Office
Volunteer
Job Description
FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a093d000000eceIAAQ/summer-2023-rv-volunteers
DEPT: Fish & Wildlife Service
DATES: 6/1/2023 – 8/31/2023
Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge is a haven for both wildlife and people in the Texas Hill Country. With over 27,000 acres of prairies and woodlands, this sanctuary is managed for two endangered songbirds, the black-capped vireo and the golden-cheeked warbler, but is also home to an abundance of other birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians.
Volunteers play a vital role in the maintenance and visitor services programs at the refuge. Volunteers will work primarily on-site providing visitors with information about the refuge and its resources. Volunteers directly affect the quality and success of refuge operations; visitors’ safety, comfort, and enjoyment; and the public’s understanding and image of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Opportunity for 1 Maintenance Volunteer AND/OR 1 Visitor Services Volunteer for June, July and August 2023
Maintenance Volunteer: The refuge seeks a general maintenance volunteer who will assist the refuge with upkeep of refuge facilities and equipment. Ideal candidates should have experience operating power tools and maintenance equipment. Volunteers will be relied upon to help with mowing, maintaining trails, and general upkeep of public use facilities which includes cleaning restrooms.
Visitor Services Volunteer: Visitor Services duties include staffing the visitor center, conducting tours and educational programs, providing interpretive services such as working special events, restocking brochures, cleaning the interior and exterior of public areas including restroom facilities, and some office work. Additional duties may vary depending on individual interest, skills, and talents.
Training is provided to teach volunteers refuge rules and regulations, defensive driving training, and how to operate required equipment. Volunteers who are flexible and have positive attitudes typically have excellent experiences working in the maintenance and visitor services programs. Volunteers must have the ability to work effectively with people of various perspectives and have patience and tact with visitors.
Housing: An RV pad with electrical, water, and sewer is provided in exchange for 24 hours/week of service. Laundry facilities provided on site. WiFi is not available at the RV sites, but previous RV volunteers have been successful using their own WiFi hotspots.
Local Information: Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge headquarters is located 5 miles west of Lago Vista, Texas situated near several Hill Country communities where local restaurants, shopping, and fun are only a 20-30 minute drive from your RV site. We are located 45 minutes northwest from Austin, the live music capital of the world.
A minimum of 3 months is preferred and longer commitments (up to 6 months) will be considered. Flexible on start and end dates.
Housing Details:
Covered and uncovered RV sites are available with full hookups for couples and individuals that can give 24 hours per person every week. Use of on-site laundry and gym is available. WiFi is not available at the RV sites, but previous RV volunteers have been successful using their own WiFi hotspots.
SKILLS
Carpentry
Conservation Education
Drivers License
General Assistance
Hand Power Tools
Heavy Equipment
Landscaping/Reforestation
Map Reading
Office/Clerical
Other Trade Skills
Public Speaking
Teaching
Visitor Information
Working with People
JOB HAZARDS
General housekeeping
Slip, trip, and fall hazards
Equipment maintenance
BACKGROUND/REFERENCE CHECK REQUIRED
No