Volunteering, New Melones

Volunteering

There are a number of ways you and/or your organization can be involved in the care and management of New Melones Lake. No matter what your ability or profession, if you have an interest in stewardship of public lands and a desire to help others, Reclamation probably has a volunteer opportunity for you.

Volunteers

Whether you volunteer one day a month or one day a year, your service to New Melones Lake and the visiting public can be enjoyable and rewarding. You can volunteer in our visitor center, help out on National Public Lands Day in the fall, or help with the C.A.S.T. (“Catch A Special Thrill”) fishing event in June.

Here are the current job descriptions for volunteers at New Melones Lake:

Job Title: Campground Hosts
- Job Description: You will serve as campground host at Tuttletown Recreation Area (Acorn, Manzanita, Chamise Campgrounds) or Glory Hole Recreation Area (Ironhorse, Big Oak Campgrounds). You will be the point of contact for the Bureau of Reclamation to the many campground visitors. Hosts interact with a broad cross section of people and personalities. Hosts will provide information, and may assist with light maintenance projects.
- Duties and Responsibilities:
  - Assist visitors with finding a campsite. If campsites are full, assist them by suggesting other camping areas or other town lodging sites.
  - Assist visitors with park information or campground needs.
  - Report any major maintenance problems as soon as they are found to campground supervisor.
  - Report any campground violations or problems with visitors to Reclamation rangers or local law enforcement, depending upon the type of the incident. DON’T attempt to enforce any regulations, act as law enforcement, or stop any visitor disturbances.
  - Maintain proper professional etiquette and appearance.
- Expected Results: To assist visitors at the campground and enhance their stay at New Melones Lake.
- Benefits: Free camping privileges in the campground with water, sewer and electric utilities provided, a small stipend, and the use of government facilities. The hosts will gain valuable work experience.
- Qualifications:
  - Ability to communicate orally and in writing.
  - Enjoy working with and meeting people.
  - Present a professional appearance.
  - Ability to work in extreme temperatures, on uneven terrain outdoors.
  - Have your own trailer, or R.V. to live in while conducting your volunteer duties.
  - Two adults, at least 21 years of age.
- Training Requirements: Familiarization with the Bureau of Reclamation, New Melones Lake, campground operations and procedures.
- Time Commitment: 3 to 6 months.
- Supervision: Volunteer coordinator
- Environment: Outdoors in an oak woodland environment, in the heat, the cold, the dark and during the day.
Job Title: Visitor Center Information Desk Specialist

Job Description: You will serve as New Melones Lake and Reclamation information specialist, dealing with a broad cross-section of people and personalities. You will answer questions and provide directions to the facilities of New Melones Lake.
Duties and Responsibilities: Staff the visitor center desk, sell items from the bookstore and operate a cash register. Respond to visitor’s questions.
Expected Results: To help visitors enjoy their visit to New Melones Lake.
Benefit: An opportunity to work with people.
Qualifications:
- Ability to communicate orally.
- Ability to learn the natural and cultural history of New Melones Lake.
- Knowledge of New Melones Lake, recreation opportunities in the Sonora and Angels Camp area.
- Ability to work with people.
Training Requirements: Successful completion of volunteer training program.
Time Commitment: Minimum 6 hours per month.
Supervision: Visitor center supervisor and volunteer coordinator.

You may apply by printing and completing the Bureau of Reclamation Volunteer Services Agreement by clicking here for:

Individual Volunteer Agreement (pdf - 416 KB)
Volunteer Parental Approval (pdf - 60 KB)
Group Volunteer Agreement (pdf - 402 KB)

New Melones Lake anticipates that in the next few years the volunteer program will expand, offering the public the opportunity to be involved in a trail patrol program, and conducting nature walks and education programs.

For more information and opportunities, contact the volunteer and partner coordinator at: 209/536-9094.

Partners

The Bureau of Reclamation has a Cooperating Agreement with the Yosemite Association for the operation of the bookstore and gift shop in the New Melones Lake Visitor Center and Museum. As a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization, the Yosemite Association must return a portion of its profits from bookstore sales to New Melones Lake.

Through the sales of educational and interpretive items, this agreement provides New Melones Lake with a funding source for its visitor center, interpretive, and educational programs. Having this partnership enables New Melones Lake to enhance its program by providing directed funding in a timely manner, and financing projects during a time of tight federal budgets.

There are many other ways that partners can assist with the stewardship of New Melones Lake. Many areas have “Friends” groups that assist public land agencies with financial and volunteer support. In past years, there has been interest in the formation of a expanded “New Melones Partner” group to coordinate and finance projects such as:

Build, maintain platforms for osprey nests
Lead day hikes/walks
Plant oak saplings, native perennial grasses, and other vegetation management projects
Keep facilities and resources graffiti-free
Build, improve, and maintain trails

In 2007 and 2008, New Melones Lake will undergo a review and revision to its Resource Management Plan (RMP). This process is the mechanism for the Bureau of Reclamation, with public input, to set its management priorities and plans for the next 10 to 20 years. It is anticipated that through this process, public input may offer many new opportunities for partnership involvement at New Melones Lake.

February 15, 2008