In keeping with Cottonwood Canyon's ongoing partnership with the Oregon Paleo Lands Institute (OPLI), we have agreed to help them promote their Visitor Center Host position.  This specific volunteer opportunity is NOT at Cottonwood Canyon.  Inquiries should go directly to them, rather than through the Parks Volunteer Coordinator. 

Interested?  Contact:

Host Coordinator:  Bonnie Lofton (OPLI Center Board) 541-462-3263   bonnie.g.lofton@gmail.com

Application and Questions:

•  You can find the  Host Application at the Center’s website:  https://www.oregonpaleolandscenter.com/park-host
•  Applications may be submitted via email or mail to Host Coordinator
• Our goal is to respond promptly on all Applications and Questions. Contact 503-807-0612 if you have not heard back from us.
• Please see description and further information below.

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The Oregon Paleo Lands Center is seeking qualified volunteers now for one or two-month Visitor Center Host assignments, between April and October 2019   This is an exciting new position to meet, welcome, and educate 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.  (SEE BELOW Fossil Services and Amenities) 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.

You can enjoy the July 4 Fossil  Bluegrass Festival, local rodeos and fairs May- Sept..  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.

The Visitor Center Host will:

   1. Inform, educate and assist visitors/school groups about John Day Basin natural and cultural history.

   2. Assist and inform visitors of local special events including the Memorial Weekend Spray Rodeo, 4th of July Fossil Bluegras Festival, August County Fair and Rodeo

   3. Keep the Center open for 4 days a week (Th -Sun) Normal Hours 10AM-4 PM. 

   4. Orient visitors to John Day Basin attractions, services, lodging, and campgrounds using the Center’s extensive handouts and guidebooks. Help   visitors to use nearby Fossil Beds, State Parks, Scenic Bikeways/Byways, John Day River, National Monument, National Forests, BLM lands.

   5. Lead short talks & occasional in-town tours: Fossil Museum, Fossil historic sites, Wheeler   High Fossil Beds.  

Fossil Community Services and Amenities

Paleo Center (for Host Use)

• Free Wi -fi 
• Use of Center phone (includes free long distance
• Use of office desktop PC and printer

Within Fossil (Within 1-10-minute walk of Oregon Paleo Lands Center)

• Full-service grocery, bank, post office, car repair and dealer
• Full hookup Fairgrounds RV park with showers and restroom, dump stations
• Gas station, propane, Vehicle charging station, laundry, barber
• Two cafes, 2 city parks and Courthouse square
• School gym, health and dental clinic
• Fossil Heritage Trail, Public library
• Cell Service (Verizon, US Cellular, ATT hotspot)
• Wheeler High Fossil Beds, Fossil Museum
• Painted Hills Scenic Bikeway
• Journey Through Time Scenic Byway
• Air Life and Local Ambulance
• County Sheriff Law Enforcement services (at Courthouse next to Center)

20 miles of Fossil

·         John Day River 145 miles of free-flowing river (Kimberly to Cottonwood Park)

·         White Water Rafting, floating (Kimberly, Service Creek, Clarno, Cottonwood Park)

·         Fishing: Channel Catfish, Bass and Trout.

• Condon:  Drug store, Full service hardware and auto parts, Public swimming pool
• Local public airport for private aircraft. (Condon)
• Pine Creek Conservation Area, Spring Basin Wilderness
• Clarno Unit, John Day Fossil Beds
• Shelton and Bear Hollow Parks (OR19 south of Fossil, ponderosa forests)
• 2 golf courses Condon and Kinzua

30-50 miles of Fossil

• Cottonwood Canyon State Park

• Painted Hills Unit John Day Fossil Beds
• Sutton Mt Wilderness Study Area
• Old West towns of Mitchell, Spray, Shaniko, Ghost towns
• North Fork John Day River
• Ochoco and Umatilla National Forests

Special Events:

• Memorial Day weekend. The Spray Wild West Rodeo. (It is a true western Rodeo)
• 4th. of July weekend. A regional Blue Grass Festival and Antique Car Show in Fossil.
• Wheeler County Fair, Aug. Fossil. Painted Hills /Festival, Mitchell (Labor Day weekend)

The Paleo Lands Center developed this Park Host position with assistance from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.