Visitor Center volunteers help us staff the front desk at the La Crosse District Visitor Center! A Refuge staff person will always be assigned to help be your "back up" for the day and can answer any difficult questions!
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Key Responsibilities:
- Follow USFWS policy/protocol regarding COVID-19 pandemic
- Greet and count visitors
- Wear a volunteer vest or shirt identifying your position (provided!)
- Answer questions about the Refuge, things to do, wildlife, plants, and the general area
- Check out and check in “Let’s Go Outside” backpacks (family activity packs)
- Distribute brochures and other handouts, notify Visitor Services staff if any materials are running low
- Make copies of refuge handouts; volunteers may use common office tools such as a hole-punch, stapler, paper cutter and shredder.
- Make notes in the daily log or on the “sightings” board in breezeway about things of interest around the Refuge (wildlife sightings, blooming flowers, questions, etc.)
- Light cleaning of exhibits (mopping the glass floor, wiping handprints from windows and doors, etc.)
- Turn on the tv in the Visitor Center to allow visitors to see the Mississippi River Flyway Cam
- Share children’s activities with families (scavenger hunts) and hand out prizes
- Report violations/accidents/injuries to the volunteer coordinator/law enforcement
- Report damaged or broken exhibits
- If staff coverage allows, volunteers are invited to take a walk on the outdoor trails to observe plants/wildlife/get a feel for what’s happening outside
Helping with the Friends nature store: USFWS volunteers may assist with the operation of the Friend’s nature store IF they are also willing to volunteer as a Friends Group volunteer and sign a Friends volunteer agreement (training provided by the Friends)
Time Commitment: We’d like to schedule volunteers for a shift once a week or two times per month. We are also always looking for volunteers interested in being shift substitutes on weekend or week day dates! Shifts are from 9am - noon or noon - 3pm. The Visitor Center is open Tues - Fri during November through March, and open Tues - Saturday during April - October. We are closed on all federal holidays.
Qualifications:
- We are looking for outgoing folks who enjoy interacting with visitors of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities
- Support and respect for US Fish and Wildlife Service policies and directives
- Patience – we get some repetitive questions about things to do, bird sightings, and other happenings on the refuge
- Some background knowledge about local wildlife and the refuge is helpful, but not necessary
- A professional and courteous demeanor
- Ability to be self-driven; on days when visitation is slow, we invite volunteers to bring a book to read/crossword puzzle/other items to keep busy with.
Reasons to Volunteer:
- Your help means so much! The friendly faces of our volunteers are often visitors’ first impressions of the Refuge!
- Share your own knowledge, passion and experience!
- Learn more about local wildlife, the Refuge and the national wildlife refuge system!
- Build your resumé! Gain experience working with the public in a customer service role. Experience what it’s like to work at a Visitor Center!
