IF YOU love exploring in the bush, camping and talking to people then Parks Victoria is keen to hear from you.
The organisation, which manages more than 3000 of the state's parks and reserves, is on the lookout for volunteer track rangers and campground hosts.
It is looking to expand its Volunteer Track Ranger and Campground Host program to more parks across the state, including at Baw Baw National Park, Cape Conran Coastal Park and Point Hicks Lighthouse Reserve for the first time.
The Volunteer Track Ranger program allows participants to walk and camp along tracks within some of the most stunning National Parks in peak visitor periods, while also offering a personal service to park visitors by equipping them with the latest track information and educating them on unique environmental values of the park.
As well as getting to camp in some of Victoria's top parks during peak periods, volunteer campground hosts are a welcoming face for visitors upon arrival, provide orientation information about campground facilities and ensure visitors experience everything the parks have to offer.
Stacy Braiser is a volunteer track ranger and campground host and said anyone who loves the parks, gettting out and about and exploring should "go for it".
"Volunteering in the parks can give you a whole range of benefits, including helping those around you. But it can also give you mental health benefits just from getting outdoors in the bush," said Stacy.
"When I get outside and volunteer with the program I automatically feel better, destressed and I fell more in tune with myself and overall happier."
She said highlights of the job include talking to people throughout the parks and advising people on what they can do in the park and what activities they are likely to enjoy.
"In terms of skills it helps to have the ability to talk to other people and a moderate level of fitness to be able to walk the tracks," she added.
Parks Victoria Volunteer Officer Drue Schulz said the organisation currently has more than 100 volunteer track rangers providing their expertise and time during peak holiday periods.
"Participating in the volunteer track ranger program is a great way to meet fellow hikers and visitors, as well as promote awareness of low impact techniques and our parks environmental values," Drue said.
To find out more or to apply to be a volunteer track ranger or campground host, visit www.parkconnect.vic.gov.au
Geraldine Cardozo
Features Editor at The Senior.
Features Editor at The Senior.
