Columbia National Wildlife Refuge

Jobs

Any employment information for the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge will be posted on the official job site for the U.S. Federal Government, available at http://www.usajobs.gov/.

Volunteer

Volunteers planting willows on the Refuge

A great and rewarding way to enjoy and support the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge is by volunteering. Hundreds of hours are donated each year by dedicated volunteers who are the backbone for many Refuge projects and programs. There are opportunities to utilize a variety of talents and expertise with programs such as environmental education, resource management and maintenance. Refuge housing, trailer hookups and vehicles may be available for qualified volunteers. Contact the Refuge office and find out more about volunteering.

A volunteer helps Refuge staff
with bird banding

Resource Management: Qualified individuals may assist biologists in such areas as wildlife surveys, restoration work, species monitoring and other projects.

Interpretation: Through such activities as leading nature walks and staffing information booths volunteers help others understand and appreciate the Refuge.

Every spring volunteers lead field studies for local students

Environmental Education: Many people volunteer with classroom presentation, student tours and other education programs. Check out the environmental education page for more information on education programs related to the Refuge.

Maintenance: Volunteers may help with general tasks around the Refuge such as landscape maintenance, sign installation, construction and routine vehicle maintenance.

Youth Conservation Corps

The Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) provides employment opportunities for youth to work, learn and earn by doing projects on public lands. The objectives of the YCC program are to further the development and maintenance of the natural resources of the United States by America's youth and in doing so, to prepare them for the ultimate responsibility of maintaining and managing these resources for the American people. Young men and women, 15 through 18 years of age, are eligible to apply to the YCC program.

Every spring the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge randomly selects and hires a YCC crew that works from mid June through mid August. The crew, led by an adult crew leader, provides a work force for the Refuge while building job skills and learning about the local environment.

Possible projects include, trail maintenance, litter pick up, invasive species control and other projects that support the Refuge. In addition to projects the crew participates in educational events such as visiting neighboring refuges, touring the Bureau of Reclamation Columbia Basin Project and assisting with environmental education programs. To get an application or for more information about the YCC program at the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge contact the office.