I am SO disappointed in Texas Parks and Wildlife

We are wrapping up our second volunteer stint at a TPWD park. Both jobs were easy to obtain. I sent our application in both times then followed up with phone calls to that specific park's volunteer coordinator. Also we visited those parks in person to "show our faces". We even were contacted by other parks in which we had no interest. We recently applied on the Florida State Park's volunteer web site. Shortly there after we were contacted and offered positions at two separate parks.

The jobs are there for the taking.

No response IS a response, it means NO, NOT NOW, MAYBE LATER, or it could just mean that your app was one of 500 and got lost in the pile. Get over it, move on, apply elsewhere or just go camping.

1. General: When I was applying for numerous jobs in the "real world", I sent applications to umpteen companies, didn't receive a lot of responses saying "no" - nor did I expect any. If they don't want ya, then they don't want ya, move on.
However: many of the ads for jobs had the statement "Active recruiting will start on xx/xx/xx" or "If we have not replied to you by xx/xx/xx then your application was unsuccessful." That would be nice to have with workamping. We've had calls from places we applied to many months ago, and had to tell them "Sorry, we've already committed to another job."

2. Specific to Texas State Parks: Back in 2008, we telephoned interviewed with the "ranger coordinator" at a state park in TX, were told we were a perfect fit, and that we could start in November (this was in August). Great! When we left our job in NM, we emailed the ranger, told him we were looking forward to seeing him, and advised him of our ETA. A few days later we get a call from him, saying "there's been a misunderstanding, what I meant to say was that you 'could' start in November, not that you were actually hired!" What? We had emails stating we had the job, then the same guy says that's not what he meant?
So yeah, some of the State Park guys are less than perfectly professional. But I wouldn't tar all TX state parks with the same brush since it's all done locally. Just "cover your axx" and confirm, confirm, then confirm again.

I recently received 300 applications for 4 positions we offered and only responded to about 15 we wanted to interview. The rest received no contact from us and why should we waste our precious resources doing so for those we have no interest in? The answer to your question is simple, they are not interested.

I have to wonder, when ever we travel which is usually between volunteer positions and we mention that we are volunteer work campers to park personal we always get the response that they are always in need camp hosts/maintenance help. We have found that NPS always acknowledge receipt of volunteer applications within a few business days that cannot be said of others. We usually send three applications to parks we're interested in and accept the first offer even if it's not our first choice. If I'm offering my services I expect better from one who is concerned about the position they're seeking to fill.

A TOTAL OF 44,946.75 VOLUNTEER HOURS
21.5 YEARS = $897,410
HAVE BEEN CONTRIBUTED BY
RV VOLUNTEER GROUP MEMBERS
(Hours Reported By RV Volunteer Group Members - All members have not provided the hours they have volunteered)


We Are Not Doing It For Titles And Badges

Posted by John on January 9, 2013 at 12:15pm

From Time To Time, I receive comments, suggestions, recommendations from RV Volunteer Group Members interested in enhancing the RV Volunteer Group (RVG).

As such, I received a comment regarding Volunteer Recognition, I thought might be of interest to other RVG members.

"We are not doing it for titles or badges"

To ensure the comment is not taken out of context, the comment was made in the spirit of volunteer work, I believe all volunteers share.
Volunteer Work is service. The comment came in the spirit of a very fine example the volunteer has and is setting. I appreciate the comment, as I believe everyone that has volunteered has at least thought about or expressed this view: I am not volunteering for awards or recognition.

The below is just a brief presentation of my view and perspective regarding Volunteer recognition and awards.
I don't think anyone that volunteers does it for recognition.

However, the NPS along with other agencies devotes some expense and effort to recognize the contributions of their volunteers, which quite frankly, surprised me. This recognition is actually a part of the agencies annual budget. Agencies believe the contribution of Volunteers to be important enough to recognize and devote funds towards that recognition as part of their annual budget request, and to honor the service of their volunteers.

I suspect that anyone, when they volunteered the first time, did not know that they would receive any type of award or recognition beyond a thank you.. Volunteers are humbled by the recognition. For me, as with other volunteers; it is not necessary. However, though, not necessary; it really has been a nice personal touch and "thank you", that folks managing these agencies consider important in the accomplishment of their mission.

Almost every Ranger that we have worked with, always says "Thank You". That in itself is always enough of an award and recognition. Amazing what a sincere and simple "Thank You", says.
When I first created the RVG, it did not include volunteer awards. When I realized the awards volunteers receive, I thought it was important that, RV Volunteers, in particular be recognized within their own group of fellow RV Volunteers for their contributions and the awards they receive. There are many more members receiving awards than is recorded on their profile.

I am still amazed at the number of hours RV Volunteers have contributed. It involves years of work. One full-time work year is equivalent to 2,087 hours at an approximate value of $20 per hour = $41, 740.00 in value for one year. One RVG Member team has contributed over 10,000+ hours = 4.79+ work years = $200,000,00+ Think about the value and the return,,,Agency Managers do. Many more agencies are developing and constructing RV Volunteer Campsites, because of the return on the $; and the ultimate success of Volunteer programs.

