Volunteer
Job Description
FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a093d000000WAd0AAG/maintenance-visitor-services-resident-volunteers
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ADDRESS: J.N. ‘Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge; Sanibel, Florida 33957
DEPT: Fish & Wildlife Service
DATES: 12/1/2022 – 4/23/2023
DESCRIPTION:
J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is seeking enthusiastic, friendly, and outgoing volunteers to assist staff in the day to day activities of the refuge. J. N. “Ding” Darling NWR is located on the subtropical barrier island of Sanibel in the Gulf of Mexico. The refuge is part of the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the United States. It is world-famous for its spectacular migratory bird populations.
We are seeking resident volunteers for the 2022-2023 winter season. We provide full RV hookups and WiFi in exchange for 24 hours per week for per person. Laundry facility is also free and located in stand alone structure near RV hook ups.
Visitor Services volunteers staff the refuge visitor center, greet and orient visitors, assist with office duties, keep visitor center tidy, and brochure stocked. Resident volunteers can assist with environmental education programs, outreach, and special events. As our visitor center is staffed 7 days a week, a willingness to work weekends is required.
General Maintenance volunteers assist with: facilities and grounds maintenance, light painting, mowing, weeding, trimming, and equipment repairs. Ability to work with hand tools and small mowers required. Carpentry skills are appreciated.
A valid driver’s license and a defensive driving course (provided) are required to operate a government vehicle. Applicants with FWS training certificates are always in demand.
• Work with staff, other volunteers, and the general public.
Ability to lift 50 pounds and walk a minimum of 1 mile for maintenance volunteers.
• Participate in on-site job training as necessary.
• Ability to communicate effectively to the public about rules and regulations in a courteous, friendly, and tactful manner.
• Desire to converse and inform visitors about wildlife and wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities on the Refuge and surrounding areas
• Enthusiasm and willingness to learn
• Wear a volunteer uniform, and maintain a neat and professional appearance
• Valid driver’s license
• Interest, skills and background in working on maintenance projects (grounds keeping, mechanics, carpentry, other trade skills) are desired. Must be in good physical condition and able to work in warm temperatures among biting insects and poison ivy.
• Must commit to a minimum of 3 months.
• We are looking for Resident Volunteers who are flexible, easy-going, and self-motivated. We are a small, busy staff that are often juggling many projects at once. This means that we often change direction quickly and frequently, and we need everyone on our team to be able to adjust to those changes.
- Carpentry
- Clerical/Office Machines
- Conservation Education
- Drivers License
- General Assistance
- Hand Power Tools
- Heavy Equipment
- Landscaping/Reforestation
- Office/Clerical
- Other Trade Skills
- Photography
- Public Speaking
- Teaching
- Visitor Information
- Working with People
Indoors and Outdoors. Facility and grounds, trails maintenance will entail outdoor work. Temperature can vary greatly throughout the season and high humidity levels can be expected. Biting insects are present year-round and poison ivy is prevalent. Personal protective equipment will be provided. Visitor services work will be both outdoors on the Wildlife Drive, trails, and outreach events and inside at the Visitor and Education Center where air-conditioning is available. Resident Volunteers typically work solo, as a couple, or in small groups with staff and other volunteers on Refuge priority. Public events, seasonally, are also part of this position including the preparation, set up/take down.
- General housekeeping
- Slip, trip, and fall hazards
- Equipment operation
- Equipment maintenance
- Yes