Volunteer
Job Description
FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a093d000000kwBrAAI/turnbull-nwr-visitor-services-assistant
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ADDRESS: Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge; 26010 South Smith Rd; Cheney, Washington 99004
DEPT: Fish & Wildlife Service
DATES: 5/1/2023 – 10/31/2023
DESCRIPTION:
Share your love of wildlife and National Wildlife Refuges. Join us as a Visitor Services Volunteer at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge. Now accepting applications for May – July 2023 and August – October 2023.
Spend your days in the unique landscape of the channeled scablands at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge!
Volunteers needed for the following 3 month commitments: May – July 2023 and August – October 2023.
This position opens, closes and staffs the visitor contact station, which features and information desk and a couple of small exhibits and multimedia displays. This position also assists with the retail management of a small bookstore operated by the Friends of Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge. To learn more about the refuge go to https://www.fws.gov/refuge/turnbull.
As the resident visitor services assistant, you provide orientation, interpretation and answer visitor questions at the main information desk. You would also cover topics regarding the refuge, local natural and cultural resources, safety precautions, rules and regulations, recreational opportunities, and area services. You would also assist staff with operations and maintenance of facilities, including cleaning bathrooms, emptying trash containers, ensuring refuge is free of litter and other more complex maintenance and visitor facility projects within your abilities.
Schedule is typically 4 days on and 3 days off. Day to day schedule varies. Couples will work the same days but may not have the same daily schedule.
The location of the refuge is about 40 minutes southwest of Spokane, WA. The closest municipality is the town of Cheney, WA, which hosts several grocery stores, a university, and other services. Nearby recreational opportunities include Riverside State Park (40 minutes) and Mount Spokane State Park (1 hour). Several other parks, refuges, and public lands exist within a half-day’s drive. Many of these locations have opportunities for hiking, water sports, and mountain biking. The city of Coeur d’Alene, ID is next closest major metropolitan area.
RV or motor home utility hook-ups for electric, water, and sewage available. No propane. This position requires 24 hours/week per resident. Exact start and end dates negotiable.
When applying please provide contact information for three references. Two references should be professional. If applying as couple please provide both applicant names.
- Greet visitors, answer visitor questions, and advise of refuge rules and regulations.
- Staff visitor contact station, including refuge bookstore, during normal operating hours as needed.
- Replenish brochure racks and patrol area around the public use area for litter.
- Clean and restock the bathrooms as needed.
- Perform simple housekeeping to maintain cleanliness of visitor exhibits, community rooms, and offices.
- Volunteer may be asked to drive a government vehicle.
- If capable and qualified, volunteer may be asked to present interpretive or educational programs at public events or for school groups.
- Position is combination of duties, both indoors and out. Work will include assigned projects based on individual skills and interests that support the refuge mission.
- Each resident must work a minimum of 24 hours per week each in exchange for RV space and hookup utilities.
- Other duties may be assigned by Site or Direct supervisor.
- Willing to work 24 hours per week, including weekends and holidays
- Desire to talk with and inform the public about rules and regulations
- Must wear USFWS volunteer uniform
- Enthusiasm and willingness to learn
- Valid driver’s license
- Drivers License
- Fish/Wildlife
- Office/Clerical
- Public Speaking
- Visitor Information
- Working with People
- Turnbull NWR is located approximately 6.5 miles from the town of Cheney, WA and approximately 23 miles from Spokane, WA. The refuge has an average elevation of 2300 ft (698 m).
- This position is primarily based out of the public use area in and around the refuge headquarters, visitor contact station, and environmental education building. Field work is primarily conducted along designated trails and paths.
- Shifts are typically 4 or 8 hours.
- RV or motor home utility hook-ups for electric, water, and sewage are available.
- Laundry facilities are available inside a shared bunk-house. Wi-Fi is available at refuge HQ.