Volunteer
Job Description
FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a093d000000fuxGAAQ/maintenancebiologylandscape-assistant
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ADDRESS:
Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge Complex
44843 County Road 19
Odessa, Minnesota 56276
DEPT:Fish & Wildlife Service
DATES: 3/27/2023 – 12/29/2023
DESCRIPTION:
This volunteer recruitment advertisement is for summer of 2023. Volunteers will be expected to help maintain and improve the grounds and facilities on the Refuge, and assist with the biological program on an as needed basis.
Training:
· Refuge Volunteer Orientation.
· Maintenance Orientation.
· Defensive Driving Course if operating a government vehicle – must update every 3 years.
· Technical and safety training may be required depending on assigned project (Heavy Equipment- Tractor, ATV, Chainsaw Operation, Riding Mower, etc.). Training will be provided as available.
Time Commitment: 24 hours/week depending on assignment. Start time is flexible, but we would prefer to get someone on as soon we can starting this Spring/Summer 2022 through Fall 2022. We prefer longer time periods of commitment but are flexible and will handle time commitments on a case-by-case basis.
Supervisor: Maintenance staff, biology staff, or as assigned.
Reimbursement: No monetary reimbursements are available. An RV pad with 20, 30, and 50 amp hook ups, sewer, and water are available at no cost to the volunteer. We hope to have additional RV pads set up by 2023, but if we have more that one RV volunteer than we will pay for them to stay at a local campground on Big Stone Lake.
Requirements: Selectee will be required to undergo a background investigation. Work will generally take place outside. Must be 18 years of age or older, wear closed toe shoes, long pants, and an official volunteer shirt (which will be provided).
The volunteer will also assist Refuge staff with a variety of tasks that may include but are not limited to the following:
· Mowing/maintenance of grounds, facilities, hiking trails, water accesses, entrance areas, and interpretive sites using a tractor, riding lawn mower, weed eater, and other tools. Use of an ATV/UTV, tractor, and/or skid steer require heavy equipment safety training. These trainings can are generally offered in April and June and will be provided to volunteers and no charge.
· Painting, carpentry projects, installation of signs, washing vehicles,
running errands for supplies, litter pick-up, etc.
· Biological surveys, invasive plant management, cutting trees, spraying herbicide, and other various tasks
• Ability to clearly understand the purpose of the refuge and its wildlife management programs as well as the
National Wildlife Refuge System.
• Interest and/or background in working on maintenance type projects (mechanics, carpentry, trail
work, grounds keeping, etc.).
• Takes initiative to complete job duties with diligence and excellence.
• Willingness to complete training to meet the skill and knowledge level needed for a specific assignment.
• Good physical condition and ability to work in warm temperatures, sun and among biting insects and
poisonous plants. Walking on uneven ground, lifting, bending using ladders, etc.
• Ability to work safely utilizing Personal Protective Equipment as required.
• Ability to work as part of a small team or independently depending on assignment.
• Ability to take direction and be open to receiving feedback to improve and ensure safe operation.
• Ability to present a positive image to the public as you will come in contact with visitors.
• Valid driver’s license and current defensive driving course certificate if operating a government vehicle or
equipment such as a riding lawn mower or tractor.
- Biology
- Boat Operation
- Carpentry
- Clerical/Office Machines
- Conservation Education
- Drivers License
- Fish/Wildlife
- General Assistance
- Hand Power Tools
- Heavy Equipment
- Landscaping/Reforestation
- Livestock/Ranching
- Map Reading
- Office/Clerical
- Other Trade Skills
- Photography
- Visitor Information
- Working with People
- Writing/Editing
Mainly outdoors.
- Slip, trip, and fall hazards
- Equipment operation
- Equipment maintenance
- Work organization and process flow (including staffing and scheduling)
- Work practices