshinstitute.org
OR
Fill out application at http://tinyurl.com/48jqkc