Other
Volunteer
Job Description
FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a093d000000eCh5AAE/immediate-opportunity-ash-meadows-nwr-visitor-center-host-2023
DEPT: Fish & Wildlife Service
DATES: 9/1/2022 – 1/3/2023
ADDRESS:
Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
610 Spring Meadows Rd
Amargosa Valley, Nevada 89020
Inspire visitors to fall in love with the largest oasis in the Mojave desert! As a host you will staff our air-conditioned visitor center, support visitors, make sales, and assist with special projects. Your onsite RV pad includes full hookups, propane, and WIFI.
Volunteers needed for an immediate 3-month commitment for September – November 2022.
Ash Meadows is the Galapagos of the Mojave Desert
Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge [AMNWR] is an internationally recognized site for the conservation of 26 endemic plant and animal species that live amongst the 50 springs and seeps in the largest oasis in the hottest, driest desert in the United States. AMNWR is managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Its mission is “to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American People.”
For more information, please check out the following:
Official Website: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/ash-meadows
Refuge Film: https://vimeo.com/groups/13672/videos/87197860
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AshMeadowsNWR/
Why Volunteer at Ash Meadows
A season at Ash Meadows provides you the opportunity to live and work in one of the most unique areas in the desert southwest. Benefits of volunteering include:
RV site with electric, water, propane, and WIFI
An annual America the Beautiful pass for all federal lands after 250 volunteer hours
Natural history and interpretation training
Monthly volunteer enrichment events
Work outside in warm, sunny weather with views of wild vistas, wildflowers, and wildlife
Live within 2-hours of Death Valley National Park, Red Rock National Recreation Area, Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, and the Vegas Strip
When applying please provide contact information for three references. Two references should be professional. If applying as couple please provide resumes and references for both applicants.
DUTIES
Inspire Visitors to Conserve Endangered Species
The Visitor Center Host facilitates positive, memorable, and meaningful connections between visitors and the refuge’s plants, animals, and water. The volunteer will dedicate 24-hours per week per person to operating the visitor center, responding to visitor inquiries, makings sales, and providing interpretive moments. The schedule is typically 4 days on and 3 days off. Day-to-day schedule varies. Couples will work the same days but may not have the same daily schedule.
Visitor Services (80%)
Cultivate a friendly, inclusive visitor-centered experience for local and international visitors
Provide visitors with accurate, up-to-date information about wildlife, services, and regulations
Facilitate intellectual and emotional connections between visitors and Ash Meadows
Respond to phone calls and report issues to the appropriate staff
Operate a cash register, make sales, collect moneys, and write end of shift reports
Open, close and operate audio visual exhibits in visitor center
Maintain a clean and tidy workspace, visitor center, and bathrooms through a weekly routine
Wear a volunteer uniform and maintain a neat and professional appearance
Interpretive Programming (10%)
Rove boardwalks and provide informal interpretation of wildlife, history, and restoration
Assist with school field trips, virtual programs, onsite youth events, and offsite community events
Assist with the setup, cleanup, organization, and maintenance of educational gear
Administration and Special Projects (10%)
Enter visitor center and roving contact data into an excel spreadsheet
Distribute rack cards and flyers as well as collect mail and drop off recycling
Optional: lead an interpretive program
Optional: assist with small restoration and maintenance projects
Optional: support refuge with your personal talents (e.g. drawing, photography, construction)
QUALIFICATIONS
Willing to work 24 hours per week per person, including weekends and holidays
Desire to talk with and inform the public about rules and regulations
Must wear USFWS volunteer uniform, including a mask while inside the building when required by policy
Enthusiasm and willingness to learn
Valid driver’s license
Must be fully vaccinated
Must be prepared to live in extreme conditions. RVs should be equipped with adequate air conditioning, heating, and showers.
SKILLS
Clerical/Office Machines
Drivers License
Office/Clerical
Visitor Information
Working with People
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Ash Meadows NWR is located approximately 100 miles northwest of Las Vegas. It ranges in elevation from approximately 2000 feet to just over 3000 feet. The visitor center where most of the work is performed is located at an elevation of approximately 2,100 feet
This position is primarily based in the visitor center. Shifts are typically 4 or 8 hours
RV or motor home utility hook-ups for electric, water, and sewage are available. Propane is also provided
Laundry facilities are available on the refuge
JOB HAZARDS
General housekeeping
Slip, trip, and fall hazards
BACKGROUND/REFERENCE CHECK REQUIRED
Yes