Volunteer
Job Description
FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a093d000000kyhjAAA/summer-visitor-services-rv-volunteer
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ADDRESS: Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge; Brigham City, Utah 84302
DEPT: Fish & Wildlife Service
DATES: 4/18/2023 – 8/31/2023
DESCRIPTION:
Want to spend your summer on a National Wildlife Refuge? Love talking to people of all ages about wildlife, birds, and wetlands? Being a Summer Visitor Services volunteer at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge might be the place for you! This position is open to RV pad access for an individual or a couple.
Duties and Responsibilities:
· Work an individual or combined 20 hours a week.· When volunteering at the Visitor Desk:o Complete training with staff member on Visitor Desk procedures. This will include opening/closing procedures, guidance on how to answer frequently asked visitor questions, information regarding the purpose of the Refuge as well as its cultural and natural history.o Open/Close the Wildlife Education Center (depending on shift).o Greet visitors at the Wildlife Education Center.o Provide directions to different locations and recreational sites on the Refuge.o Recommend interpretation materials (such as brochures) for visitors.o Help visitors identify wildlife and plants, if able. Otherwise direct them to appropriate learning materials or to staff members.o Answer questions over the phone on behalf of the Refuge.o Keep Refuge maps and brochures stocked and organized in the brochure boxes and at the desk.o Make sure the Wildlife Education Center is presentable and inviting to the public.o Inspire visitors to be excited about the common and the rare wildlife found on the Refuge.· Regarding onsite and offsite events:o Assist Visitor Services staff with prepping content and materials for programs for on-Refuge and off-Refuge events.o Help lead field trips such as Mountain Wilds to Wetland Wonders field trips for 4th graders in Box Elder County. Field trips for all ages occur throughout the year.o Help lead tables and small activities at offsite outreach events such as Partners in the Park in Salt Lake City, Monarchs and Other Winged Wonders festival in Nibley, Wasatch Wigeons Youth and Activities Fair in Ogden, Youthworks events, etc.· Other:o Opportunities will also be available to help with construction, maintenance, and gardening work being conducted at the Refuge’s new nature play space and outdoor classroom.
· Ability to communicate effectively with the public.· Have an interest in natural resources and conservation.· Have an interest in interacting with the public and students on the Refuge and in the broader Wasatch Front community at outreach events.· Must have a positive attitude.· Ideal for experienced educators or presenters, or for those wishing to become educators.
Requirements:
· Complete necessary administrative paperwork (Volunteer Service Agreement, Job Hazard Analysis, etc.).· Have a functional RV with necessary hookup capabilities.· Must be able to commit to at least a 2-3-month volunteer term.· Wear provided volunteer uniform shirt while performing duties. (Pants, shoes, etc. are not provided as part of the USFWS Volunteer uniform).· Report observed violations to appropriate staff. Do not perform law enforcement duties.· Represent the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in a professional manner.· Record volunteer hours in binder stored at the Visitor Desk.· Volunteers who also volunteer for the Wildlife Education Center’s Avocet Corner Bookstore must also become a member of the non-profit Friends of the Bear River Refuge group, enter into a separate volunteer agreement with that organization, and receive training from that group.· May be required to undergo a general background investigation and an additional level of investigation to work with children.
- Biology
- Conservation Education
- Drivers License
- General Assistance
- Public Speaking
- Visitor Information
- Working with People
Local Site:
Bear River Migratory Wildlife Refuge, Refuge RV PadLocal Community Information:
The Bear River Migratory Wildlife Refuge is part of the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge Complex (BRMBRC). The BRMBRC consists of 2 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Refuges (Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge and Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge) and the Bear River Conservation Area. The Wasatch Front area (west of the Wasatch Mountains and including Brigham City, Ogden, and Salt Lake City), is currently one of the fastest growing urban areas in the country. Historically a pioneering and agricultural area, the Wasatch Front is quickly becoming a major urban center. These dually increasing water needs – for personal and agricultural use – greatly impact this growing area. Moreover, the Wasatch Front is known for its snow, winter sports, and the Great Salt Lake. Many of the unique aspects of the local economy rely on the natural resources of the Wasatch Front. Therefore, the Refuge’s role in educating the public about the GSL, the 77,000 acres of wetland habitat we protect, the Bear River watershed, and the wildlife and native plants we support are critical to the continued health and survival of the ecosystem.Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge is an Urban Refuge located in Brigham City, Utah. The Refuge is a 2–10-minute drive from gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, and shopping.Conditions of Service:
· This volunteer reports directly to the Volunteer Coordinator.· Housing is available in the form of access to an RV pad with hookups.· Seniors are eligible to enroll in the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program for mileage compensation to commute to the Refuge.
Hours and Time Commitment:
The RV volunteer must commit to at least a 2-3-month volunteer term. Individuals or couples who serve as RV volunteers must work an individual or combined 20 hours a week. Volunteers are welcome to serve more hours per week, but 20 hours/week is required as compensation for receiving RV pad access.Please state what months or dates you would be available in your application.The Wildlife Education Center Hours are Tuesday – Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm and Saturday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The WEC is closed on Sunday and Monday. We are closed for all Federal Holidays.Visitor Desk Shifts are:· Tuesday-Friday morning: shifts 8:00am – 12:30pm· Tuesday-Friday evening shifts: 12:30pm – 4:00pm· Saturday full shift: 10:00am – 4:00pmOffsite Outreach Events usually occur in the evenings. Sites may be located as far as an hour drive from the Refuge (in Salt Lake City). Occasionally, staff and volunteers may return from events as late as 9:30 or 10:00 pm.
Training Required:
General training will include the mission, history, and management of the Refuge, the recreational opportunities at the Refuge, and the role of the Refuge as part of the GSL ecosystem. Depending on experience, targeted training will be provided on the flora and fauna at the Refuge. Environmental education and interpretation training for all ages will be given before the volunteer helps with field trips and outreach events.Use of a government vehicle may be required while on duty. All volunteers must complete the appropriate driving forms and 4-hour online Defensive Driving training to be allowed to drive a government vehicle.
Work Environment:
Should work occur indoors in the Wildlife Education Center: the RV volunteer will mainly be sitting at the Front Desk or walking around the exhibits. Some activities may involve being on the nearby trails in a variety of weather conditions. The RV volunteer must be able to move on trails and though visitor areas to interpret native birds and wildlife upon visitors request or when supervisor requests assistance during special events. Occasional lifting of outreach equipment as heavy as 30 lbs. may be required such as boxes, tables, and canopies.Should work occur outdoors: the RV volunteer must be alert for hazards on the wetlands and the trails including falling limbs, uneven and wet terrain, and slips or falls. The RV volunteer must also be able to work in all manner of weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and snow. Lifting of equipment, tools, and supplies as heavy as 30 lbs. may be required.
Benefits:
· Opportunity to engage the community with the natural world, on a team, and in the outdoors.· Visitor Services and interpretation experience for future employment (including experience recognized by federal agencies).Reimbursements:
· RV Hookup for water, power, Wi-Fi, and sewage. Access to laundry facilities.· Uniform shirts are provided.