Volunteer
Job Description
FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a093d000000lojCAAQ/resident-volunteer-opportunity
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ADDRESS: Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge; 321 Port Road; Wells, Maine 04090
DEPT: Fish & Wildlife Service
DATES: 5/29/2023 – 9/25/2023
DESCRIPTION:
Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge (RHCNWR or Refuge) in Wells, Maine, is looking for motivated, enthusiastic volunteers to share their passion for natural history with visitors from around the world. If you like interacting with people, both young and old, this is the volunteer position for you! This position is appropriate for either an individual or couple. An RV or trailer is required.
The Refuge was established in 1966 in cooperation with the State of Maine to protect valuable salt marshes and estuaries for migratory birds. The refuge consists of eleven refuge divisions protecting a total of 5,549 acres of coastal wetlands and upland habitat. All divisions lie along 50 miles of the southern Maine coastline, encompassing the coastal communities of Kittery, York, Ogunquit, Wells, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Biddeford, Saco, Old Orchard Beach, Scarborough, Cape Elizabeth and Eliot, within York and Cumberland Counties. Refuge divisions lie within the Gulf of Maine watershed. The refuge’s proximity to the coast, along with its transitional position between the southern deciduous forests and the northern boreal forests creates unique biodiversity found nowhere else in Maine.
The Refuge’s Timber Point property, located in Biddeford, Maine, is a total of 157 acres and is composed of a variety of habitats including fringing salt marshes, cattail marshes, mixed deciduous forest, mudflats, shrublands, tidal pools, and rocky shores. This parcel is one of the last large, undeveloped properties on the southern Maine coast. Historic properties and associated structures at Timber Point are included on the National Register of Historic Places. These were part of the Ewing family summer estate, and includes the main house, garage/woodshop complex, truck garage, boat house, changing shed, and remnants of a greenhouse.
Core Duties: The majority of duties will be focused on cultural, historic, and natural history interpretation and environmental education with light maintenance work possible at the Timber Point area. Occasional duties, when requested, will involve visitor services activities and programs at the Refuge’s administrative office in Wells, Maine. Typical duties include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Lead bird and nature walks
• Lead environmental education walks with a focus on native plants and pollinators
• Conduct tide pool interpretation
• Provide support to certain YCC crew activities at Timber Point
• Lead cultural history tours of the Ewing house and associated buildings
• Optional participation in occasional refuge meetings and social events, when invited
• Possible light maintenance
• Reporting maintenance needs, violations, and emergencies to RV volunteer coordinator and Refuge Law Enforcement
Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• A welcoming and professional demeanor.
• Enjoys working with the public and can patiently answer questions.
• The ability to communicate effectively with the public.
• Works well both as a team member and independently, once trained.
• Knowledge and ability to apply basic interpretive skills to formal talks and informal contact with the public.
• Interest in natural and local cultural history.
- Backpacking/Camping
- Biology
- Conservation Education
- General Assistance
- Hand Power Tools
- Landscaping/Reforestation
- Photography
- Visitor Information
Description: The Volunteer RV pad (crushed gravel) at Timber Point (Biddeford, ME) has full water, electric, and sewer hook-ups. These amenities are provided in exchange for 20 hours/week of service per person.
Must successfully pass a background check
• Must be available to work on some weekends.
• Must wear the provided US Fish & Wildlife volunteer uniform shirt and name badge.
• Represent the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in a professional manner.
• Possess good communication and interpersonal skills.
• An interest in learning about the Refuge’s programs, trails, and regulations and sharing that knowledge with the visiting public.