Volunteer
Job Description
DATES: 9/1/2022 – 4/30/2023
Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge (BANWR) consists of nearly 118,000 acres of semi arid desert grassland. Originally a cattle ranch, the land was purchased by the government and provided to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in order to restore the endangered masked bobwhite quail, which had nearly gone extinct in the wild. BANWR staff work tirelessly to care for the captive population of masked bobwhite and release these birds onto the refuge in an effort to restore this beautiful bird to the northernmost part of its historical range. Many other wildlife species, including other threatened and endangered species, call this refuge home. BANWR has 83 campsites for the public use, various hiking trails and many roads for visitors to utilize. Visitors come from all over for BANWR’s hunting opportunities, wildlife viewing and recreational activities. All these, as well as its many structures require upkeep and maintenance. BANWR is nestled in the Altar Valley between the Coronado National Forest, private ranch lands and Tohono O’odham lands.
Limited RV spots are available for volunteers who do not live locally. Please note that a majority of these spots do not allow pets. Start and end dates are flexible. A minimum of 28 hours must be worked weekly in exchange for your RV space.
See full job description at: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a093d000000bE6oAAE/buenos-aires-nwr-volunteer
Biology duties may include-
Care of endangered masked bobwhite quail in indoor and outdoor facilities
Radio Telemetry
Hydrology Measurements
Habitat Assessments
Habitat Restoration
Erosion Mitigation Measures
Pima Pineapple Cactus Surveys
Wildlife Drinker Checks and Maintenance
Well and Stock Tank Status Checks
Other duties as assigned
Maintenance duties may include-
Grounds maintenance (weeding, mowing, etc.)
Trail maintenance (trimming trees, etc.)
Campsite maintenance
Roadside maintenance (trimming branches along roads, etc.)
Trash cleanup
Painting
Carpentry
Use of hand tools
Town runs to pick up supplies, etc.
Vehicle maintenance
Safety checks
Building maintenance items
Assist maintenance staff with various projects
Other duties as assigned
Visitor Services may include-
Assist visitors by answering questions and sharing the history and purpose of the refuge
Answer the phone; answer questions or direct callers to the appropriate staff member
Maintain the cleanliness of the Visitor Center and outside porch/patio areas
Stock brochures in kiosks
Other duties as assigned
Must be able to bend and stoop
Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds if working in quail program or maintenance
Must be able to traverse rugged terrain in some instances
Must be able to work outside for extended periods of time
Must be able to be on your feet for extended periods of time
Must be able to work alone or in a team setting
Must be able to speak with visitors
Must have a positive attitude
- Backpacking/Camping
- Biology
- Carpentry
- Conservation Education
- Drivers License
- First Aid Certificate
- Fish/Wildlife
- General Assistance
- Hand Power Tools
- Landscaping/Reforestation
- Land Surveying
- Map Reading
- Office/Clerical
- Other Trade Skills
- Public Speaking
- Teaching
- Visitor Information
- Working with People
Buenos Aires NWR is located 70 miles south of Tucson in Sasabe, Arizona along the international border with Mexico. There is a small general store with gasoline and a post office located in Sasabe. Approximately 15 miles away is the small town of Arivaca which has a Mercantile with both gasoline and diesel fuel. The refuge employs U.S. Fish and Wildlife Staff members, contracted technicians and volunteers which form a small community. Cell phone service can vary based on location on the refuge and service provider. The refuge is located on a semi arid desert grassland with a beautiful view of the Baboquivari Mountain range. Job duties will be assigned by the Wildlife Refuge Specialist. Duties will vary based on the needs of the refuge and your skills and abilities, but will fall into the categories of animal husbandry, biology, maintenance and visitor services.
- General housekeeping
- Slip, trip, and fall hazards
- Electrical hazards
- Equipment operation
- Equipment maintenance
- Fire protection
- Located far from major city with first aid/hospital, Stinging insects, Venomous reptiles, Sharp plants, Extreme temperatures, Located along the International Border with Mexico, Varied cell phone reception
- No