If you’re a people person who wants to be of service, who can think on your feet as well as stand on them, and who can consistently represent ‘Minnesota Nice’ without being flustered by an occasional encounter with ‘Minnahurry Mean,’ the Airport Foundation has a job for you!
The Airport Foundation MSP is recruiting 100 volunteers to serve as ‘MSP Navigators’ at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP). The successful volunteers will welcome and direct departing passengers in the Ticketing Lobby, manage security checkpoint lines, and provide directions to arriving passengers on the Bag Claim and Tram levels.
“The focus of airport volunteer efforts traditionally has largely been in areas beyond the security checkpoints, helping passengers find their gate or locate airport amenities and services,” said Jana Vaughn, executive director of the Airport Foundation MSP. “We want to expand our services and provide a warm welcome to passengers checking in for their flight and preparing for security screening as well as to those arriving in Bag Claim en route to parking and ground transportation services. “
Each volunteer accepted into the program must pass a 10-year background check and attend 12 hours of training. Volunteers receive a uniform and equipment, a security badge and free parking during their scheduled shifts. (For those without vehicles, the airport is also accessible by Metro Transit bus and light rail systems.) Other benefits include discounts on purchases at the more than 100 airport stores and restaurants, invitations to volunteer appreciation events and social functions, and the satisfaction of helping people and providing visitors with positive first and last impressions of Minnesota.
Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, reliable, physically able to perform their duties, and able to communicate clearly. Bilingual abilities are not required but are certainly a plus. Each volunteer must commit to working eight hours a month. There are three available shifts: 5 a.m. to 9 a.m., 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Those wishing to volunteer can call 612-467-0811 or fill out an on-line application at www.airportfoundation.org.
The non-profit Airport Foundation MSP has operated at the airport since 1982. The foundation provides services such as the 350-volunteer Travelers Assistance program, the MSP Arts and Culture program and funding of airport beautification projects. In addition, the foundation supports aviation-related causes throughout the state.
“Our mission is to enhance the experience and exceed the expectations of travelers at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport as well as to support the airport and broader aviation community,” Vaughn said. “The new ‘MSP Navigators’ program is one more way we can work to make the travel experience at MSP the best in the nation.”
