Other
Volunteer
Job Description
ADDRESS:
Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge
336 Wilna Road
Warsaw, Virginia 22572
DEPT: Fish & Wildlife Service
DATES: 3/13/2021 – 11/20/2021
DESCRIPTION:
Welcome to YOUR National Wildlife Refuge! Rappahannock River Valley NWR comprises over 9,500 acres in five Counties on Virginia’s “Northern Neck” and “Middle Peninsula”. This is a place where wildlife comes first, and people are visitors.
Plentiful quiet creeks and forest landscapes similar to those first viewed by Capt. John Smith in 1608 still abound. Bald eagles, white-tailed deer, turkeys, quail, fox are commonly seen year-round at the Refuge with an occasional bobcat and otter.
Reconnect with the nature and history at one of the best kept secrets along the eastern seaboard. Virginia’s Northern Neck Peninsula is the “birthplace of our nation” with three of the first five American presidents being born here, along with other prominent families that helped form our nation and its Declaration of Independence. It is a land where generations of Watermen still continue to harvest Rockfish, Blue Crabs and the ever famous Virginia Oyster and, family farms still flourish to this day. A short drive from most of the big Mid-Atlantic cities, one can truly step back in time and experience the road less traveled. You’ll find plenty to see, do and experience in this unique historical region of Virginia known as the Northern Neck.
With a small permanent staff, you’ll see your impact on the mission quite quickly. Our Refuge is very fortunate to have a large number of local volunteers and a wonderful Friend’s group. Our RV Volunteer program began in 2015 and we’ve rarely been without at least one of these dedicated lovers of Public lands ever since.
Currently we are seeking RV Volunteers in support of expanded openings of refuge units to the Public for wildlife dependent activities. We typically have opportunities open annually from mid-March through mid-November. We ask that you consider staying at least three months. Individuals are expected to work 32 hrs/week whereas couples work 24 hours/week (each, can be same days). Work is usually M-F but can include weekends. Days of the week are negotiable and can change with prior coordination.
DUTIES
Posting signs on Public tracts of the Refuge
Assisting staff and other volunteers with small projects related to habitat restoration, maintenance infrastructure, and facilities
Constructing kiosks, wildlife observation platforms
Constructing and maintaining trails
Grounds keeping including mowing, trimming and working with hand tools
Cutting, digging, pulling up, and spraying invasive/exotic plants
Helping maintain native plant gardens
Participate in outreach programs and public events (seasonally)
WORK ENVIRONMENT
RV Volunteers typically work solo, as a couple, or in small groups with staff and other volunteers on Refuge priority projects in outdoor settings, or in a workshop. Public events, seasonally, are also part of this position including the preparation, set up/take down.