Background: The Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge is home to 146,000 plus acres of cypress swamp, tree islands, and wet prairies- all part of the beautiful Everglades! Our headquarters area contains the headquarters office, visitor center and over 20 miles of trails, and is conveniently located just 3 miles restaurants, groceries, and other activities. We are a bustling Urban Refuge with many community partnerships. Our refuge is not just a place for outdoor recreation, but learning, exploring, and teaching!

Duties: We have 1 RV site available. Single volunteers are asked to contribute a minimum of 24 hours per week. Couple volunteers are asked to contribute 24 hours each week. At least one day a week will be spent doing maintenance. Other duties will include visitor services related duties. Volunteers may work in maintenance, biology, visitor services, administration, or education. Click on the following link to the view the job descriptions: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/arthur-r-marshall-loxahatchee/get-involved

Schedule: The recruitment dates are from May - October. The minimum requirement we are asking for is 2 months. Volunteers typically work 3 consecutive, 8-hour days in a week (ex: Monday - Wednesday, from 8 am - 4 pm). During special events or emergencies, volunteers may be asked to switch their schedule or work additional hours. The second Saturday of February is our Everglades Day celebration - our version of a Refuge Day - and is a mandatory work day for all staff and volunteers.

Benefits and reimbursements: 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. 

Housing: Volunteers must be able to provide a suitable motorhome or travel trailer in good repair. The RV sites are located .3 miles away from the headquarters office and visitor center. Each RV site is a cement pad equipped with water, sewage, and electric. A shared washer and dryer is located on site. A shower is located in an adjacent building if needed. Volunteers will receive a Wi-Fi hotspot upon arrival. The RV site shares a lot with staff and intern residences and the Everglades Program Team building, a shared office space. No pets are permitted in federal buildings (visitor center or maintenance area), nor in federal vehicles. The Headquarters area gate closes at 10:00 pm at night and opens at 5:00 am in the morning. Resident volunteers will be given a gate code to enter and exit outside of public hours. 

Policies and training: Volunteers must have a valid Driver’s License and complete USFWS Defensive Driving training in order to drive a government vehicle. Volunteers must follow station policies and complete a volunteer orientation training. Volunteers may also have additional training opportunities if available and open to non-employees. Volunteers may only use certain equipment if they have an approved USFWS training certificate (ex: ATV/UTV, chainsaw, pole saw, skid steer, etc.)

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 FWS 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.

Work Environment: Summer temperatures range from 60°F to over 100°F, with humidity making it feel over 110°F. Volunteers working outside may be exposed to direct sunlight, biting or stinging insects, and occasionally wildlife such as snakes or alligators. Risks include cuts, scrapes, bruises, and burns. Groundskeeping is typically done outdoors without shade. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided. Volunteers should always be aware and take steps to maintain their safety.

Qualifications:

• Must have a valid driver's license
• If operating heavy equipment or special equipment, must have FWS certificate and have been approved by their supervisor
• Able to communicate with supervisors and other volunteers kindly and efficiently
• Be able to travel on uneven or rough surfaces (most of our trails are gravel)
• Have excellent awareness of their surroundings, tools, and anyone they are working with

Apply now through volunteer.gov! For more questions, please contact Maria_Quitugua@fws.gov