Volunteer
Job Description
FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/
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ADDRESS: Desert National Wildlife Range; 16001 Corn Creek Road; Las Vegas, Nevada 89124
DEPT: Fish & Wildlife Service
DATES: 9/1/2021 – 10/31/2021
DESCRIPTION:
Share your love of wildlife and National Wildlife Refuges. Join us as a Visitor Center Volunteer at Desert National Wildlife Refuge. Now accepting applications for 2-month resident position lasting September & October 2021.
Spend your days in the beautiful Mojave Desert of Desert National Wildlife Refuge!
Volunteers needed for a 2-month commitment: September – October 2021.
Position opens, closes and staffs the Corn Creek Visitor Center, the main gateway to the 1.6 million acre refuge. The Visitor Center has a wonderful exhibit hall, small store and classrooms, plus modern administrative facilities. It provides access to an accessible frontcountry trail system and has excellent birding and wildlife viewing opportunities. To learn more about the refuge go to www.fws.gov/refuge/desert. There is also a film about the refuge (https://vimeo.com/86424950).
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 30 minutes north of Las Vegas, NV, 20 minutes to Mt. Charleston (Spring Mountains NRA), and 45 minutes to Lake Mead NRA. Grand Canyon (North & South Rim), Zion, Bryce Canyon and Death Valley 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
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Desert NWR is located approximately 20 miles northwest of Las Vegas. It ranges in elevation from approximately 2000 feet to almost 10,000 feet. The visitor center where most of the work is performed is located at an elevation of approximately 2,900 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 and Wi-Fi are available on the refuge.