Job Description
Program Overview: Though summertime in Florida is often given a bad rap, there are so many unique features that our winter visitors miss out on! Join us for a Florida Summer Adventure and experience a Florida that you’ve never seen before! Visitors from all over the world travel to Big Cypress National Preserve to see if they can catch a glimpse of an endangered Florida Panther, spot a flock of roseate spoonbills, and watch alligators in the wild. They walk along our boardwalks, viewing animals unlike anything they’ve seen before, and immerse themselves in the wonder of cypress domes. They come to canoe the water ways, hike in the back country, take an off-road vehicle ride, seek stunning vistas, and stop at the visitor centers to learn more about the swamp, pinelands, prairies, and cypress domes, history, and the many uses of the Preserve’s 729,000 acres.
Volunteers will be issued uniform shirts, a jacket, and a hat but must supply their own neutral-colored pants, socks, and closed-toed shoes. If you are being provided housing, each volunteer (regardless of couple or single) must work 24 hours a week.
Major Duties:
Ø Provide information to visitors in the visitor’s centers, and on boardwalks
Ø Give trip-planning advice, and act as an overall guide for the visitor’s trip
Ø Volunteers should expect to spend more time in the visitor center than out in the field.
Ø Maintain consistent communication with volunteer supervisor. Reports vandalism and safety hazards, as well as repairs needed to facilities.
Ø Potentially assist in performing bookstore operations (stocking shelves, ringing out customers, etc.)
Ø Other duties as necessary (with training)
Volunteer Qualifications:
The best candidate and fit for this role is someone who is comfortable working alone and/or with minimal supervision, is okay with both busy days and slow days, can commit to at least one (1) month of service, and work a minimum of 24 hours each week.