Volunteer Opportunities
"Spring Thing" volunteer at Smith Rock State Park
Contact Jill Nishball
541-388-6073
jill.nishball@oregon.gov

Visitor Services Host

Cottonwood Canyon State Park

Needed From October 1, 2021
Needed To October 31, 2021

***NOTE:  This is NOT a host assignment for Oregon State Parks, but rather we have a  formal partnership with the Oregon Paleo Lands Institute in the little outback town of Fossil, Oregon!  They are seeking volunteers to fill the last month of their season working out of their Visitor Center and providing interpretive tours for guests.  Contact them for more information - name and number below!***

This one-month position is a host who meets, welcomes, and educates visitors and school groups from all over Oregon and the United States.   As you help visitors at the Oregon Paleo Lands Center, you will learn about the spectacular natural/cultural history of the John Day Basin.   The Center will provide you with training and assistance.

The attractive Center is located next to the historic Wheeler Co. Courthouse in downtown Fossil, a friendly, small community (20 miles from Condon, 65 miles from Madras).  The Center is within a short walking distance from a full range of local services such as stores, restaurants, post office, bank, and laundry. 

The host position includes free camping and electrical service at the nearby full hookup Wheeler Co. Fairgrounds RV Park.   The Host will have free use of the Center’s Wi Fi, phone, and office equipment. The Center is an information hub for the John Day Fossil Beds region, Painted Hills Scenic Bikeway, and the Journey Through Time Scenic Byway.  In your spare time you can explore the area’s exciting recreational opportunities, including the beautiful John Day River, Cottonwood Canyon State Park and John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.

Host duties include:

  •     Inform, educate and assist visitors/school groups about John Day Basin natural and cultural    history
  •    Keep the Center open for 4 days a week (Thursday-Sunday) Normal hours are 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. 
  •    Orient visitors to John Day Basin attractions, services, lodging, and campgrounds using the Center’s extensive handouts and  guidebooks (these help visitors to use nearby State Parks, Scenic Bikeways/Byways, John Day River, National Monument, National Forests and BLM lands)
  •    Lead short talks & occasional in-town tours: Fossil Museum, Fossil historic sites, Wheeler High Fossil Beds.
  • And at other times of the year.... Assist and inform visitors of local special events including the Memorial Weekend Spray Rodeo, 4th of July Fossil Bluegrass Festival, August County Fair and Rodeo

More information and a full job description can be found at the Center's website: https://www.oregonpaleolandscenter.com/park-host

Contact Host Coordinator Bonnie Lofton of the OPLI Center Board with any questions: bonnie.g.lofton@gmail.com or via phone at: 541-462-3263