We are looking for a few outgoing volunteers who'd be interested in helping staff our Visitor Center front desk either 2 times per month or once per week for a three hour shift (9am - noon or noon - 3pm) on a recurring basis. *This opportunity requires multiple days of commitment.*
We are looking for help:
- Weekly or 2x per month on: Saturday afternoons, noon - 3pm
- Substitute volunteers: Tuesday - Saturday, morning or afternoon shifts.
We understand folks have vacations/other activities that come up and it's okay if you can't make every shift every month.
Key responsibilities:
- Welcome visitors of all ages and backgrounds
- Direct phone calls to refuge staff
- Share info about indoor and outdoor activities for children and adults, help share fun wildlife observations
- Orient visitors to where they are on the refuge
- If interested in also helping the Friends of the Refuge - Mississippi River Pools 7 & 8 make sales in their nature store in the Visitor Center, we can work with the Friends to get you trained!
Qualifications:
- A professional and courteous demeanor
- Willingness to sign Volunteer Service Agreement and abide by US Fish and Wildlife Service volunteer policy, wear volunteer uniform when on shift (provided)
- Must attend training and orientation with refuge staff
- Patience - we get some repetitive questions
- Some knowledge of the local area and local wildlife is helpful but not necessary
- Ability to be self-driven; on days when visitation is slow, we invite volunteers to bring a book to read or other items to keep busy with
Why 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!
- Gain experience working with the public in a customer service role. Experience what it's like to work at a Visitor Center!
