A lot of Park Rangers are assigned Volunteer Managers as an additional duty. They may wear several Hats. Budget constraints will only increase their responsibilities.
Working with both Federal and State Park Rangers has convinced me that they are some of the finest young folks serving America with low pay and at times doing a thankless job.
I never take it personally, by not receiving a response. For me, a response is not necessary. Sometimes, months later, I have been contacted when they have a need for an RV Volunteer. If it fits my time frame, then we are happy to obligate that time. For our first RV Volunteer positions, I sent out 28 applications, and received 2 responses within 2 weeks. Within the next 9 months, we received two more responses. That was enough to move us to some interesting and exciting historic locations.
We schedule RV Volunteer locations 12-15 months ahead, which allows us to be extremely choosy where we want to serve.
Watching these young Park Rangers working as sincere and conscientious professionals is motivating for this "ole man." They are superb individuals constantly exceeding expectations in preserving and protecting the best of America.
Cut them some slack. They are our sons, daughters, grandsons, granddaughters, nieces, nephews, brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers and the best of America. They deserve our support and respect. Some of them make the ultimate sacrifice in the performance of their duties. In the last couple of years, several Rangers have been killed protecting and preserving.
Personally, I don't want to work with bitshing, complaining, whining Volunteers. I want to work with professional volunteers, with positive attitudes, interested in enhancing visitor enjoyment and supporting Park Staff in accomplishing their mission.
I have received several calls from TWPD Park Rangers, but time frames did not work with our RV Volunteer Schedule, yet! We have done several Federal locations in Texas.
End of Soap Box Sermon.
Ok, not the end.
I only need to observe the sincerity of these young Park Rangers to realize that they are America, and they perform their duties in a manner anyone could well emulate. I am proud of the jobs they do.
OBTW: I spent 10 years as a Personnel Officer/Human Resource Manager, and 5 years as an Executive Staff member, reviewing thousands of resumes, and hiring hundreds of individuals at 13 different locations throughout the US. All applicants received a "canned response." Those that were fortunate to be interviewed by a 4 member panel received a written notice to schedule an appointment for the interview. Those not hired received a "canned" notice. Those that were hired received a personal telephone call with a followup commitment letter.
