Volunteer
Job Description
FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a093d000000eMjnAAE/rv-volunteer-visitor-center-volunteer
DEPT: Fish & Wildlife Service
DATES: 10/24/2022 – 1/24/2023
LOCATION:
Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Complex
19255 Southwest Pacific Highway
Sherwood, Oregon 97140
Our Refuge: Located about 15 miles outside Portland, OR, Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Complex is a fantastic destination to see a variety of wildlife in many of our diverse habitats. As a designated Urban Refuge, we provide many opportunities for the public to engage on the land. We strives to work with new communities in new ways and we are looking for others to help us achieve this work. The portion of the refuge open to the public offers a seasonal trail, as well as a year-round trail. In addition to this broad scope of walkable trails, the refuge also houses an amazing Visitor Center equipped with a classroom, exhibit hall, conference room and a Friend’s operated Nature Store.
RV Accommodations: There are two sites available to our RV Volunteers. Water, sewer, and 50 amp electric is provided at each site, along with nearby trash and recycling disposal. Propane refills are provided by the Refuge. Cell phone coverage is great at this location. There is also WIFI access for these two sites and access to laundry is possible depending on the season.
Local Amenities: This refuge is located approximately 15 miles outside of Portland, OR in the town of Sherwood. In Sherwood, there are all kinds of restaurants, shopping, grocery stores and home improvement stores as well. Medical care is right in the vicinity as well and provides several options for whatever needs you may have.
Some Helpful Information: The refuge stays fairly busy all throughout the year. There is a lot of wildlife to see and enjoy and with being so close to the Portland metro area many families come daily to take in the sights. Even if things are slow in the Visitor Center, staff always have small projects we need help with. We will work with you to keep you as busy and as involved as you want to be.
Time Commitment: TRNWRC RV Volunteer program requires a minimum of three months commitment. For couples willing to volunteer, 32 hours a week are asked of the pair (divided between the two), while a single individual needs to work 24 hours each week to qualify for an RV pad. As the refuge is just working through its reopening, following the closures during the pandemic, staff are working hard to reengage our volunteer base at the refuge and are in need of assistance to fill some gaps, specifically in the Visitor Center. We are asking that the incoming RV Volunteer(s) be willing to work at least one weekend day in the Visitor Center to fulfill their required weekly hour commitment. Please note, the start and end date listed are flexible. Please reach out if you have questions about that.
No Pets Allowed: Do to the location of the RV pads, the Refuge does not allow pets for our RV Volunteers. Service animals are allowed. Please let us know if you have any questions in regards to this.
DUTIES
The Visitor Center serves as a gathering place and launching point for visitors, organized groups, and refuge programs. This building is staffed entirely by volunteers, who are often the first faces visitors see when they arrive. As a Visitor Center Volunteer, you are helping fuel a conservation ethic in our public to protect and conserve the well-being of the natural environment, both at the refuge and beyond.
Welcome visitors and orient them to the Refuge.
Conduct opening and closing procedures for Visitor Center.
Speak with visitors to explain the purpose of the refuge, answer questions, identify wildlife and provide information on the wildlife resources of the refuge.
Answer visitor questions and explain the rules of the Refuge both in person and on the phone.
On behalf of the Tualatin River NWR Friends group provide support in the Nature Store located in the Visitor Center.
Assist with special events as needed
Onboarding and training is provided for all volunteers.
QUALIFICATIONS
RV Volunteers must supply their own RV for housing.
Must be comfortable interacting with the public and answering questions.
Need to have a desire to want to learn as much as you can about the refuge and surrounding area to ensure you can provide good information to the visiting public.
Must have a positive attitude and a willingness to help work within a team of staff and volunteers.
Be comfortable not knowing all the answers, but understand that it’s ok to ask others for help to get the right answers.
Please note, the start and end date listed are flexible. Please reach out if you have questions about that.
SKILLS
Conservation Education
General Assistance
Public Speaking
Teaching
Visitor Information
Working with People
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This work will be done inside of the Visitor Center, where it is air conditioned and well lit. Visitor Center volunteers work behind the main desk. There are chairs available for sitting when needed. There are restrooms in the building, a classroom, conference room, nature store and an exhibit hall. Depending on the season/day it can be fast paced and at times can be slow.