Volunteer Heavy Equipment Operator

CAMPGROUND: Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee NWR

DEPT: Fish & Wildlife Service

AVAILABILITY: 8/1/2020–12/31/2021

RV INFORMATION:  The refuge will provide volunteers with a full hook-up 50-amp trailer pad plus access to free garbage and laundry facilities. Volunteers will also have access to 15 GB of shared Wi-Fi.

DESCRIPTION

Volunteer Activities• Construction/Maintenance • Trail/Campground Maintenance • General Assistance Photo Courtesy of FWS DescriptionSam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge is seeking volunteers to be responsible for operating heavy equipment in a safe and appropriate manner.  Heavy equipment may include trucks, front-end loaders, dozers, graders, compactors, and other pieces of equipment. Location: Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge is located in three counties (Noxubee, Oktibbeha, and Winston) and was created from lands obtained through the 1930s Resettlement Administration. The refuge consists of pine and hardwood forest types which provide unique habitat types that the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker relies on.  This population of woodpeckers is one of only four sites the species can be seen in the state.  In addition, many neotropical migratory bird species greatly benefit from the variety of habitats the refuge provides.  Four green-tree reservoirs (GTRs), two major lakes (Bluff Lake – 900 acres and Loakfoma Lake – 400 acres), 16 small impoundments, and assorted wetland areas provide important habitat for the wood stork, American alligator, bald eagle, and wintering waterfowl.  The refuge is enjoyed by over 150,000 visitors annually who participate in activities including fishing, hunting, hiking, wildlife photography, wildlife observation, environmental education, and research. Fall/Winter at Noxubee: Fall/Winter at Noxubee is comfortable with average temperatures ranging from 80 degrees to 50 degrees.  This unique climate provides visitors with a wonderful opportunity to observe a variety of wildlife.  Some of the wildlife that can be found on the refuge throughout the fall/winter months is – muscadines, migrating waterfowl, woodcocks, bald eagles, deer, squirrels, osprey, and horned owls.  Days are generally sunny with occasional afternoon rain events. Position Title: Volunteer Heavy Equipment Operator Dates: We are looking for volunteers that are available throughout the fall/winter months, but the start and end dates for this position are very flexible.  Volunteers will commit to working at the refuge 32 hours a week, 3-4 days a week, typically starting around 7:00 am.  Both individuals and couples are welcome to apply. Position Description: We are seeking volunteers to serve as heavy equipment operators. We expect to utilize at least two volunteers to supplement our refuge heavy equipment operators.  Our volunteers perform similar duties as our refuge heavy equipment operators.  These duties include: operating all heavy equipment in a safe and effective manner according to refuge policies; performing daily safety and maintenance checks; cleaning heavy equipment as scheduled and/or required; ensuring that heavy equipment is safely and securely stored; advising refuge staff of any requirements for maintenance or repairs; participating in routine maintenance; maintaining roads in order to ensure safe roadways within the refuge; and performing other related duties. Individual volunteer projects are flexible and will be assigned once the volunteer starts working at the refuge. Requirements: We are seeking applicants who have knowledge in the following areas: operation of front end loaders, dozers, graders, compactors, and other pieces of heavy equipment; road construction and maintenance techniques; workplace safety requirements and procedures; and equipment cleaning standards and procedures. Preferred attributes include: a positive attitude, a strong work ethic, and ability to deal with the public in a courteous and respectful manner.  Applicants must have the ability to work outside in all weather conditions with excessive dust or dirt.  Position may require bending, lifting, and climbing. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and must pass a federal background check prior to starting.  Onsite training will be provided to suitable candidates. Area Information: Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge is located about 16 miles south of Starkville, MS.  Starkville has a variety of shopping centers, restaurants, and grocery stores.  Nearby attractions include Mississippi State University, Tombigbee National Forest, John W. Starr Memorial Forest, Legion State Park, Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi State University Golf Course, and Lake Tiak-O’Khata. How to Apply: Applicants are encouraged to e-mail a cover letter and resume to taylor_hackemack@fws.gov or mail to Taylor Hackemack, Volunteer Coordinator, 13723 Bluff Lake Road, Brooksville, MS 39739. Please include your dates of availability and 3 references with phone numbers.  You may also apply online, through this website, but preference will be given to applicants who apply directly. There is no application deadline, but we plan to begin reviewing applications as soon as we receive them.  Thanks for your interest! HOUSING & AMENITIESType: Trailer/RV PadsDescription: The refuge will provide volunteers with a full hook-up 50-amp trailer pad plus access to free garbage and laundry facilities. Volunteers will also have access to 15 GB of shared Wi-Fi.