Volunteer Positions
HABITAT MANAGEMENT AND RESTORATION
VISITOR SERVICES
- Bluestem Store Associate
- Environmental Educator
- Information Desk Attendant
- Naturalist/Interpreter
- Outreach Presenter
- Special Events Assistant
NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND BIOLOGICAL STUDIES
- Frog and Toad Surveyor
- Invasive Species Mapping
- Leafy Spurge Monitoring/Spurge Beetle Collection
- Mallard Nest Cylinder Monitoring
- Songbird Nest Box Monitor
- Waterfowl Banding
MAINTENANCE
DATA MANAGEMENT
MISCELLANEOUS
Position Descriptions
HABITAT MANAGEMENT AND RESTORATION
Purpose: To aid in the restoration and maintenance of select habitat areas for the future benefit of wildlife and the enjoyment of the general public.
Duties: Volunteers are responsible for visiting their assigned prairie twice a month during the spring, summer, and fall seasons to conduct an inventory of plant and animal species. Light maintenance around refuge signs, parking posts, and along foot paths may be included. After each check, the volunteer will report species sighted, and any repair needs, damage, or unusual situations to USFWS staff.
Qualifications: Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision. Basic knowledge of prairie plants and animals would be helpful, but training will be provided. Good physical condition and ability to tolerate variable weather conditions. Ability to walk on uneven terrain.
Training: Ecology 101; Suggested - Prairie Ecology, Birds of the Prairie Pothole Region, Wildflowers of the Tallgrass Prairie.
Time Commitment: Approximately 2 hours twice per month during the spring, summer, and fall.
Purpose: To maintain public trails for the benefit of wildlife and enjoyment of the general public.
Duties: Volunteers are responsible for walking their assigned trail once a month during spring, summer, and fall to pick up litter, remove obstacles from the trail, check the condition of trail signs, and check parking areas for litter and vandalism. Responsibilities also include conducting an inventory of wildlife in the area and plants along the trail. After each trail visit, the volunteer will report to USFWS staff species sighted, the status of the trail, maintenance needs, and any unusual situations.
Qualifications: Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Good physical condition and ability to tolerate variable weather conditions. Ability to walk on uneven terrain. Basic knowledge of prairie plants and animals is helpful, but training will be provided.
Training: Ecology 101; Suggested — Prairie Ecology, Birds of the Prairie Pothole Region, Wildflowers of the Tallgrass Prairie.
Time Commitment: Trails should be visited a minimum of twice per month when they are open (spring, summer, fall).
Purpose: To assist with the restoration of prairie habitat for the benefit of wildlife and the enjoyment of visitors.
Duties: Volunteers assist in the collection of native flowering forb and grass seeds. Collecting may be done during the daytime or evening, on weekdays or weekends, as arranged with USFWS staff. Volunteers may work individually or in small groups. Collecting is typically done in the fall (at the end of the growing season), and volunteers may also assist with planting the seeds in the spring.
Qualifications: Knowledge of and/or willingness to learn native plant identification, restoration, and collection techniques. Ability to do light physical labor in varying weather conditions, and to work independently with a minimal amount of supervision.
Training: Ecology 101; Suggested — Prairie Ecology, Wildflowers of the Tallgrass Prairie
Time Commitment: Volunteers must commit to a minimum of one 2-hour collecting trip during each of the following months: August, September, and October.
Water Control Structure Gauge Reading
Purpose: To read and record gauge readings on any of 45 water control structures in Otter Tail, Grant, and Douglas counties.
Duties: Volunteers will be responsible for recording water level readings on water control structures. Some structures have gauges attached to them, and others will require the use of a tape measure to measure the space between the top of the structure and the surface of the water on the upstream side of the structure.
Qualifications: Must be able to work independently and tolerate varying weather conditions. Ability to walk on uneven terrain for up to half a mile. Must be able to interpret an aerial photo in order to locate the water control structures (training will be provided no prior experience is necessary). A government vehicle may be available for use, but a valid drivers license and defensive driving training are required. All-terrain vehicle training will be provided in some cases.
Training: On-the-job training will be provided. Defensive driving is required. Other suggestions: Ecology 101, Wetland/Aquatic Ecology
Time Commitment: Volunteers must visit their assigned wetland(s) at least once per month, March November.
