Volunteer
Job Description
Found at: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a09t000000C91yHAAR/rv-volunteer-fee-ranger
DATES: 10/17/2021 – 2/28/2022
ADDRESS: Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge
1001 Highway 1
San Antonio, New Mexico 87832
Welcome to Wild at one of America’s most premier federal lands – Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge! As a volunteer for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fee Rangers will inform and inspire visitors at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in Central New Mexico.
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is located in central New Mexico along the Rio Grande, an oasis in the desert. It is well known for the tens of thousands of cranes, geese, and ducks who winter here each year. While refuge staff conduct the tasks associated with water management, agricultural work, and endangered/threatened species conservation, volunteers assist in communicating this and other refuge work to visitors.
We are seeking individuals to serve as fee rangers for the October 18, 2021 through February 28, 2022 season. All applicants must be available for the entire season; single individuals are encouraged to apply. We anticipate filling 3 fee ranger positions this season. We will consider couples if we can find an appropriate position for your partner. RV pads are the only available housing.
The Fee Ranger Position requires that you work three and a half days per week (eight hours per day for three days and one 4-hour day) October 18, 2021 through February 28, 2022. Your lunch break will be one hour off duty near the midpoint of your shift.
Selected applicants must be able to reach out fee booth window to carry out transactions. The fee booth is furnished with office style chairs so that you can rest between vehicles and read a book or work on your own laptop or other electronic device. Protective barriers will be in place and you will be provided with personal protective equipment that may be required during the COVID-19 pandemic. You will be asked to comply with COVID-19 safe work practices to protect yourself, your fellow team members and the public.
Must have basic math skills for handling transactions involving money. This is a great position for someone that enjoys working independently and takes pleasure in the quiet time in between the little rushes of visitors.
You will be required to complete a free online defensive driving course, if you have not completed one in the last three years.
You may be required to have a federal background investigation completed for this position. If you had a favorably adjudicated federal background investigation completed, please indicate the year and agency on your application.
Please list at least two volunteer or professional work references on your application.
DUTIES
Core Duties:
Please note that the refuge visitor center is currently closed, so some flexibility in duties may be necessary as COVID-19 pandemic precautions are implemented. You will be provided with personal protective equipment that may be required during the COVID-19 pandemic. You will be asked to comply with COVID-19 safe work practices to protect yourself, your fellow team members, and the public.
Meets and cheerfully greets visitors while staffing the fee booth.
Explains basic refuge regulations to visitors such as areas open for biking, hiking, and walking dogs.
Offers wildlife viewing advice and gives driving directions.
Appropriately restocks trail guides and maps at trail heads and entrance locations.
Concisely explains the refuge entry fee options.
Operates an electronic cash register to sell entry passes.
Issues non-fee passes according to policy.
Accurately completes end of day shift reports and maintains security of accountable stock.
As a public point of contact, receives reports from visitors of rare wildlife sightings, problems or violations and provides public comment forms and/or calls for appropriate refuge staff to deal with the issue.
When safe to do so, goes out on the refuge to areas of high bird concentration and uses spotting scope, binoculars and field guides to help visitors identify birds and to increase the visitor’s understanding of the refuge mission and objectives.
Safely picks-up and disposes of litter found along roadways, trails and visitor areas.
Maintains fee booth in a clean and tidy condition. Cleaning may include: sweeping, washing windows, wiping counters, emptying trash cans, disinfecting toilets and other tasks as assigned or as seen as needed by the volunteer. Complies with COVID-19 pandemic safe work practices.
Complies with volunteer uniform policy. Maintains a neat and professional appearance.
COLLATERAL DUTIES:
Assists with other projects as assigned based on the needs of the refuge which could include assisting with janitorial duties. The COVID-19 pandemic could result in operational changes. If the Visitor Center is closed the volunteer will be required to take on other duties in order to fill a minimum of 24 hours per week. These duties could include tasks that are more physical in nature such as assisting with: landscaping, invasive plant removal, painting, minor carpentry, organizing and cleaning refuge warehouses and many other projects that are on the refuge “long-term to do list”.