Dogwood Canyon Nature Park - Canyon Guide

Canyon Guide

What we need:

As a canyon guide, you will be an essential part in engaging Dogwood Canyon’s guests. You’ll introduce visitors to the key features of the park and inform them of the park’s activities. Canyon Guides help ensure that everyone has a unique Ozarks experience.

What you may do:

Canyon guides will be asked to assist at activities that are open to all Dogwood Canyon guests that showcase our history, traditions, and conservation mission.

• Mill and Artifact Hall
  • Volunteers should welcome guests as they enter and answer any directional questions. They will need to be familiar with the display items and the history of the mill. Volunteers should be able to engage with guests in conversation and stay up to date with activities happening around the park.
• Nature Center
  • The nature center features interactive learning stations that are focused on multiple fields of science. Guests are encouraged to touch and feel pelts, sheds, and to interact with all the nature center has to offer. Volunteers should be knowledgeable about the displays in the nature center or curious enough to learn! Volunteers will need to be comfortable directing guests to the gift shop, restrooms, treehouse, and restaurant.

How this will help us: This role helps Dogwood Canyon extend our reach and goal to promote a fun celebration of wildlife conservation to people of all ages while protecting the natural environment of the Canyon’s wildlife and plant life.

How this will help you:

Volunteers are able to explore their passions and discover new interests while engaging with guests from around the world. Volunteers have the opportunity to attend versatile trainings on conservation, a variety of animals, and much more! DWC volunteers also have many first-hand opportunities for unique experiences, retail and ticket benefits, and are celebrated during regular team member events.

Skills & Experience Needed:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Comfortable and confident speaking with the public
• Excited to share information on animals, upcoming events, and conservation efforts
• Ability to stand and sit for periods of time and to move intermittently throughout the day
• Knowledge of reptiles and fish native to Missouri is a bonus, though training and information will be offered
• Volunteers should expect various weather conditions, though this position is primarily indoors
• Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own sunscreen, bug spray, hats, gloves, etc.

Availability/Time Commitment:

• Weekly shifts preferred; Volunteers must maintain an active status consisting of 2 shifts per month
• Volunteers self-schedule using the Better Impact app with daily opportunities to fit your busy lifestyle

Fun Fact about the Department:

With the tallest operating water wheel in the Ozarks, the wheel generates about 12.5 horsepower using the water from Little Indian Creek.