VISITOR SERVICES
Purpose: To aid the Friends of the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center in operating the Bluestem Store.
Duties: Volunteers will greet and assist customers, stock shelves, take inventory, price merchandise, operate the cash register, maintain displays and bookstore appearance, and evaluate the appeal of current and new merchandise.
Qualifications: Must be dependable and honest. Money handling ability and good people skills required. Must be at least 18 years old.
Training: Site Orientation, Store Operations (on-the-job)
Time Commitment: Minimum 2 or 4-hour shift one to two times per month. (Store hours are Monday - Friday, 8-4; weekends 9-5 during the summer).
Purpose: To enhance visitor experience and knowledge through educational activities and programs.
Duties: Volunteers will have the opportunity to assist USFWS with school programs, or lead/develop educational programs for school groups, educators, and the general public. Some programs may also be scheduled at local schools.
Qualifications: Experience in environmental education is a plus, but opportunities for learning new activities and concepts are available. An interest in environmental education and public speaking is required.
Training: Site Orientation, Teaching About the Environment, Guided Walks and Interpretive Talks, other trainings based on interests and program involvement.
Time Commitment: Minimum of 4 hours per month.
Purpose: To provide assistance and orientation to visitors of the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center, and help make their visit educational and enjoyable.
Duties: Volunteers will staff information desk, welcome visitors, and answer questions. Volunteers may also assist with the analysis of daily, weekly, and monthly visitation data.
Qualifications: Good communication skills. Ability to work independently, with a variety of people, and with a minimal amount of supervision. Must be at least 18 years old.
Training: Site Orientation; Suggested: Ecology 101, Prairie Ecology
Time Commitment: Minimum of 4-8 hours per month.
Purpose: To enhance public awareness of conservation efforts, natural history, wildlife management techniques, and the USFWS through enjoyable, educational experiences.
Duties: Volunteers will develop and lead programs/activities for all ages, such as nature walks (birds, trail hikes, wildflowers, etc.), interpretive talks, slide presentations, and demonstrations. Participatory, hands-on programs are preferred.
Qualifications: Basic knowledge of natural history from formal education or experience. An understanding of teaching/interpretive principles is required (training provided).
Training: Site Orientation, Teaching about the Environment, Guided Walks and Interpretive Talks, Ecology 101; other trainings as needed to enhance background knowledge.
Time Commitment: Lead a minimum of 2-3 activities during the summer or school year.
Purpose: To promote the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center and Fergus Falls Wetland Management District by providing educational and interpretive experiences at community sponsored events.
Duties: Volunteers will represent the PWLC and FFWMD by staffing information and activity tables at local community functions.
Qualifications: Good interpersonal communication skills and enthusiasm about the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Ability to work in a variety of environments and conditions.
Training: Site Orientation, Ecology 101, other trainings as necessary
Time Commitment: Varies based on outreach event; generally one day for 4-8 hours.
Purpose: To aid in the planning and execution of activities at Prairie Wetlands Learning Center special events.
Duties: Volunteers will assist with special events sponsored by the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center and/or the Friends of the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center. May include, but are not limited to: Marsh Madness, International Migratory Bird Day, Mosquito Run, Return to the Prairie Day, and the PWLC Fall Festival. Duties may include, but are not limited to: setup/take-down, cleaning crew, assisting with activities or food, and registration/information attendant.
Qualifications: Ability to work with a variety of people in various situations. Enthusiasm and a desire to see projects successfully completed. Must have good communication skills.
Training: Site Orientation; Suggested Ecology 101, other trainings depending on event.
Time Commitment: Special events are typically annual and one day in length, including preparations and clean up prior to and following the event.
NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND BIOLOGICAL STUDIES
Purpose: To contribute to the population monitoring of amphibian species.
Duties: Volunteers will assist with surveying frog and toad populations by listening to breeding choruses and recording data.
Qualifications: Ability to work in the evenings, in varying weather conditions. Ability to walk over uneven terrain. Good hearing and listening skills. Ability to work with a minimum of supervision.
Training: Amphibian Monitoring, Site Orientation; Suggested Ecology 101, Wetland/Aquatic Ecology
Time Commitment: Minimum of one evening per month (2-4 hours) during amphibian breeding season (April-July).
