Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge Camp Host

Experience the beauty of the Wichita Mountains—a timeless sanctuary for wildlife that stands majestically over the prairie in southwest Oklahoma. Located near the Lawton/Fort Sill area, the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge boasts an incredible 60,000 acres of diverse landscapes, including mixed grass prairie, ancient granite peaks, and sparkling freshwater lakes and streams, all dedicated to preserving wildlife and enhancing the experiences of visitors. Home to impressive herds of bison, longhorn cattle, and Rocky Mountain elk, the refuge also provides superb opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to engage in fishing, bird watching, wildlife photography, hiking, camping, and kayaking.

We invite you to become an essential member of our recreation and visitor services team at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge! Join us at Doris Campground and help share the transformative benefits of outdoor recreation with fellow nature lovers.

As a Camp Host, your role will be pivotal in ensuring a memorable experience for visitors. Your responsibilities will include overseeing the campground, maintaining cleanliness, handling general maintenance tasks, and engaging in various campground projects as assigned. Your efforts will help create positive memories for refuge visitors while ensuring high-quality facilities and minimizing vandalism and wildlife disturbances.

To excel in this role, you should have:

- A friendly and approachable attitude when interacting with the public.

- Good physical conditioning, as the job may require strenuous activity.

- The ability to thrive and work independently in a remote setting.

- Adaptability to the changing weather conditions typical of the Wichita Mountains.

- Strong decision-making skills and a willingness to resolve minor issues with initiative and common sense, along with a genuine appreciation for nature.

- Experience in hiking, backpacking, and adhering to Leave No Trace principles, along with wilderness ethics. Certification in CPR and first aid is a plus.

Remember, as a Camp Host, you will not handle law enforcement situations; any issues can be reported to the appropriate staff.

Your specific duties will include:

- Delivering exceptional customer service to campers.

- Ensuring restrooms and campsites are consistently neat and clean.

- Managing camper check-in and check-out via the Rec.gov administrative site (The Hub).

- Educating visitors about campground rules, recreational options, and the area's natural and cultural resources.

- Greeting guests warmly and assisting with registration while ensuring compliance with regulations.

- Performing light maintenance tasks for campsites as needed.

- Safely extinguishing any unattended campfires.

- Keeping the host site clean and organized as a model for visitors.

- Alerting Law Enforcement and Visitor Services Staff to any security or maintenance issues.

- Keeping Visitor Services Staff updated on campers and facilities while addressing any necessities.

- Providing initial emergency responses when required.

Join us in this rewarding opportunity and make a difference in the lives of visitors at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge!

How to Apply:

Send a cover letter and resume to:

Attn: Quinton Smith

Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

32 Refuge Headquarters

Indiahoma, OK 73552

Email: quinton_smith@fws.gov

Desk (MS Teams):  (580) 215-1858 C: (580) 301-3137

Conditions of Service: A basic background investigation is required. To qualify for Refuge housing or RV site, the volunteers’ primary residence must be at least 50 miles way from WMWR. Additionally, volunteer camp hosts must work at least 32 hours per week, which will include Saturday & Sunday. Basic volunteer uniform components will be provided.

Requirements: Driver’s license, Defensive Driver Training, ability to lift up to 30 pounds, wear volunteer uniform (provided), pass a background investigation, work a minimum of 32 hours per.

Hours and Time Commitment: Schedules are determined by supervisors and all hosts must volunteer a minimum of 32 hours a week. We ask for hosts to volunteer 6 months, but a 3-month minimum commitment is required.

Training Required: Host will be trained in all aspects of their duties the first week. Training will include campground orientation, facility cleaning procedures, golf cart operations, radio communications, Rec.gov roles & responsibilities, and Refuge regulations.

Work Environment: This position will include working outdoors in various weather conditions. Currently, there is little to no cell phone coverage on the Refuge and access to Wi-Fi is located a camp check station or Refuge Visitors Center.

Reimbursements: RV site (full hook-up; electric, water, sewage), Refuge vehicle for campground work (pick-up or golf cart), propane, and access to laundry facilities. Volunteer must supply own RV.