Volunteer Service Description: Trail Ambassador, FY2026

Fiscal Year: 2026, Starting 10/1/2025 – 9/30/2026

Written by: J. Buechel

Supervised by: Supervisory Park Ranger S. Baxter

Staff Locations: Including, but not limited to: Montgomery Interpretive Center, Lowndes Interpretive Center, and Selma Interpretive Center. Staffing may occur at local community events away from the Trail’s Interpretive Centers.

Description of Service: The incumbents operate a visitor information table at public events, and any other work designated by the Supervisor.

Time Commitment: on an “as-needed” basis as scheduling allows.

Responsibilities:

Incumbents may be "foot soldiers": people with lived experiences of the Civil Rights Movement and the events surrounding the Selma to Montgomery March. Incumbents will operate a visitor information table at public events, and any other work designated by the Supervisor.

The incumbents will operate a visitor information table: Standing, greeting, and orienting visitors about the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail (SEMO). Trail Ambassadors will answer questions about SEMO, its history, as well as the local areas of Montgomery, Lowndes County, and Selma, Alabama. When complex questions or situations arise, the incumbents will direct the public to contact SEMO Staff to find an answer or solution.

Incumbents will not independently lead in-person interpretive or education programs. However, incumbents may be able to assist with virtual interpretive programs or virtual educational presentations when working with SEMO Staff.

Health & Physical Requirement: None

Knowledge, Skills, Expertise, Qualifications:

• Work is appropriate for all ages, but incumbents of the ages 18+ preferred.

• Customer service skills as a representative of a government agency.

• Ability to work independently.

Training: None needed, but Volunteer training will be provided with multiple other training opportunities related to daily operations.

Benefits to Volunteers:

• Gain a better understanding of the Selma to Montgomery Marches and Dallas, Lowndes, and Montgomery County history.

• Make a positive impact on the community.

• Experience national parks in a new way.

• Learn about what it takes to interpret the history of The Civil Rights Era.

• Earn community and service-learning hours.

Working Conditions: This work will be performed both indoors and outdoors and will include sitting and standing for long periods of time and lifting up to 30lbs.

Government Vehicle Use and Driver’s License: This position does not allow the use of a government vehicle.

Government Property and PPE: A uniform shirt may be issued to the Volunteer as a part of the Volunteer Uniform to be worn while volunteering in a long-term position (non-Event). No PPE will be required or issued. Use of personal equipment will not be required.

Financial Reimbursement: This position will not allow for financial reimbursements unless if previously arranged beforehand and with the approval of the Volunteer in Parks Coordinator and Trail Administration.

Government Network Access: This position will not require the use of Government electronics nor Network Access.

Background Investigation: This position does not require a government background investigation due to not needing the use of government vehicles, computers, working alone in a federally controlled area, or with children in an educational capacity.

This Volunteer Service Description can be used for people who will be virtually presenting to schools or other groups.