Volunteering at Iberdrola USA Tall Ships® Portland 2015
General Event Volunteers Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What volunteer roles are available?
A: Greeter & Clicker Counter Line Manager Guest Services Representative Runner/Sail Away Support Relief Volunteer Ship Liaison Officer (SLO)* *SLO volunteers have volunteered at a Tall Ships event before or any other event with large audiences.
Q: What age do I have to be to volunteer at this event?
A: 18 years old is preferred, unless you volunteer with an organized group such as Sea Cadets, Key Club, etc. Volunteers under 18 MUST be with a parent or guardian. Under age 18 Volunteers with adult supervision within a group with insurance will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Q: I’ve never volunteered before at a Tall Ships festival, how will I know what to do?
A: We’ll make sure you know what to do. All volunteers are required to attend mandatory information/orientation sessions. You will receive pertinent details about festival activities, and your role as a volunteer Tall Ships® Portland 2015.
Q: Is this a paid volunteer opportunity?
A: No, volunteers are not paid. All volunteers will receive: A Tall Ships T-Shirt, two complimentary boarding passes, free snacks during your shift, and an invitation to the Crew/Volunteer appreciation reception. We appreciate your willingness to be an ambassador for Portland and meet our visitors from all around the world.
Q: How will I know if I have been selected as a volunteer for the event?
A: Make sure we have your correct contact (email address preferred) information. Someone from Tall Ships® Portland will call/email you.
Q: Are there group or corporate volunteer opportunities during Tall Ships?
A: Absolutely! This festival is a wonderful opportunity for groups and corporate teams to do something fun. While we cannot guarantee that everyone volunteers for the same role, we CAN arrange the schedule so everyone volunteers during the same shift.
Q: I can’t volunteer for Tall Ships. Are there other volunteer opportunities at Tall Ships Portland and Sailing Ships Portland?
A: Thanks for asking -- we will keep you in mind for future volunteer opportunities.
Q: How long are the volunteer shifts? Most are 4 – 5 hours long:
A: Saturday, July 18, 1pm – 5pm, 4:30pm – 9:15p (not all positions needed; mostly set-up, crowd management, ticket assistance, ship management and entertainment assistance).
Sunday, July 19, 9:30am – 1:30pm, 1pm – 5pm, 4:30pm – 9:15pm.
Monday, July 20, 9:30pm – 1:30pm, 1pm – 6pm
Q: How often does Sailing Ships Portland host the Tall Ships?
A: After 2015, we hope to have the tall ships return as a tri-annual event. The last showcase was in July 2000.
Q: How many volunteers are needed for this event?
A: We need a few hundred volunteers to make this a success. Bring your friends!
Q: Who do I contact for more information to volunteer?
A: Go HERE and fill out a form, or email: volunteer@tallshipsportland.com.
Q: How many shifts can I work?
A: There is no limit to the number of shifts a volunteer can work. Volunteers are asked to commit to at least one full day, or two half days of service. Placement preference is given to full-day volunteers.
Q: Volunteer Job Descriptions
Team Leads: Provide support and supervision of volunteers in the variety of volunteer positions being staffed. Handle check-in of volunteers, ensure waivers are signed, provide information materials and act as liaison between Event Staff and volunteers. Relieve for breaks as necessary.
Greeters & Clicker Counters: Chief responsibility is to check wristbands and welcome guests to the Tall Ships festival. Use clicker counter to record the number of guests going aboard the vessel. Submit count at the end of your shift.
Gangway Assistance: Greet guests as they board the ship to and from the gangway.
Line Managers and Ship Queue: Keep an orderly line, and maintain the number of people on ships at a time to ensure clicker counts and recording of counts.
Guest Services: Be knowledgeable of all event details including: ticket information, ship locations, festival activities, and places to do in downtown Portland.
Runners/Transportation Support: Duties vary. Volunteer should be able to walk Maine State Pier throughout entire shift. May fill in as needed in other event positions. Drive Captains, Cooks and Crews to destinations around Portland for shopping needs. Helps to be familiar where grocery stores, electronics, and Sam’s Warehouse are located for provisioning.
Relief Volunteer: Provide breaks to volunteer
VIP/Sponsor Liaison: Provide assistance and information during hospitality events. Coordinate with catering staff to ensure event runs smoothly. Part of the Welcome Team!
Linehandlers: Cast off lines of vessels that are scheduled to sail away during the event. Helps to have your own Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
Ship Liaison Officers: Unique position that works directly with the vessel’s Captain and crew to host their stay in Portland. Candidates must be mobile, able to climb stairs, and participate throughout the Event, from arrival to departure - July 18 - 21
Please note: All Volunteers must participate in group training provided by the Event.