Purpose: To document distribution and abundance of selected plant species, such as spotted knapweed and buckthorn, on Waterfowl Production Areas (WPAs) throughout the Fergus Falls Wetland Management District.
Duties: Volunteers will conduct searches for invasive plant species and map occurrences on aerial photos or document them with GIS coordinates. Searches will be conducted primarily on foot, but use of ATVs may also be involved.
Qualifications: Ability to read aerial photos, identification of common grassland and woodland plants, use of GPS units, and ability to use ATVs would be helpful, but training will be provided in all of these areas. Ability to work independently, navigate unfamiliar ground, walk up to 1/2 mile over uneven terrain, and tolerate varying weather conditions and insects.
Training: Defensive Driving and All-terrain Vehicle Use, Ecology 101
Time Commitment: Minimum of 40 hours during the period from mid-June to August.
Leafy Spurge Monitoring/Spurge Beetle Collection
Purpose: To identify and map occurrences of leafy spurge, an invasive plant species, on WPAs throughout the District, and/or to assist in netting spurge beetles and releasing them at new sites.
Duties: Volunteers will identify and map occurrences of leafy spurge, monitor known patches of leafy spurge to determine effectiveness of previous spurge beetle releases, and identify patches for new releases of beetles. May also assist with netting and release of spurge beetles.
Qualifications: Ability to read aerial photos, identify leafy spurge, use GPS units, and use ATVs would be helpful, but training will be provided in all of these areas. Ability to navigate over unfamiliar ground, walk up to mile over uneven terrain, and tolerate heat and insects.
Training: Defensive Driving and ATV Use, Suggested - Ecology 101, Prairie Ecology, Insects
Time Commitment: Mid-June through mid-July, monitoring can be scheduled 2-3 days/week at the convenience of the volunteer. Volunteers should be able to commit a minimum of 3 days. Netting beetles is weather-dependent and occurs over a 3-5 day period.
Mallard Nest Cylinder Monitoring
Purpose: To assist in efforts to provide nesting habitat for migratory waterfowl.
Duties: During the winter, volunteers will be responsible for checking nesting cylinders, cleaning out old shell fragments or whole eggs, and putting more straw into the cylinder. Monitoring of active nests will take place May-July.
Qualifications: Ability to use a canoe (including loading and unloading from trailer) during the summer and an ATV during the winter (training provided). Must work in pairs or with USFWS personnel. Hip or chest waders and life jacket provided. Should be in good physical condition, and able to lift 50-75 pounds. Ability to tolerate heat or cold. Ability to accurately record biological data.
Training: Defensive Driving, All-terrain Vehicle Use, Nest Monitoring; Suggested Ecology 101, Wetlands/Aquatic Ecology
Time Commitment: 6 hours, 2-4 times per month in January-early March (typically on milder days); 6-8 hours, 1-2 times per week in June, July, and early August.
Purpose: To aid in the monitoring of cavity-nesting migratory birds.
Duties: Volunteers will monitor several (assigned) boxes once every 7-14 days from April-August, and will be responsible for recording data such as bird activity, nest construction, number of eggs laid, number of eggs hatched, and number of fledglings. Cleaning and maintenance of nest boxes will also be the responsibility of the volunteer.
Qualifications: Must be able to walk to assigned nest boxes and keep accurate biological data. Ability to work independently in varying weather conditions.
Training: Site Orientation, Nest Monitoring, Ecology 101
Time Commitment: 2-4 hours at least once every 1-2 weeks from April to August.
Purpose: To assist with ongoing waterfowl banding operations at the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center and other locations within the Fergus Falls Wetland Management District.
Duties: Volunteers will erect, maintain, and bait swim-in trap stations, monitor station use and report waterfowl activity, and identify and band captured ducks. Must accurately record field data, and may enter data into a computerized Banding Operations program.
Qualifications: Waterfowl identification skills helpful, but not required. Must be able to walk moderate distances over uneven and/or slippery surfaces, and wade in wetlands with muddy bottoms. Must be able to stoop, bend, and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds. Must be able to work outdoors, with adverse weather conditions and biting insects.
Training: Defensive Driving, Banding Operations, and Waterfowl Identification
Time Commitment: Approximately 8 hours per week from late July through mid-September, 8-16 hours in early to mid-September for data entry.
MAINTENANCE
Purpose: To inspect Waterfowl Production Areas (WPAs) in Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, and Wilkin counties for proper posting.
