Volunteer Visitor Services Ranger

CAMPGROUND: Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee NWR

DEPT: Fish & Wildlife Service

AVAILABILITY: 5/1/2021–4/30/2023

RV INFORMATION: 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.

DESCRIPTION

Volunteer Activities• Construction/Maintenance • Computers • Conservation Education • Office/Clerical • Other • Trail/Campground Maintenance • Tour Guide/Interpretation • Visitor Information • Fish/Wildlife • General Assistance Photo Courtesy of FWS DescriptionSam 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 benefit from the variety of habitats the refuge provides. Assorted water and 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. Position Title: Volunteer Visitor Services Ranger Dates: We are targeting volunteers that are available throughout the fall/winter months, but the start and end dates for this position are very flexible and are available throughout year.  Volunteers will commit to working at the refuge 24 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 in and around the visitor center, as well as around the refuge, to help ensure that our visitors have a memorable and safe experience at Noxubee.  Duties of Volunteer Rangers include providing interpretation, orientation, and information to visitors and other volunteers; collecting fees and selling permits to visitors (if willing to undergo an extensive background check); running the refuge check stations throughout the fall/winter hunting seasons; providing telephone and receptionist services; performing opening/closing duties at the visitors center; maintaining the cleanliness of the visitors center, restrooms, and general work shop areas; and assisting the park ranger with special projects and events.  Individual volunteer projects are flexible and will be assigned once the volunteer starts working at the refuge, as they are usually unexpected projects that staff need assistance with. Requirements: We are seeking applicants who have strong customer service skills and some public speaking ability.  The ability to communicate in a clear, friendly, and enthusiastic way with a wide variety of people is important as well. Preferred attributes include: being a self-starter, having a positive attitude and patient disposition, fostering a desire to learn about and explore the refuge, displaying genuine enthusiasm for serving the public, and possessing a strong work ethic. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and must be willing to undergo on-site training for various projects.  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 2 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 reserve RV pads on a first contacted, first confirmed basis.  Thanks so much 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.