Volunteer
Job Description
FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a093d000000eY7GAAU/volunteer-park-ranger
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ADDRESS: Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge; 7200 Crane Lane; Gautier, Mississippi 39553
DEPT: Fish & Wildlife Service
DATES: 10/1/2022 – 1/14/2023
DESCRIPTION:
Join the team at Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge! The refuge consists of just under 20,000 acres of pine savanna, bayous, and Gulf Coast prairies and is home to the critically endangered Mississippi Sandhill Crane. This position would assist with visitor services, helping us to orient and guide visitors to exciting outdoor recreation opportunities on the refuge. Start/End date are flexible.
Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge is located in Jackson County, MS — with its headquarters in the town of Gautier, MS. We are approximately 45 minutes from the city of Mobile, AL and 1 hour 45 minutes from New Orleans, LA on the beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast.
The refuge consists of just under 20,000 acres of pine savanna, bayous, and Gulf Coast prairies and is home to the critically endangered Mississippi Sandhill Crane. The Mississippi sandhill crane can only be found in Jackson County MS, with approximately 130 birds left in the wild. The refuge also provides habitat for many migratory and grassland bird species that greatly benefit from the variety of habitats the refuge provides. In addition, the spring months offer outstanding wildflower viewing — with the pine savanna being one of the most diverse plant communities in North America — second only to the tropics! The refuge offers visitors excellent opportunities to participate in hiking, wildlife photography, wildlife observation, environmental education, and research.
Late Summer at Mississippi Sandhill Crane NWR is can be muggy and warm with average temperatures ranging from 80 degrees to 95 degrees.
DUTIES
We are looking for volunteers that are available 3 month minimum, 6 month maximum, but the start and end dates for this position are flexible. Volunteers can expect to work 2 -3 days a week, typically starting around 9:00 am. Both individuals and couples are welcome to apply. Volunteers will work as part of a team of refuge volunteers directed by the Visitor Use Manager.
QUALIFICATIONS
We are seeking volunteers to serve in and around the visitor center to help ensure that our visitors have a memorable and safe experience while enjoying all the refuge has to offer. Duties for this position include providing orientation and information to visitors; answering telephone and other information requests; taking reservations for programs and tours; operating audio/visual equipment; performing opening/closing duties at the center; performing minor maintenance and cleaning of the visitor use areas, performing groundskeeping and trail work, and assisting the park ranger with special projects and events. Individual projects are available based on the volunteer’s interests and refuge needs. We hope to make our volunteer experience rewarding for all involved!
We are seeking applicants who have strong customer service skills and some public speaking ability. The ideal candidate for this position has the ability to communicate with a wide variety of visitors while maintaining a positive attitude, shows enthusiasm for serving the public, and expresses desire to learn about and explore the refuge. While natural history knowledge is helpful, it is not required. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license. On-site orientation, training, and a uniform will be provided.
For more questions about this position, please see the original job description here: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a093d000000eY7GAAU/volunteer-park-ranger
SKILLS
Conservation Education
Drivers License
General Assistance
Hand Power Tools
Office/Clerical
Public Speaking
Visitor Information
Working with People
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The refuge headquarters is located in Gautier, MS. Gautier and neighboring Ocean Springs has a variety of shopping centers, restaurants, grocery stores and hospitals. We are 30 minutes from Gulfport-Biloxi Regional Airport. The refuge is located approximately 15 minutes from Keesler Air Force Base. For more information on attractions along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, visit: www.gulfcoast.org
JOB HAZARDS
General housekeeping
Equipment operation
Work organization and process flow (including staffing and scheduling)
Ergonomic problems
Summers can be hot a muggy, Autumn is mild
BACKGROUND/REFERENCE CHECK REQUIRED
No