Volunteer
Job Description
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DATES: 1/4/2021 – 5/28/2021
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1937 to preserve the 438,000 acre Okefenokee Swamp. Habitats include open wet “prairies,” cypress forests, scrub-shrub vegetation, upland islands, and open lakes. Wildlife species include wading birds, ducks, alligators and other reptiles, a variety of amphibians, bobcats, raptors, white-tailed deer, black bears, and songbirds.
Volunteers play a vital role in the maintenance and visitor services programs at the refuge. Volunteers will work primarily on-site providing visitors with information about the refuge and its resources. Volunteers directly affect the quality and success of refuge operations; visitors’ safety, comfort, and enjoyment; and the public’s understanding and image of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Opportunity for 2 Maintenance AND/OR Visitor Services Volunteers for January – May 2021.
Maintenance Volunteer
The refuge seeks general maintenance volunteers who will assist the refuge with up keep of refuge facilities and equipment. Ideal candidates should have experience operating power tools and maintenance equipment. Volunteers will be relied upon to help with mowing, maintaining trails, and general upkeep of public use facilities which includes cleaning restrooms.
Visitor Services Volunteer
Visitor Services duties include staffing the visitor center, greeting the public, answering phones, operating the nature store, restocking brochures, cleaning the interior and exterior of public areas including restroom facilities, and occasionally assiting with educational programs and providing interpretive services. Additional duties may vary depending on individual interest, skills, and talents.
Training is provided to teach volunteers refuge rules and regulations and how to operate required equipment. Volunteers who are flexible and have positive attitudes typically have excellent experiences working in the visitor services and maintenance programs. Volunteers must have the ability to work effectively with people of various perspectives and have patience and tact with visitors.
Housing
An RV pad with electrical, water, and sewer is provided in exchange for 24 hours/week of service per person for couples, and 32 hours/week for individuals. Laundry and gym facilities provided on site. Limited WiFi is available at the RV sites. Cell coverage is good depending on the service carrier.
Local Information
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is located 10 miles west of Folkston, Georgia situated near several coastal communities where local restaurants, shopping, and fun are only a 20 – 30 minutes drive from your RV site. We are located 45 minutes north from Jacksonville, FL.
A minimum of 3 months is preferred and longer commitments (up to 6 months) will be considered. Flexible on start and end dates.