RV Volunteer

FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a09SJ00000Qihn3

ADDRESS: 230 Bald Eagle Drive  Laurel, Maryland, 20708

DATES: 9/21/2026 – 2/8/2027

DEPT: Fish & Wildlife Service

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Overview

Patuxent Research Refuge, located in Laurel, Maryland, is the nation’s only national wildlife refuge established to support wildlife research. The refuge manages more than 13,000 acres of forests, meadows, and wetlands, and hosts a high‑demand public hunting program that supports wildlife management goals while offering safe recreational opportunities. The RV Hunt Control Station volunteers will be helping refuge staff oversee seasonal hunt operations.

Volunteers support the Refuge’s mission by ensuring safe, organized hunts, providing clear communication to hunters, and assisting staff with field operations across refuge-managed lands.

Location

Patuxent Research Refuge

230 Bald Eagle Drive,

Laurel, Maryland 20708

Work Schedule

24 hours per week per person
Typical schedule: 3 days on / 4 days off
Additional hours may be requested during the peak hunt season or special events

Accommodations

RV parking on a gravel, 30-amp power (50 amps with adapter), water, septic, parking for an additional vehicle. Pets allowed but must remain leashed and supervised when outside.

Preferred Commitment:

90 days

Arrival/Departure Window

Flexible, September, 2027 to January 2028

Additional housing eligibility guidance:

Volunteers must be 18 or older
Volunteers must not live within 50 miles of the duty station

Primary Responsibilities

Staff hunt check‑in stations during authorized hunt days
Greet hunters, verify permits, confirm compliance with program rules, and answer questions
Use refuge maps and orientation materials to communicate boundary rules and safety zones
Monitor area around hunt station
Complete daily logs, data sheets, and incident reports
Support refuge outreach
Optional: Assist staff with maintenance related projects (sign installation etc.)

Secondary Responsibilities

Assist Visitor Services staff during non-hunt days (optional), including the visitor center, environmental education programs, or special events
Help maintain hunt infrastructure: kiosks, parking lots, signs, and equipment
Support general refuge upkeep such as litter pickup, light maintenance, or trail checks

Training Provided

All volunteers will receive training consistent with federal volunteer management guidance:
Orientation to refuge mission, staff, and hunting program structure
Safety protocols and emergency procedures
Customer service and communication skills
Data recording and permit verification procedures
Job Hazard Analysis review and required PPE (provided by refuge)
Prior experience with hunting programs, wildlife management, or public engagement is helpful but not required.

Physical Demands

Ability to sit for extended periods
Light walking
Optional: Occasional lifting of equipment (10–20 lbs)

Additional Information

Preference is given to two-person RV volunteer teams due to workload demand
Volunteers must adhere to DOI Code of Conduct and refuge-specific safety and behavior policies

How to Apply

Submit your Volunteer.gov application and include:
Contact information
Summary of experience relevant to hunting programs, outdoor recreation, customer service, or wildlife work
Whether you are applying as an individual or a two-person team

Tagged as: Couples / Duos, FALL '26, Single / Solo, WINTER