IMMEDIATE NEED- Visitor Services / Maintenance Volunteer

We are looking for immediate help at Bon Secour NWR and we are flexible with the lenght of stay.

Established by congress in 1980 the 7,000+ acre Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge sits along the beautiful Gulf of Mexico in Gulf Shores, Alabama and encompasses some of Alabama’s last remaining undisturbed coastal barrier habitat. Located 50 miles due west of Pensacola, FL and 50 miles southeast of Mobile, AL, Bon Secour NWR is comprised of coastal lands ranging from dynamic beach dunes too pine flatwoods and oak hammocks. As the refuges name suggests it provides a “safe harbor” for migratory songbirds as well as threatened and endangered species such as the Alabama Beach Mouse, Wintering Piping Plovers, and nesting Loggerhead and Kemp’s Ridley Sea turtles. Visitors of this “small town, big beach” can explore and enjoy the trails and sights of the maritime forests that are encompassed between the sandy dunes and wet marshes. Settled in amongst the sandy dunes and wet marshes is a peaceful maritime forest filled with extraordinary diversity to discover.

Bon Secour NWR is seeking enthusiastic, independent thinking, friendly couples or individuals to assist staff with both Visitor Services and Refuge Maintenance.

Visitor Services activates will include: staffing the visitor contact station, greet and orient visitors, answer the phone, sell/issue America the Beautiful passes, keep visitor center tidy, and brochure racks filled. Resident volunteers can assist with environmental education programs, outreach, and special events. Our visitor contact station is currently staffed 5 days a week with the potential of opening on weekend, so a willingness to work weekends is required.

General Maintenance activates will include: assisting with trail and boardwalk maintenance, facilities and grounds maintenance, mowing, weeding, trimming, equipment repairs, cleaning restrooms and other tasks.  Ability to work with hand tools and small mowers required. Carpentry skills are appreciated. There may also be opportunities to assist with the biology program. Additional duties may vary depending on individual interest, skills, and talents.

A valid driver’s license is required to operate a government vehicle. Applicants with FWS training certificates are always in demand.