Preserve Caretaker – Mowing

FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a09SJ000005wI07

ADDRESS: 33100 Tamiami Trail East  Ochopee, Florida, 34141

DATES: 5/1/2025 – 10/31/2025

DEPT: National Park Service

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Preserve Caretaker – Mowing

The primary goal of this position is to assist staff in maintaining clean, well-maintained landscapes

across the preserve, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for visitors.

Description of Duties

· Perform ground mowing and trimming in various areas of the preserve.

· Operate and maintain mowing equipment, ensuring all tools are in proper working

condition.

· Follow safety protocols when using machinery and working in hot outdoor conditions.

· Work with park staff and other volunteers to meet maintenance needs.

· Assist with general groundskeeping tasks, as needed.

Qualifications

Volunteers must feel fit for the job and capable of working in outdoor environments.

· Have excellent teamwork skills.

· Be able to communicate with their supervisors and fellow volunteers and park staff effectively.

· Be able to take direction as well as exercise good judgment while adhering to preserve regulations and safety standards.

· Have a valid driver’s license.

· Be able to stand or walk for extended time, bend and kneel and may occur on uneven, rough, or slippery terrain.

· Be able to lift 10-20 pounds unassisted.

· Comfortable using common hand and light power tools and performing minor equipment maintenance.

· Awareness of surroundings, especially when operating machinery or tools in the field.

Working Environment and Safety Considerations

Temperatures can range from 50 to over 100 degrees. Humidity can make the “feels like”

temperature exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Volunteers working outside will be subject to

direct sunlight, potential exposure to bugs that bite or sting, and potentially (though rare)

encounters with wildlife (including, but not limited to, snakes and alligators). Danger exists

due to possible cuts, scrapes, bruises, and burns. Groundskeeping takes place outside, usually

without any shade or cover. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided.

Time Commitment:

· Local volunteers not requiring an RV pad: Minimum 4 hours per week. · Volunteers requiring an RV pad: o Individual: Minimum of 32 hours per week. o Couples: Minimum of 48 combined hours per week. RVs must be fully self-contained, and RV pads include water and electric hookups. Volunteers will have access to a coin- laundry facility and pool at the headquarters building. RV pads are located at Donna Drive or behind the Oasis Visitor Center. The ability of volunteers to commit to one month is beneficial.

Tagged as: Couples / Duos, Single / Solo, SUMMER '25