Volunteer
Job Description
FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a093d000000klyhAAA/resident-rv-volunteer
——
ADDRESS: Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex; 3815 American Boulevard East; Bloomington, Minnesota 55425
DEPT: Fish & Wildlife Service
DATES: 5/15/2023 – 10/27/2023
DESCRIPTION:
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge is seeking RV volunteers to help with a wide variety of projects, with a primary focus including visitor services. Additional duties may include but are not limited to: maintenance projects, habitat restoration, and contributing to scientific studies.
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge (refuge) is a thriving urban refuge that, along with the Minnesota Valley Wetland Management District, manages over 22,000 acres of land dedicated to wildlife and wildlife-dependent recreation. The refuge is part of a corridor of land and water stretching nearly 70 miles along the Minnesota River, from Bloomington to Henderson, Minnesota. The district boundary spans fourteen counties located in the ecological transition zone between northern tallgrass prairie and eastern deciduous forest. Both the refuge and district provide valuable habitat for a diversity of wildlife, including waterfowl, migratory birds, fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and other species. This unique area has a little bit of everything, from urban to rural and everything in between.
Work will include 24 hours/week/volunteer including weekends in exchange for a full hookup RV site with electrical, water, sewer, and picnic table. RV volunteers will have the opportunity to participate in multiple training and staff events. Our RV pads are located on the refuge at our Rapids Lake Unit in Carver, MN amidst the prairie. The closest city with full amenities is Chaska, MN.
A primary focus will include visitor services; however a wide variety of opportunities may be available. Additional duties may include but are not limited to: maintenance projects, habitat restoration, and contributing to scientific studies.
Examples of Indoor Work: Greet and orient visitors while staffing a visitor center. Operate a nature store run by the Minnesota Valley Refuge Friends at the Bloomington Education and Visitor Center. Fill and clean bird feeders. Having a current DOI Access Card is an advantage with potential to obtain one as needed for computer access. Assist with organization of maintenance shop.
Examples of Outdoor Work: Walk trails and provide guided tours. Provide trail maintenance and assist with invasive plant species detection and removal. Maintain pollinator gardens and collect seed from desired native plant species. Assist with plant and/or animal biological surveys. Maintain grounds of visitor centers using lawn mowers, weed whip, leaf blower and hand tools.
Volunteers must enjoy working and interacting with a variety of people of all ages. Must be able to communicate with a wide variety of staff, volunteers, interns and visitors while providing excellent customer service. Must be willing to learn from a variety of staff and other volunteers. Willingness and flexibility to assist visitors and staff when needed. Good organizational skills a plus. Physically able to operate equipment such as lawn mowers and weed whips. Physically able to do light cleaning and lifting. Physically able to hike on uneven terrain and remote and primitive trails. Physically able to work outdoors in a variety of conditions. Must have a valid driver’s license.