Volunteer
Job Description
FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a09t000000CCAw1AAH/visitor-center-volunteer
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ADDRESS:
DEPT: Fish & Wildlife Service
DATES: 5/15/2022 – 9/9/2022
DESCRIPTION:
The Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge receives over 50,000 visitors at the Islands and Ocean Visitor Center (IOVC) every summer. This large visitor center provides high quality exhibits, outdoor interpretive programs, an education lab, a theater, a seminar room for presentations, and a bookstore. Volunteers engage with visitors to learn about the refuge, provide orientation, and answer questions for visitors. Three volunteers will be recruited. One person is needed for maintenance two days a week with the other two days working the visitor center. Volunteers must be available in Homer, AK from May 16 until September 10, 2022. Travel tends to take at least one week from lower 48.
Applicants can apply via volunteer.gov — staff will send them an additional application to learn more about them. Applications will be accepted July – October. Selection will occur in October or November. Selected volunteers will have paperwork starting in January/February (background check, etc). Volunteers not selected can apply in following years.
Benefits and Reimbursement: Volunteers are not federal employees, and will not receive payment for their time, medical or health insurance, retirement benefits, or federal status. All volunteers are covered under Workers’ Compensation Program for medical expenses for any work-related injuries. In exchange for an RV site with full hookups, volunteer will be asked to contribute a minimum of 32 hours per week during agreed upon time commitment (4 x 8 hour days). Volunteers will be reimbursed up to $15/day ($105/week for the dates above) for meals and incidental expenses. Expenses included: dining, groceries to be consumed, uniform components, propane, non-alcoholic beverages, and all other expenses necessary to complete the position. Itemized receipts must be turned in to claim this reimbursement. Volunteer should keep receipts organized and turn in weekly or every two weeks to the designated staff person. Each volunteer will be reimbursed for the actual cost of fuel for traveling to Homer, AK, not to exceed $250. Receipts must be turned in to claim this reimbursement. The actual cost of food and lodging during the drive to Homer will not be reimbursed.
Housing: The volunteer provides a suitable motorhome or travel trailer in good repair, subject to approval by the Visitor Center Manager. Two RVs pads are located a short walk down a hill from the visitor center. Sites includes wifi, washer and dryer, electric, and sewage. A shower is available in the visitor center if needed. Occupants are expected to abide by the bunkhouse or RV rules. No pets permitted in federal buildings (visitor center or workshop), nor in federal vehicles. All pets must be on leash as per the city of Homer and not left unattended outside due to wildlife. Volunteer will clean up after pets and dispose of waste in appropriate manner.
Age and Uniform Requirements: Must be over the age of 18 and physically able to carry out the assigned duties. All volunteers are required to wear an official FWS volunteer uniform shirt with name tag, which will be provided. Khaki or tan pants are preferred, comfortable closed-toed shoes required, and must be provided by the volunteer. For maintenance, jeans can be worn. Volunteers are recommended to provide their own hiking boots and rain gear for personal time outside of work. Muck boots will be provided for tide pooling.
The volunteer’s primary duty is to open/close the visitor center, staff the visitor center desk, to dispense verbal and written information to walk-in visitors including: describing local trails, sightseeing points, wildlife viewing areas, and local amenities including restaurants, lodging, and shopping locations, and provide verbal information to phone inquiries. This includes introducing and showing visitors the exhibit hall, announcing & showing films & programs over the loud speaker, starting films, updating various bulletin boards, re-stocking brochure racks & handouts, collecting & recording visitor use statistics, and opening and/or closing the visitor center.
Volunteer will support operations at partner bookstore, operated by Alaska Geographic. Duties may include: operating the cash register, re-stocking the shelves, merchandizing, receiving stock, and opening and/or closing the bookstore. Volunteer will support interpretive programming, which may include: assisting on interpretive hikes and tide pooling, serving as a roving interpreter on Beluga Slough Trail, and/or facilitating a docent led station in the visitor center. Volunteer may be photographed and photos used for social media, website, and advertising. Volunteers will assist in cleaning and stocking restrooms.
Physical activities may include lifting or carrying boxes (15 lbs.) and standing for long periods of time. Can be exposed to cold temperatures and wet weather. If assisting with tide pool programs, walking 1 mile on uneven terrain, beach, wet rocks, and uneven ground are needed.
Maintenance: One person will be designated for facility maintenance two days a week (other two days are working the visitor center). This person will assist with mowing, weed eating, changing light bulbs, trash pickup, and light maintenance in and around the visitor center and trail. Will use service vehicles when needed and do basic vehicle maintenance (fueling, washing, etc). Common tools utilized: ladder, power drills, and basic maintenance equipment.
Qualifications: Good communication and interpersonal skills working with staff and the public, positive attitude, willingness to learn and work as a member of a diverse team, ability to answer phones in a professional manner, comfort in operating cash registers, take initiative, being flexible, ability to multitask, public speaking skills, a willingness to work independently within prescribed parameters, and an appreciation of the concept of teamwork. Knowledge of national interpretation standards, bird identification, and tidepool etiquette are helpful. Must work effectively with people of various perspectives and temperaments. Have patience and tact with visitors – visitors can ask repetitive questions. Must be able to pass a background check which includes fingerprinting. Must have personal cell phone and email for emergencies and communication with supervisors. Must have basic computer knowledge with the ability to check emails and complete online training. A valid driver’s license is required.
- Conservation Education
- Drivers License
- First Aid Certificate
- Fish/Wildlife
- General Assistance
- Hand Power Tools
- Office/Clerical
- Public Speaking
- Visitor Information
- Working with People
Local Area: Homer is an ocean side community of about 5,000 people that is filled with tourism for fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing in the summer. The community has two small grocery stores and a hardware store with everything typically needed. Larger box stores are about 1.5 hour away in Soldotna or 5 hours away in Anchorage, AK. Alaska weather can be cold, wet, and windy. Summer high temperatures are typically in the 50’s or 60’s.