Volunteer
Job Description
FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a093d000000hB7ZAAU/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: 2/15/2023 – 5/31/2023
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 floodplains 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. 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 individuals and/or couples to serve as ranger naturalist for the February 15, 2023 through May 31, 2013, 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 preforming interpretive roving on the refuge. RV pads are the only available housing.
The Visitor Center Ranger Naturalist Position requires that you work 24 hours per week on a pre-agreed upon schedule: either four six-hour days per week or three eight-hour days per week February 15, 2023, through May 31, 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 favorable 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.
DUTIES
· Meet and cheerfully greet visitors while staffing the refuge visitor center.
· Explain basic refuge regulations to visitors such as areas open for biking, hiking, and walking dogs.
· Offers wildlife viewing advice and give driving directions.
· Assist visitors in identifying wildlife they have observed.
· Appropriately restock trail guides and maps at trail heads and entrance locations.
· Provide advice to photographers concerning when and where to best capture outstanding images.
· Concisely explain the refuge entry fee options.
· May operate an electronic cash register to sell entry passes.
· May issue non-fee passes according to policy.
· Accurately, complete end of day shift reports and maintains security of accountable stock.
· Act as a public point of contact, receive 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.
· Go to areas of high bird concentration and use a scope, binoculars, and field guides to help visitors identify birds and to increase the visitor’s understanding of the refuge mission and objectives.
· May present short, informative talks to visitors about wildlife while roving the visitor center and visitor center plaza.
· Answer phone calls and provide basic information and transfer calls.
· Safely pick up and dispose of litter found along roadways, trails, and visitor areas.
· Maintain 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 need by the volunteer.
· Complying with volunteer uniform policy and maintaining a neat and professional appearance.
· Additional special projects and duties may be requested and may include weekend or holiday work.
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 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