Please read the following descriptions of volunteer positions at Paynes Prairie. If you are interested in additional information, please contact JulieAnne Tabone, Park Services Specialist, at 352.466.4944 or JulieAnne.Tabone@dep.state.fl.us.
Visitor Center Host
Assigned Tasks:
Greet visitors to the park, answer questions, provide directional information, operate a cash register, answer telephone and record information, monitor binocular loan program, operate a VCR, minimal computer operation, be responsible for handling money.
Qualifications and/or Skills Required:
Must enjoy talking with people; must be cordial, helpful and a good listener; have patience and tact with the public; knowledge of Florida State Parks desirable along with recreational camping, flora, fauna, and Florida history as it pertains to Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.
THE FUN STUFF > Being in a beautiful setting with field guides at your fingertips. Inspiring the park visitors, and helping them REALLY enjoy their visit. Plus, you learn TONS as well...
Maintenance-Carpentry
Assigned Tasks:
Work independently or with park staff on new, ongoing, or repair projects.
Qualifications and/or Skills Required:
Volunteers need to have some plumbing, electrical, and carpentry skills; be physically able to perform projects; and be familiar with safe and proper usage of hand, gas-powered, and electrical tools.
THE FUN STUFF > Building the campfire amphitheater, repairing observation towers and platforms, making new signage for the park, repairing kiosks on trails, and MORE.
Trail Monitor - Roving Interpreter
Assigned Tasks:
Monitor an assigned trail for public safety concerns such as leaning trees, cracks in pavement or depressions, wild dogs or anything out of the ordinary. Clear trail of trash and light debris such as fallen limbs, trim back over hanging debris as needed. Talk to park visitors about the natural and cultural significance of Paynes Prairie. Trim vegetation as needed.
Qualifications and/or Skills Required:
Enjoy working outdoors; ability to work independently or with staff; and ability to work with hand or power tools if needed. Some physical lifting may be required.
THE FUN STUFF > Being outside, of course, and answering the question, "Where are the buffalo????"
Graphic/Web Designer
Assigned Tasks:
Work independently, with park staff, or with other volunteers including the Citizen Support Organization (CSO) on graphic/web projects, including, brochures, newsletters, flyers, kiosks, and web sites.
Qualifications and/or Skills Required:
Must provide samples of work and show skills in the use of computer graphics applications. Must be creative, motivated, and interested in using design skills for socially responsible, environmentally friendly purposes.
THE FUN STUFF > Applying your creative skills to a good cause. That's fun, right?? Plus, the volunteer coordinator spent 10 years in the industry and can teach you a thing a two about finding your niche as a graphic artist and tips and tricks using graphic software.
Photographer
Assigned Tasks:
Photograph visitors, activities, special events and festivals for media release. Shoot images for webpages, brochures, kiosks, and/or historical/scientific documentation.
Qualifications and/or Skills Required:
General knowledge of photographic skills, techniques and camera equipment (digital and 35mm); the time and willingness to attend special events after normal park hours; organizational skills for computer image retrieval; and some knowledge of local flora and fauna.
THE FUN STUFF > After awhile, we may let you venture off the beaten path. Well....that's if you promise not to get lost.
Writer/Proofreader
Assigned Tasks:
Write or proof necessary articles, stories, and/or press releases as specified by supervisor for the Prairie Press Newsletter, bulletins, educational materials, educational materials, other publications, and CSO.
Qualifications and/or Skills Required:
A general knowledge of Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is desirable, plus good grammar and word processing skills.
THE FUN STUFF >
Absorbing all sorts of knowledge about Paynes Prairie, the Florida Park Service, and important environmental issues.
Grant Writer/Coordinator
Assigned Tasks:
Be able to work independently with development and coordination of grant-funded programs in association with the Citizen Support Organization (CSO).
Qualifications and/or Skills Required:
A volunteer should have experience in grant writing with the ability to plan, organize and coordinate grant applications and implementation. Must show proficiency in grant writing principles and techniques, accounting and auditing principles as well as budget and program development or a willingness to learn!
THE FUN STUFF > Getting money for the benefit of the park. Money = fun.
Public Relations - FARMERS MARKETS, Festivals, etc.
Assigned Tasks:
Go to various events around town/campus, set-up an information table, and distribute flyers and brochures promoting Paynes Prairie and park events.
Qualifications and/or Skills Required:
Must enjoy talking with people; must be cordial, helpful and a good listener; have patience and tact with the public; knowledge of Florida State Parks desirable along with recreational camping, flora, fauna, and Florida history as it pertains to Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.
THE FUN STUFF > Hanging out at festive events sharing a fabulous thing with the community....Paynes Prairie (most people think it's is merely the platform off of Hwy 441, oh how little do they know).
Interpreter/Educator/Motivator.
Assigned Tasks:
Research, create and conduct nature-based or culture-based interpretation programs pertaining to Paynes Prairie. Present interpretive programs (public presentations) to park visitors, school groups, and civic organizations.
Qualifications and/or Skills Required:
Must enjoy talking with people; public speaking and good communication skills; strong interest in natural resources or cultural heritage; knowledge of Florida State Parks desirable along with flora, fauna, and Florida history as it pertains to Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.
THE FUN STUFF > Inspiring people to be better environmental stewards.
OTHERS:
Newspaper Readers- This one is simple and will make you really, really smart. Read the periodicals around town (Gainesville Sun, the Alligator, the Ocala Star Banner, Scene, etc). If it relates to Paynes Prairie, the Florida Park Service, or issues that effect the park, you CUT IT OUT and file it. FUN and you can do this at your leisure and while anywhere in the park or even, at home.
Toll Booth Collector - Works in Ranger Station, answers phones, registers campers, etc. Needed on Friday afternoons and weekends.
Fund Raisers - Explore sources of funding for the park and the Citizen Support Organizations. Opportunity to get creative...have a native plant sale, cultural reenactment, living history day, demonstrations, etc.
Special Event Co-Coordinator - Seeks out, coordinates, and works special events. Also, expands the special events programs.
Special Projects - If you have a particular strength or interest (GPS? ArcView?), please let us know and we will see if a can match that with a park need.
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT GROUP PROJECTS
Paynes Prairie Preserve rangers lead group projects in the field, including, but not limited to:
- Old railbed restoration - The old railbed that ran along the prairie rim has been removed. This railbed passed through a very sensitive portion of the preserve, known as karst topography. Hay needs to be spread to prevent erosion.
- Exotic Plant Removal - Air potato, ardesia, chinese tallow, taro
- Fence Removal - Old, unnecessary fence throughout the Preserve poses a threat to wildlife and needs to be removed.
- Various planting projects - long leaf pine, wiregrass, etc.
- Various maintenance projects - including trail maintenance, painting signs, and painting various bathhouse interiors.
- Various clean-up projects - including Sweetwater Branch clean-up, picking up trash on Hwy 441 ecopass and overlook, Camp's Canal, Lake Wauberg.
