The primary goal of this position is to assist refuge staff with mowing and ensuring clean, well-maintained landscapes across the refuge, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for visitors.

Site Information: Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is located about 8 miles southwest of Folkston, GA, which has a small downtown with restaurants, a library, convenience stores, and a grocery store. Larger towns like Waycross, Kingsland, and St. Marys are 45 minutes away, and Jacksonville, FL is about an hour’s drive. The refuge offers over 407,000 acres of wet prairies, cypress swamp, and upland habitats with wildlife like alligators, birding opportunities, over 120 miles of water trails, walking and biking trails, a boardwalk to an observation tower, and the historic Chesser Island Homestead. Visit the Okefenokee NWR website to learn more about the refuge.

Duties and Responsibilities

• The primary duty of this volunteer position is mowing grass, trimming edges, and operating a blower to maintain clear pathways, parking areas, and other designated areas.
• Maintain and service mowing, trimming, and blowing equipment to ensure proper functioning and safety.
• May assist with a variety of other duties depending on refuge needs and volunteer skills including carpentry, routine trash pick-up, and trail maintenance.
• Follow safety protocols and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) while performing duties.

Qualifications

• Volunteers must feel fit for the job and capable of working in outdoor environments.
• Experience loading and trailering mowers, experience with commercial mowing is preferred.
• Be able to stand or walk for extended time, bend and kneel on uneven, rough, or slippery terrain.
• Be able to lift 10-20 pounds unassisted.
• Volunteers must have a valid Driver’s License and complete USFWS Defensive Driving training before operating a government vehicle.

Working Environment and Safety Considerations: Summer and fall temperatures range from 60°F to over 100°F, with humidity making it feel over 110°F. Work is typically performed outdoors without shade. Volunteers working outside may be exposed to weather conditions including direct sunlight, heat, humidity, and rain; biting or stinging insects, and occasionally wildlife such as snakes or alligators. Risks include cuts, scrapes, bruises, and burns. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided.

Hours and Time Commitment: 24 hours per week of service for couples and 32 hours per week for individuals.

Housing and Amenities: Concrete RV pads are available with electric, water, sewer, and propane. Laundry facilities are available onsite. Cell coverage varies by service provider. Pets are allowed but must not be left outside unattended.

Age and Uniform Requirements: Must be over the age of 18 to drive a government vehicle and over the age of 21 to use certain equipment. All volunteers are required to wear an official volunteer uniform with name tag. Volunteers will be provided with a set of shirts. Volunteers must provide their own pants/jeans/shorts and choose appropriate clothing for each task and weather. Volunteers must wear closed-toe shoes when on duty.