Volunteer
Job Description
ADDRESS: Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge; 610 Spring Meadows Rd; Amargosa Valley, Nevada 89020
DEPT: Fish & Wildlife Service
DATES: 9/1/2021 – 5/31/2022
DESCRIPTION:
Share your love of wildlife and National Wildlife Refuges. Join us as a Visitor Center Volunteer at Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. Now accepting applications for Sept – November 2021, December 2021 – February 2022, or March – May 2022.
Spend your days in the beautiful oases of Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge!
Volunteers needed for the following 3 or 4 month commitments: September – November 2021, December 2021 – February 2022, or March – May 2022.
Position opens, closes and staffs the visitor center. The state-of-the-art visitor center has a wonderful exhibit hall, small store, plus modern administrative facilities. It provides access to an accessible one-mile boardwalk with excellent birding and wildlife viewing opportunities. To learn more about the refuge, please visit http://www.fws.gov/refuge/ash_meadows/. There is also a film about the refuge (https://vimeo.com/groups/13672/videos/87197860).
As the resident host, you provide orientation, interpretation and answer visitor questions at the main information desk. You would also cover topics regarding the refuge, local natural and cultural resources, safety precautions, rules and regulations, recreational opportunities, and area services. You would also assist staff with operations and maintenance of facilities, including cleaning bathrooms, emptying trash containers, ensuring refuge is free of litter and other more complex maintenance and visitor facility projects within your abilities.
Schedule is typically 4 days on and 3 days off. Day to day schedule varies. Couples will work the same days but may not have the same daily schedule.
Location of refuge is about 90 minutes north/northwest of Las Vegas, NV. The closest towns are Amargosa Valley and Pahrump. Death Valley National Park is about 30 minutes away. Other nearby places to see include Mt. Charleston (Spring Mountains NRA), and Lake Mead NRA. Grand Canyon (North & South Rim), Zion, and Bryce Canyon National Parks are all less than a half day’s drive.
RV or motor home utility hook-ups for electric, water, and sewage available. No propane. Hosting requires 24 hours/week per resident. Exact start and end dates negotiable.
When applying please provide contact information for three references. Two references should be professional. If applying as couple please provide both applicant names.
DUTIES
Greet visitors, answer visitor questions, and advise of refuge rules and regulations.
Staff Visitor Center, including refuge bookstore, during normal operating hours as needed.
Replenish brochure racks and patrol area around the center for litter.
Clean and restock the bathrooms at the visitor center as needed.
Perform simple housekeeping to maintain cleanliness of visitor center exhibits, community rooms, and offices.
Volunteer may be asked to drive a government vehicle.
If capable and qualified, volunteer may be asked to present interpretive or educational programs at public events or for school groups.
Each resident must work a minimum of 24 hours per week each in exchange for RV space and hookup utilities.
Other duties may be assigned by Site or Direct supervisor.
QUALIFICATIONS
Willing to work 24 hours per week, including weekends and holidays
Desire to talk with and inform the public about rules and regulations
Must wear USFWS volunteer uniform
Enthusiasm and willingness to learn
Valid driver’s license
Ash Meadows NWR is located approximately 100 miles northwest of Las Vegas. It ranges in elevation from approximately 2000 feet to just over 3000 feet. The visitor center where most of the work is performed is located at an elevation of approximately 2,100 feet.
This position is primarily based in the visitor center. Shifts are typically 4 or 8 hours.
RV or motor home utility hook-ups for electric, water, and sewage are available. Propane is also provided.
Laundry facilities are available on the refuge.