Other
Volunteer
Job Description
FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a093d000000VJXnAAO/ash-meadows-nwr-visitor-center-host-202223
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ADDRESS: Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge; 610 Spring Meadows Rd; Amargosa Valley, Nevada 89020
DEPT: Fish & Wildlife Service
DATES: 9/1/2022 – 5/31/2023
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. Your onsite RV pad includes full hookups, propane, and WIFI. Now accepting applications for September – November 2022, December 2022 – February 2023, or March – May 2023.
Volunteers needed for the following 3-month commitments: September – November 2022, December 2022 – February 2023, March – May 2023.
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 you the opportunity to live and work in one of the most unique areas in the desert southwest. Benefits of volunteering include:
- RV Pad with electric, water, propane, and WIFI
- An annual America the Beautiful pass for all federal lands after 250 volunteer hours
- Natural history and interpretation training
- Monthly volunteer enrichment events
- Work outside in warm, sunny weather with views of wild vistas, wildflowers, and wildlife
- Live within 2-hours of Death Valley National Park, Red Rock 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.
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 per week per person to operating the visitor center, responding to visitor inquiries, makings sales, and providing interpretive moments. The 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 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)
- Willing to work 24 hours per week per person, including weekends and holidays
- Desire to talk with and inform the public about rules and regulations
- Must wear USFWS volunteer uniform, including a mask while inside the building
- Enthusiasm and willingness to learn
- Valid driver’s license
- Must be fully vaccinated
- Must be prepared to live in extreme conditions. RVs should be equipped with adequate air conditioning, heating, and showers.
- Clerical/Office Machines
- Office/Clerical
- Visitor Information
- Working with People
- 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
- General housekeeping
- Slip, trip, and fall hazards
- Yes