Volunteer
Job Description
FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a093d000000bdXvAAI/rv-volunteer-visitor-center-ranger-naturalist
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ADDRESS: Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge; 1001 Highway 1; San Antonio, New Mexico 87832
DEPT: Fish & Wildlife Service
DATES: 10/17/2022 – 2/28/2023
DESCRIPTION:
Welcome to Wild at one of America’s most premier federal lands – Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge! As a volunteer for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Visitor Center Ranger Naturalists will inform and inspire visitors at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in Central New Mexico.
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is the largest of the last remaining intact wetlands of the historic floodplain of the Rio Grande. A small group of staff work hard to re-create the processes of the river and provide food and rest for thousands of overwintering birds in what is now a world-famous nature tourism destination. Each year the Friends of Bosque del Apache hosts a large festival (Festival of the Cranes) which draws about 6,000 visitors and spans multiple days. RV volunteers are critical to supporting staff at this busy station.
Bosque del Apache strives to maintain a Queer/LGBTQA+ and BIPOC-friendly space and work environment. Working and living at this station requires the ability to work with, take direction from, and live near people of all ages, backgrounds, and personality types. Positive outlooks and flexibility are key to success at this large and active station. We welcome RV volunteers of all backgrounds to apply!
We are seeking couples to serve as ranger naturalists for the October 17, 2022, through February 28, 2023, season. All applicants must be available for the entire season; couples will work the same days and may work together in the visitor center and while performing interpretive roving on the refuge. RV pads are the only available housing.
The Visitor Center Ranger Naturalist Position requires that you work four days per week (six hours per day) October 17, 2022, through February 28, 2023. Your lunch break will be one hour off duty near the midpoint of the day.
You may be required to have a federal background investigation completed for this position. If you had a favorably adjudicated federal background investigation completed, please indicate the year and agency on your application.
Please list at least two volunteer or professional work references on your application.
Important Information to Know:
We currently only have RV pads available for the season, all volunteers must have a self-contained RV. There are about 18 RV pads and a community building that includes laundry facilities, a kitchen, and a lounge. Due to the nature of our site, we require that all individuals using shared amenities be full-time RV volunteers (24 hours/week).
The nearest city is Socorro (30 minutes drive). The station is considered connected but cell service and internet are weak and fluctuate frequently, with a number of power outages and periods of limited cell coverage. Working and living here offers a feeling of moderate separation from the bustle of the world without being entirely disconnected.
DUTIES
Core Duties:
Meets and cheerfully greets visitors while staffing the refuge visitor center.
Explains basic refuge regulations to visitors such as areas open for biking, hiking, and walking dogs.
Offers wildlife viewing advice and gives driving directions.
Assists visitors in identifying wildlife they have observed.
Appropriately restocks trail guides and maps at trail heads and entrance locations.
Provides advice to photographers concerning when and where to best capture outstanding images.
Concisely explains the refuge entry fee options.
May operate an electronic cash register to sell entry passes.
May issue non-fee passes according to policy.
Accurately completes end of day shift reports and maintains security of accountable stock.
As a public point of contact, receives reports from visitors of rare wildlife sightings, problems or violations and provides public comment forms and/or calls for appropriate refuge staff to deal with the issue.
Goes out on the refuge to areas of high bird concentration and uses spotting scope, binoculars and field guides to help visitors identify birds and to increase the visitor’s understanding of the refuge mission and objectives.
May give short, informal talks to visitors about wildlife while roving the visitor center and visitor center plaza.
Answers phone calls and provides basic information and transfers calls.
Safely picks-up and disposes of litter found along roadways, trails and visitor areas.
Maintains visitor center in a clean and tidy condition. Cleaning may include, sweeping, vacuuming, washing windows, wiping counters, emptying trash cans, disinfecting toilets and other tasks as assigned or as seen as needed by the volunteer.
Complies with volunteer uniform policy. Maintains a neat and professional appearance.
Collateral Duties:
Assists with other projects as assigned based on the needs of the refuge which could include assisting with janitorial duties. The COVID-19 pandemic could result in operational changes. If the Visitor Center is closed the volunteer will be required to take on other duties in order to fill a minimum of 24 hours per week. These duties could include tasks that are more physical in nature such as assisting with: landscaping, invasive plant removal, painting, minor carpentry, organizing and cleaning refuge warehouses and many other projects that are on the refuge “long-term to do list”.
SKILLS
Drivers License
Fish/Wildlife
General Assistance
Office/Clerical
Photography
Public Speaking
Visitor Information
Working with People
WORK ENVIRONMENT
RV Volunteers typically work solo, as a couple, or in small groups with staff and other volunteers on refuge priority projects in outdoor settings or in the visitor center.
JOB HAZARDS
General housekeeping
Slip, trip, and fall hazards
This is a wildlife refuge, so volunteers will encounter a variety of animals, birds, reptiles, and insects, which should not be handled.
BACKGROUND/REFERENCE CHECK REQUIRED
Yes