Office
Other
Volunteer
Job Description
FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a093d000000gG6zAAE/resident-volunteer-maintenance-visitor-services
ADDRESS:
Seney National Wildlife Refuge
1674 Refuge Entrance Rd.
Seney, Michigan 49883
DESCRIPTION:
In exchange for an RV site, volunteers assist with a variety of refuge maintenance and visitor services tasks at a 95,000 acre National Wildlife Refuge situated half way between lakes Superior and Michigan in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Resident volunteers at Seney National Wildlife Refuge typically spend most of their time assisting the maintenance program and secondarily, the visitor services program. Volunteers with FWS trainings such as AG tractor/UTV/heavy equipment operator and/or construction/carpentry skills are currently highly desired. Self motivation and ability to work independently is required.
As a resident volunteer we would ideally like you to work from mid-May or early June through August or September and we request at least 20 hours of volunteer work per week, per volunteer, in exchange for an RV site with electric (50 amp), water and sewer hookups plus access to laundry facilities.
DUTIES
Resident volunteers at Seney NWR typically spend most of their time assisting the maintenance program and secondarily, the visitor services program. Volunteers with FWS trainings such as AG tractor/UTV/heavy equipment operator and/or construction/carpentry skills are currently highly desired. Self motivation and ability to work independently is required.
Projects are likely to include:
· Mowing and trimming (around the headquarters area, residences, air quality station, visitor center, entrance road, nature trails, kiosks, etc)
· Show Pool Access Area maintenance (vault toilet, litter pickup, etc.)
· Recyclables (sort and haul to recycling center)
· Painting
· Carpentry
· Installing, inspecting, and inventorying signage on the Refuge
· Miscellaneous other maintenance projects
· Collect water level readings
· Piping plover monitoring
· Driving tour vehicles
· Assisting with special events
· Welcoming and orienting visitors at the Visitor Center welcome desk
· Other projects depending on needs
QUALIFICATIONS
Resident volunteers at Seney NWR typically spend most of their time assisting the maintenance and visitor services programs.
Desired applicants will:
· have experience with hand and power tools
· be self-starters, hard workers and safety minded, who work well both alone and with others
· be willing and able to work in a variety of outdoors conditions and terrains
· be willing and able to courteously and accurately represent the US Fish & Wildlife Service when interacting with the public
Volunteers with FWS trainings such as AGTractor/UTV/heavy equipment operator and/or construction/carpentry skills are currently highly desired.
SKILLS
Carpentry
Drivers License
General Assistance
Hand Power Tools
Heavy Equipment
Other Trade Skills
Visitor Information
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The RV site is located about seven miles south of the refuge headquarters on the Manistique River Road. This site is also the current location of the temporary visitor center. The RV “pad” consists of a gravel spot at the edge of a lovely field surrounded by hardwood forest. Cell phone reception is mixed (Verizon seems to be better than AT&T). Pets are allowed on refuge grounds on a leash. The closest amenities (small general store, restaurant/bar) are about 5 miles away in the town of Germfask, the closest amenities that include a grocery and library are about 20-40 miles away. Three of the largest towns in the Upper Peninsula (populations of 12,000-20,000) are each about a 1 1/2 hour drive from Seney. Insects can be troublesome including blackflies, ticks, mosquitoes, deerflies and grasshoppers.
Recreational opportunities on the Refuge, during the summer months include, hiking, biking, paddling, fishing and of course wildlife watching. Being situated halfway between lakes Michigan and Superior and surrounded by other public lands (Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Hiawatha National Forest, Tahquamenon State Park…) means there are lots of opportunities for exploring during “off” time.
If you join us, you will also be joining a fairly large group of local volunteers. Most of our local volunteers work at the Visitor Center welcome desk. A few other volunteers help with trails, species monitoring, photography projects, and special events. Throughout the summer we try to have monthly social gatherings and presentations about current refuge management activities. These are great opportunities to get introduced to the volunteer program, meet the staff and other volunteers, and learn about the refuge.
JOB HAZARDS
Slip, trip, and fall hazards
Equipment operation
Equipment maintenance
Changing weather and biting insects
BACKGROUND/REFERENCE CHECK REQUIRED
Yes