Visitor Host / Maintenance Volunteer

Volunteers needed for the following 3-month commitments:

·        September – November 2025

·        December 2025 – February 2026

·        March – May 2026

Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1979 to protect the endangered Moapa Dace. This small desert fish was present on the very first Endangered Species list and Moapa Valley was the first refuge ever set aside specifically for a fish. The refuge features a viewing window built right into the stream so that visitors can see the Moapa dace in its natural habitat. Because there is no visitor services staff on site, the Moapa volunteer is the main point-of-contact for visitors. To learn more about the refuge, visit www.fws.gov/refuge/moapavalley. There is also a film about the refuge: https://vimeo.com/86786561.

Moapa Valley NWR seeks volunteers available to open a small National Wildlife Refuge to the public from 8 AM to 4 PM on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and an occasional weekday. As the resident host, you provide orientation and interpretation and answer visitor questions. You would cover topics regarding the refuge, local natural and cultural resources, safety precautions, rules and regulations, recreational opportunities, and area services. You would also assist staff with operations and maintenance of facilities, including cleaning bathrooms, emptying trash containers, ensuring refuge is free of litter, invasive species removal, and other more complex maintenance projects within your abilities. You may also be asked to help with special events both on- and off-site. Moapa Valley refuge staff and volunteers work closely with staff and volunteers from the nearby Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge, where there are opportunities to assist with duck banding, tree planting, environmental education and interpretation, and other wildlife management activities.

This position is ideal for a single volunteer or a couple that is seeking a quiet, peaceful spot to learn about the natural and cultural resources of a unique desert oasis. There are ample opportunities to spend time outdoors. Visitor traffic is relatively light, but meaningful interactions with visitors abound on weekends. Ideal candidates will be self-motivated, self-entertaining, and enjoy spending time outdoors.

RV or motor home utility hook-ups for electric, water, propane, and sewage are provided. Laundry machines are available on site. The commitment requires a minimum 28 hours/week of volunteering per resident, or a combined 32 hours/week of volunteering for couples. Work days are typically, at minimum, Thursday through Sunday.

The refuge is located about an hour north of Las Vegas, NV. Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Great Basin, and Death Valley National Parks are all about a half day's drive away. While the refuge is quiet and remote, the town of Overton is 30 minutes away, with a grocery store, restaurants, auto parts stores, veterinarian, and a medical clinic. Mesquite is 40 minutes away and has a Walmart, restaurants, and probably anything else you may need.