Visitor Services Volunteer

Project Purpose:
Volunteers play a vital role in the visitor services program at the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex. The Complex consists of 5 refuges (Sacramento, Delevan, Colusa, Sutter, and Sacramento River) and is located in the heart of the Pacific Flyway, a migratory route for millions of waterfowl. The Complex attracts millions of waterfowl along with thousands of visitors for birding, photography and hunting.

Volunteers will work primarily on-site and on the weekends during the winter providing visitors with information about the Complex and its resources. Volunteers directly affect the effectiveness, quality and success of the Complex's operations; visitor's safety, comfort, and enjoyment; and the public's understanding and image of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Complex.

Volunteers become part of the Sacramento NWRC's family! The work environment is fun, pleasant people to be around, tasks vary daily, and great wildlife!!

Project Duties:
Include: staffing the visitor center, answering phones, conducting tours, assisting with the hunt program, providing interpretive services such as working special events (on and off the refuge), driving the auto tour to interact with visitors, assisting with large mailings, restocking brochures, mowing, weeding, and light maintenance. Volunteers must have the ability to work effectively with people of various perspectives and have patience and tact with visitors and school groups. Additional duties may vary depending on individual interest, skills, and talents. 

Work Environment:
Sacramento NWR is the headquarters and residence and is located 7 miles south of the town of Willows. Staff consists of over 20 employees including two full-time visitor services staff and several interns. Residential volunteers must be able to work at least 3 months (4 months is preferred) and begin in Oct, Nov, or Dec. Local volunteers are also encouraged to apply and are required to work at least 2-3 times per month during the winter.

Skills Overview:

• Take initiative to complete job duties with diligence and excellence.

• Be organized, motivated, flexible, and able to complete multiple tasks in a timely manner.

• Be comfortable working in the field with possible exposure to ticks, stinging insects, poison oak, feral pigs, mountain lions, rattle snakes, and inclement weather conditions including hot or cold temperatures, walking on uneven ground and lifting and bending.

• Work on a team, assisting staff and visitors whenever needed, and approach duties with a positive attitude.

• Have strong interpersonal communication and public speaking.

• Are capable of leading group tours and use interpretation techniques and scientific knowledge to provide instruction on local ecosystems.

• Work effectively with people of various perspectives and temperaments.

• Have patience and tact with visitors and school groups—many visitors ask repetitive questions regarding the refuge and hunting

• Willingness to obtain knowledge and understanding of nature, common flora and fauna, and migratory birds that use the Complex.

• Are flexible with variety of duties and daily plans.

• Possess a valid driver’s license and ability to drive U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) vehicles including a 12-passenger van.

• Pass a background check which includes fingerprinting.

Skills Requested:

• Drivers license
• General knowledge on birds
• Public Speaking
• Work with People

***To apply, please apply using the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex's application on our volunteer page. https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Sacramento/volunteer.html