Job Description
CAMPGROUND: Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge
DEPT: Fish & Wildlife Service
AVAILABILITY: 3/1/2020–5/31/2020
RV INFORMATION: Covered and uncovered RV sites are available with full hookups for couples and individuals that can give 24 hours each per 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.
DESCRIPTION
Volunteer Activities• Construction/Maintenance • Conservation Education • Office/Clerical • Trail/Campground Maintenance • Tour Guide/Interpretation • Visitor Information • General Assistance • Weed/Invasive Species Control Photo Courtesy of FWS DescriptionBalcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge is a haven for both wildlife and people in the Texas Hill Country. With over 25,000 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 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 AND 1 Visitor Services RV Volunteer Couple from March – May 2020. Couples who would like to perform a combination of Maintenance and Visitor Services duties are welcome to apply. 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, maintenance equipment, carpentry skills, and/or plumbing skills. 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 and how safely perform maintenance duties. Volunteers who are flexible and have positive attitudes typically have excellent experiences working in the maintenance and visitor services departments. 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. Flexible on start and end dates. HOUSING & AMENITIESType: Trailer/RV PadsDescription: Covered and uncovered RV sites are available with full hookups for couples and individuals that can give 24 hours each per 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.