Volunteer
Job Description
FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a09SJ000000MY9V
ADDRESS: 33100 Tamiami Trail East Ochopee, Florida, 34141
DATES:8/13/2024 – 10/31/2024
DEPT: National Park Service
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Program Overview: 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.
Vault volunteers represent the National Park Service and are a valuable asset to the preserve’s operation. Maintenance Volunteers deal with a variety of people and personalities. But most of all, Big Cypress maintenance volunteers ensure that park visitors have as safe, clean and enjoyable a visit as possible. As emissaries of the NPS, you can make the difference between an adequate and an excellent experience. Major duties and requirements of this position are listed below.
Volunteers will be issued uniform shirts, a jacket, and a hat but must supply their own khaki or dark brown pants, socks, and closed-toed shoes. In exchange for 32 hours of work each week (4, 8-hour days) Volunteers will be given a concrete or gravel RV pad with full-hookups. PPE and training will also be given to the selected volunteer.
While this is one of the least glamourous jobs within the preserve, these volunteers also get to see the MOST of the preserve. Volunteers who have done this job in the past have seen panthers, bobcats, caracara, and other awesome wildlife!
Major Duties:
Ø Maintain/clean day-use areas and vault restrooms: This includes using a pressure washer, and related cleaning supplies to make sure the vault toilets and day-use areas are clean for visitors
Ø Independently rove the preserve looking for and removing discarded tires, batteries, cans, bottles, and trash
Ø Provide information to visitors as needed.
Ø Maintain consistent communication with volunteer supervisor. Reports vandalism and safety hazards, as well as repairs needed to facilities.
If you enjoy having perfect weather during the coldest six (6) months out of the year, this may be the job for you!
This position is only open to applicants from August until the end of October. Full hookup RV pads are available for this position. Brick and Mortar housing may be available on a case-by-case basis (no pets).