Volunteer
Job Description
FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/
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ADDRESS: Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge; 2700 Suwannee Canal Road; Folkston 31537
DEPT: Fish & Wildlife Service
DATES: 5/17/2021 – 10/1/2021
DESCRIPTION:
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is looking for Resident Volunteers/Work Campers for our summer and fall season. We have both visitor services and maintenance positions available for volunteers.
Volunteers needed for May – September (can be flexible on starting and ending date)
Okefenokee National Wildlife Overview
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1937 and presently encompasses 403,000 acres of the Okefenokee Swamp. Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge conserves the unique qualities of the Okefenokee Swamp for future generations to enjoy. The swamp is considered the headwaters of the Suwannee and St Marys Rivers. Habitats provide for threatened and endangered species, such as red-cockaded woodpeckers, wood storks, indigo snakes, and a wide variety of other wildlife species. It is world renowned for its amphibian populations that are bio-indicators of global health, and more than 600 plant species have been identified on refuge lands. The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge has 353,981 acres of National Wilderness Area within the refuge boundaries. In addition, the refuge is a Wetland of International Importance (RAMSAR Convention – 1971) because it is one of the world’s largest intact freshwater ecosystems. More than 400,000 visitors annually spend time boating, hiking, canoeing, and participating in education programs at Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.
For more information, please visit the following:
Official Website: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Okefenokee/about.html
Friends of Okefenokee Website: https://www.okefenokeefriends.org/
Why volunteer at Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
A season at Okefenokee provides lodging, unlimited outdoor recreation, and professional growth and development.
RV pad with full hookups (water, sewer, electric), propane, Wi-Fi, and laundry facilities
Work 3, 8-hour consecutive days per week
Three-month or more commitment preferred
Enjoy sightings of more than 200 bird species, 49 mammal species, 64 reptile species, 37 amphibian species, and 39 fish species
Explore our upland islands, open lakes, cypress forests, and wet “prairies” that contain our over 600 plant species, including 12 carnivorous plants (pitcher plants, sundews, bladderworts, and butterworts)
Rural atmosphere, open spaces, beautiful landscapes, peaceful, and dark skies
Friendly and engaging staff
Hours: Volunteers will work 24 hours per week on 3, 8-hour consecutive days. Working on the weekends and holidays may be required. A three-month or more commitment is required.
Accommodations: RV sites are located a short distance to the Visitor Center and Maintenance buildings. RV pads are level concrete pads with full hookups (water, sewer, and electricity), propane, and Wi-Fi. Just a few steps away is a laundry facility.
DUTIES
Volunteers in the Visitor Center welcome visitors, answer the public’s questions, and assist in the nature gift store. The Visitor Center is open 9:00 am – 4:00 pm daily and is located only a short distance to Volunteer Village (RV sites). Maintenance volunteer job duties will vary with previous experience, knowledge, and the refuge’s current needs. Some of the most common maintenance responsibilities include lawn, trail, and building maintenance and various light construction projects. Couples will work on the same shift but may not be conducting the same duties. We will discuss each person’s strengths and interests when deciding which type of volunteer responsibilities are best suited for them.
*If applying as a couple, please provide both applicant names.
Visitor Services
Open and close the Visitor Center and maintain materials to reach and orient visitors
Foster a friendly, inclusive, visitor-centered experience for visitors
Provide visitors with accurate, up-to-date information about facility locations, wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities, and rules and regulations
Answer the telephone and respond to visitors’ questions about the refuge and general information about the area
Help facilitate cultural history and natural history interpretive programs, an informational movie, and interpretation materials
Check and clean restrooms and stock brochures in visitor services areas
Rove areas on the refuge and provide informal interpretation of wildlife, history, and refuge management
Assist with community events
Maintenance
Lawn care maintenance includes mowing, picking up limbs and pinecones, blowing off high traffic areas, and caring for the equipment used in lawn care
Pick up litter along refuge drives and high traffic areas and upkeep recycling areas
Clear upland trails using hand and motorized tools and remove debris from walking trails
Complete small, light construction projects as needed
Help maintain and clean buildings and facilities as needed (pressure wash, vacuum, sweep, remove debris, etc)
Check and clean restrooms and stock brochures in visitor services areas
Work on various other projects that help maintain our refuge and the facilities
QUALIFICATIONS
Willing to work 24 hours per week, including weekends and holidays
Willing to commit for three months or more
Ability to communicate effectively to the public about rules and regulations in a courteous, friendly, tactful, and intelligent manner
Desire to work either Visitor Services or Maintenance related duties
Enthusiasm and willingness to learn
Wear a volunteer uniform and maintain a neat and professional appearance
Valid driver’s license