Other
Volunteer
Job Description
FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a093d000000nkrpAAA/visitor-center-host
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ADDRESS: Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex; Las Vegas, Nevada
DEPT: Fish & Wildlife Service
DATES: 8/30/2023 – 6/3/2024
DESCRIPTION:
Share your love of wildlife and National Wildlife Refuges. Join us as a Visitor Center Volunteer at the Desert National Wildlife Refuge 9NWR) Complex. Now accepting applications for positions open between September 2023 – May 2024.
Recruitment now open for the 2023-24 season! Volunteers needed for the following 3-month commitments: September – November 2023; December 2023 – February 2024; and March – May 2024.
Spend your days in the beautiful Mojave Desert of Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex! Multiple volunteer visitor center host opportunities are located at Desert National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), Pahranagat NWR, or Ash Meadows NWR, located between 30 minutes to 1.5 hours of Las Vegas in Southern Nevada. You can learn more about the refuges here:
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/ash-meadows
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/desert
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/pahranagat
We are looking for volunteers who will enjoy working directly with the public as a Visitor Center Host. Position opens, closes, and staffs a refuge Visitor Center. Each Visitor Center has a world-class exhibit hall, small store, classrooms, and modern administrative facilities. Each provides access to an accessible front-country trail system with excellent birding and wildlife viewing opportunities.
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. Hours requirements are 24 hours/week per resident for couples and up to 32 hours/week for singles, depending on the site. Exact start and end dates negotiable.
In return, we provide: a small-team environment to learn and grow in; opportunities to explore behind the scenes with refuge staff; unique landscapes filled with incredible plants and animals; and an RV or motor home site with utility hook-ups for electric, water, and sewage. Propane may be provided depending on the site.
When applying please provide contact information for three references. Two references should be professional. If applying as couple please provide both applicant names.
- 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.
- Other duties may be assigned by Site or Direct supervisor.
- 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
- Conservation Education
- Drivers License
- General Assistance
- Office/Clerical
- Public Speaking
- Visitor Information
- Working with People
- This position is primarily based in the visitor center. Shifts are typically 4 or 8 hours.
- Work may include outdoors tasks such as roving trails, light yardwork, and general maintenance tasks
- Laundry facilities and Wi-Fi are available on the refuge.
- Nearby recreation includes Mt. Charleston (Spring Mountains NRA), Lake Mead NRA and Red Rock Canyon NWR. Grand Canyon (North & South Rim), Zion, Bryce Canyon and Death Valley National Parks are all less than a half day’s drive. Las Vegas, a city of 2.3 million, offers all major services along with unparalleled entertainment, culture, and culinary options.
- Refuge locations are remote. Between 30 to 90 minutes from Las Vegas and major services.