Volunteer
Job Description
FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/
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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:
Inspire visitors to fall in love with the largest oasis in the Mojave desert! As a host you will staff our air-conditioned visitor center, support visitors, make sales, and assist with special projects before departing to your onsite RV pad with hookups. People of all backgrounds and abilities are encouraged to apply. Now accepting applications for Sept – November 2021, December 2021 – February 2022, or March – May 2022.
Volunteers needed for the following 3 or 4 month commitments: September – November 2021.
Ash Meadows is the Galapagos of the Mojave Desert
Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge [AMNWR] is an internationally recognized site for the conservation of 26 endemic plant and animal species that live amongst the 50 springs and seeps in the largest oasis in the hottest, driest desert in the United States. AMNWR is managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Its mission is “to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American People.”
For more information, please check out the following:
Official Website: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/ash_meadows/
Refuge Film: https://vimeo.com/groups/13672/videos/87197860
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AshMeadowsNWR/
Why Volunteer at Ash Meadows
A season at Ash Meadows provides your lodging, recreational, and professional-development needs.
RV Pad with electric, water, propane, and WIFI -or- a free room in the shared bunkhouse.
An annual America the Beautiful pass for all federal lands after 250 volunteer hours.
Natural history and interpretation training.
Monthly volunteer enrichment events such as a VIP tour of our fish facility.
Work outside in warm, sunny weather with views of wild vistas, wildflowers, and wildlife.
Live within 2-hours of Death Valley National Park, Red Rocks National Recreation Area, Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, and the Vegas Strip.
When applying please provide contact information for three references. Two references should be professional. If applying as couple please provide both applicant names.
DUTIES
Inspire Visitors to Conserve Endangered Species
The Visitor Center Host facilitates positive, memorable, and meaningful connections between visitors and the refuge’s plants, animals, and water. The volunteer will dedicate 24-hours a week to operating the visitor center, responding to visitor inquiries, makings sales, and providing interpretive moments.* 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.
Visitor Services (80%)
Cultivate a friendly, inclusive visitor-centered experience for local and international visitors.
Provide visitors with accurate, up-to-date information about wildlife, services, and regulations.
Facilitate intellectual and emotional connections between visitors and Ash Meadows.
Respond to phone calls and report issues to the appropriate wildlife staff.
Operate a cash register, make sales, collect moneys, and write end of shift reports.
Open, close and operate audio visual exhibits in visitor center.
Maintain a clean and tidy workspace, visitor center, and bathrooms through a weekly routine.
Wear a volunteer uniform and maintain a neat and professional appearance.
Interpretive Programming (10%)
Rove boardwalks and provide informal interpretation of wildlife, history, and restoration.
Assist with school field trips, virtual programs, onsite youth events, and offsite community events.
Assist with the setup, cleanup, organization, and maintenance of educational gear.
Administration and Special Projects (10%)
Enter visitor center and roving contact data into an excel spreadsheet.
Distribute rack cards and flyers as well as collect mail and drop off recycling.
Optional: lead an interpretive program
Optional: assist with small restoration and maintenance projects
Optional: support refuge with your personal talents (e.g. drawing, photography, construction)
* Based on projected circumstances, we anticipate the volunteer will perform the following duties. Responsibilities may change at any time due to COVID restrictions and other circumstances.
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
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.