Volunteer
Job Description
FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a09t000000CBvhCAAT/preserve-administration-assistant
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ADDRESS: Big Cypress National Preserve; 33100 Tamiami Trail East; Ochopee, Florida 34141
DEPT: National Park Service
DATES: 8/3/2021 – 7/31/2022
DESCRIPTION:
Join the Administration team and assist with the behind-the-scenes work done Big Cypress National Preserve.
Visitors from all over the world travel to Big Cypress National Preserve to see if they can catch a glimpse of an endangered Florida Panther, spot a flock of roseate spoonbills, and watch alligators in the wild. They walk along our boardwalks, viewing animals unlike anything they’ve seen before, and immerse themselves in the wonder of cypress domes. They come to canoe the water ways, hike in the back country, take an off-road vehicle ride, seek stunning vistas, and stop at the visitor centers to learn more about the swamp, pinelands, prairies, and cypress domes, history, and the many uses of the Preserve’s 729,000 acres. It takes a lot of administrative effort to keep the Preserve functioning. Volunteers for this position can work in any division where there is a need for some administrative support.
Duties in this position can range from answering phones to scheduling meetings, organizing and photocopying administrative documents, preparing copies of reports. These volunteers will be asked to assist with updating spreadsheets and documents, organizing credit card statements for review, etc. They may be asked to assist with records management efforts, technical assistance, shuttling supplies, and other logistical support.
Key among qualifications are strong communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team. Volunteers in this position will be knowledgeable of Microsoft Office products, copiers, scanners, fax machines, etc.
Confidentiality is required when dealing with sensitive information.
Most of the work will take place inside the Preserve Headquarters, the Facilities building, or in one of the two visitor centers as determined by your supervisor. The temperature can range from 50 to over 100 degrees. Humidity can make the feels like temperature exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Volunteers working outside will be subject to direct sunlight, potential exposure to bugs that bite or sting, and potentially (though rare) encounters with wildlife (including, but not limited to, snakes and alligators).
Social distancing and other precautions as a result of Covid-19 are still being taken at Big Cypress National Preserve. These will change with CDC guidance as interpreted by DOI.
Individual volunteers from the area who are no in need of an RV pad are asked to contribute a minimum of 2 hours per week. Individual volunteers who are interested in volunteering but are in need of an RV pad must contribute 32 hours per week; couples in the situation must contribute 48 hours total. RVs must be fully contained. Water and electric hookups are included. The preserve offers RV Volunteers a coin operated laundry facility and pool at the headquarters building. RV pads for this position will be located at either Donna Drive or behind the Oasis Visitor Center. RV pads are in high demand. The ability of volunteers to commit to the full season, October to mid-May, is beneficial.