Refuge Biological Volunteer

Job Title: REFUGE BIOLOGICAL VOLUNTEER

 (Positions available at Cameron Prairie, Lacassine and Sabine National Wildlife Refuges)

Purpose:Gain experience operating and maintaining National Wildlife Refuge facilities, programs, and recreation areas through accomplishing designated assignments for and with refuge staff.

Brief List of Qualifications:

• A valid driver’s license
• Positive attitude and communications skills
• Willingness to learn about and do new things.
• Availability to provide a minimum of 4 hours of service per week with a minimum commitment of 40 hours total (arranged in advance with staff).  

Benefits:

• Networking opportunities within US Fish and Wildlife Service staff
• Strengthen and build your resume by learning and doing new things and building relationships with staff who may serve as references for you.
• Assist with or participate in exciting refuge or research projects.
• Independently create/complete your own project; work with staff to fulfill a Refuge need.
• Hands-on experience with bird banding, fish stocking, habitat management, etc.
• Volunteering in a peaceful environment where you can support wildlife and nature.

Volunteers Currently Needed to Conduct: 

• Visitor Center operations and maintenance: greet and assist visitors in person and via phone requesting info on Refuge programs and SW LA way finding; light maintenance /janitorial duties like sweeping, cleaning boardwalks, stocking toiletries, etc. This is a great way to become familiar with the Refuge activities and staff. (Cameron Prairie)
• Refuge upkeep and maintenance: litter pickup, weed eating, sign installation, painting, brochure stocking. (All Refuges)
• Lottery waterfowl hunt blind preparations and maintenance (Cameron Prairie)
• Hunt data form distribution/collection and data entry (All Refuges)
• Sign installation to guide hunters to Lottery Hunt Blinds (Cameron Prairie)
• Carpentry and painting projects (All Refuges)
• Fish Habitat creation for Festival Fishing Ponds (Cameron Prairie)

Contact: For a volunteer application or to learning more about how you can participate please contact Diane Borden-Billiot at diane_borden-billiot@fws.gov or call 337-598-2216 (o) or 337-563-3491(c).