In addition to the awards RV Volunteers receive, many NPS locations and agencies have special Perks for their volunteers that do not cost the Volunteer or the agency anything. Such as; the USACOE in the Branson area in conjunction with Branson businesses regularly provide volunteers with reduced/free entrance fees for a number of events. Fort Sumter NM Group provides volunteers with a reciprocal pass for a volunteer and one guest free entrance to over 48 historic/amusement sites in the Charleston area. One Northeastern State Park provides it's volunteers a free fishing license for their service. I am sure there are many more.

The NPS and other agencies may face significant future budget cuts; volunteers will be even more of an asset. Work that Volunteers do would not get done without them. As an example, one project completed at an NPS location in 3 months by a volunteer was 10 years in limbo before it was completed. The project would most likely not have been completed today if it were not for the agency requesting volunteer assistance. All work volunteers perform enhances the ability of the agency to accomplish their mission.

After years of volunteering, I have concluded that Volunteers do not seek recognition. But, also, volunteers do not need to be shy about receiving awards and the recognition they receive. The recognition is well deserved. The Awards and Recognition is just a small "Thank You", for helping accomplish important goals in preserving the "Best of America". Goals that would not/may not be accomplished without the Volunteer, especially consistent long term RV Volunteers. The tasks that RV Volunteers perform is invaluable. We are always reluctant to call what we do WORK,,,,Volunteering at some of the greatest historic sites known in the world is not work to us, it is one of the greatest highlights of our life. We have trouble saying Work, it's volunteering, it has become a lifestyle of great satisfaction, fun, knowledge, and the development of new relationships.

Again, this is just the view I have come to terms with in regards to volunteer recognition, rewards, and service. Other views may differ, but that's okay. The RV Volunteer lifestyle is a mutually beneficial way for Volunteers to contribute and serve. In many RV Volunteer lives; it is an opportunity to Continue a life of Service, and help Preserve one of the greatest histories known. The History of the United States of America.

Thank you for your Volunteer Service, and in preserving a great legacy for our children, grandchildren and future generations of Americans and Visitors to enjoy.
We Are Not Doing It For Titles And Badges! - Thank you, RV Volunteer for a very thought provoking comment. I sincerely appreciate it.

Thank you all for contributing to the RVG and for your contributions to the Volunteer effort. What an enriched lifestyle we share, which many will never know. It's not about Titles and Badges!

The world of today isn't the same one most of us grew up in. The rules have changed. I wouldn't blame TPWD - it is quite possible their hands are tied and they're forced to work with a new set of rules.

It used to be that more than 80% of all jobs were filled via referrals, word of mouth, answering posted ads, etc. That was called "networking" and it's the way most us found our jobs. However some "forward thinking" bureaucrats felt this practice was unfair because it didn't give those people without a good network and equal opportunity to apply for open jobs. So the Federal Government leveled the playing field by imposing rules that any company or institution that is funded by tax dollars (public funds) must implement a single portal for all job applicants. (This may apply to private industry too, I'm not sure. I know it applies to private companies that work on Government contracts though.)

The simple solution was to implement a Web portal that all job applications must be submitted through, and making sure that hiring Managers can't consider ANY applicant that doesn't come thru this interface. The problem with this is, as some others have mentioned, the sheer number of applications. For large companies or institutions someone, usually Human Resources, must screen the applications before passing them on to the hiring Manager or Dept. But most HR people aren't equipped to do this and end up doing what I call "word matching". By this I mean, the job posted may be for a (politically correct) Sanitation Engineer, but any application that doesn't mention this specifically and instead indicates the applicant has Custodial, garbage collection, street sweeper, etc experience will be rejected.

By now most hiring Managers know how to play the game, and creative job applicants know how to work around the rules. I tell job seekers to load up their Resume with lots of keywords and phrases (this helps get past HR), and to let their network contacts know that they've applied for specific jobs. Jobs on Web portals now usually have a unique identifier.

In my company when I know the hiring Manager and I know a qualified candidate has applied, I forward an unofficial copy of their Resume to the hiring Manager and tell them the person has applied thru the Web portal. If the hiring Manager sees a good match while reviewing the unofficial Resume, they can contact HR and tell them to pass the application on to them. Usually at this point HR has already filtered the application into the round file. Using this process doesn't violate the law, but it does work the system a bit. :-)

So how do you make this work with TPWD? Apply online, record the positions you've applied for and then try to contact the individual Park Ranger offices letting them know you've applied for the specific job and include a copy of your application. I'd also include a good letter of introduction, and/or Resume highlighting your qualifications.

It's a new world with new rules, but when you know what rules they're playing by you can stack the deck in your favor.

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.

mikeleblanc413 wrote:


I've often heard that an expert is someone who is more than 100 miles from home.

Incorrect. An 'ex' is a has been and a 'spurt' is a drip under pressure. Combine the 2 for 'expert'.

Dog Folks gets it!

There are no sour grapes on my part. What I see in TPWD is what I see on many occasions at retail outlets: ungrateful businesses! That suggests to me that the wrong people are being hired for top level management.

Some of the advertised positions were responded to the very first day of listing and I know that some remain open. Those which are filled should not continue to be advertised.

I have always believed that everything happens for a reason; this is no exception. I certainly do appreciate the diversity of opinions that are being shared. I learned a long time ago that when everyone has the same opinion, someone is not thinking! Continue to contribute.