Duties: Volunteers will be responsible for maintenance and repair of signs. When necessary, volunteer will replace signs and sign posts. Volunteers will also maintain records of number and types of signs replaced and posts installed on each WPA visited.
Qualifications: A government vehicle may be available for use, but a valid drivers license and defensive driving training are required. Must be able to proficiently read maps and follow instructions. Ability to work independently in varying weather conditions.
Training: Defensive Driving; Suggested — Ecology 101, Prairie Ecology
Time Commitment: Minimum 4 hours per week during the period from May-September.
Purpose: To maintain the areas around the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center, roadsides, and trails for the benefit of wildlife and the enjoyment of visitors.
Duties: Mow around buildings. Pick up trash on trails, parking lot area, and around buildings.
Qualifications: Ability to work independently or as part of a team. Will be trained on handling of trash and machinery.
Training: Site Orientation, Defensive Driving if government vehicle will be used; Suggested — Ecology 101
Time Commitment: Minimum of 8 hours per month.
Purpose: To help maintain staff and public areas throughout the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center for the benefit of wildlife and the enjoyment of the general public.
Duties: Volunteer will be assigned light maintenance tasks at the Learning Center, which may include sign repair, sweeping floors, trash removal, painting, and carpentry depending on the skills of the volunteer. Volunteers may also be involved in field projects such as sign installation, repair, and upkeep.
Qualifications: Ability to work with a minimal amount of supervision. Ability to complete a project once initiated. Good physical condition.
Training: Site Orientation, Defensive Driving if government vehicle will be used; Suggested — Ecology 101
Time Commitment: 2-4 hours per week.
Purpose: To maintain public parking areas at Waterfowl Production Areas (WPAs) throughout Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, and Wilkin County for use by the general public.
Duties: Volunteers will be responsible for mowing annual growth of vegetation within public parking areas. Work would be done using a small- to medium-sized tractor with a mower attachment. Volunteers will check and maintain proper posting of parking areas, and will replace bent or vandalized signs. Gates should be shut and locked, and chains and locks should be checked to make sure they are in working condition. Volunteers will also remove any trash or debris. Volunteers will maintain records of parking areas checked, signs changed, and posts replaced, and will report to USFWS staff if maintenance or repairs are needed.
Qualifications: A valid drivers license and defensive driving training are required. Must complete basic tractor training certification course. Must be able to perform routine maintenance on equipment used.
Training: Defensive Driving, Tractor Safety; Suggested Ecology 101, Prairie Ecology
Time Commitment: August until late September, minimum 2 hours per week.
DATA MANAGEMENT
Purpose: To enter biological data collected by USFWS staff into computer database programs.
Duties: Volunteer will enter biological data or information for the Fergus Falls Wetland Management District into computer programs. Data may include point counts for migratory birds, scent post surveys, predator management programs, etc.
Qualifications: Basic knowledge of computers. Ability to sit in front of a computer screen for extended periods of time.
Training: Computer skills
Time Commitment: Minimum 4-8 hours per month.
Purpose: To assist USFWS staff in digitizing biological and habitat data into the Global Information System (GIS).
Duties: Volunteers will digitize the Private Lands Boundary, RIP Features, habitat data, and periodic management data into the FFWMDs Geographic Information System. Volunteers will maintain records of data entry.
Qualifications: Must have advanced computer skills, as ArcView is a fairly complex program. Training will be provided in reading aerial photography and using ArcView 3.2 software. Must be able to sit for a couple of hours in front of a computer screen at the Wetland Management District office while entering data.
Training: ArcView 3.2 and aerial photography training will be provided.
Time Commitment: Minimum of twice per month, 2-3 hours per week.
MISCELLANEOUS
Purpose: To assist in documentation of natural resource management activities, educational programs and events, and flora and fauna at the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center and throughout the Fergus Falls Wetland Management District.
Duties: Volunteer activities will vary based on individual interests, but some possibilities include: photographing designated sites on a seasonal basis to document restoration and management efforts; documenting special events; photographing wildlife and plant species throughout the District to add to the USFWS image database, etc. Photographs will be used in brochures, flyers, films, publications, interpretive signs, and special programs.
Qualifications: Background or interest in photography. Ability to work independently. Some use of personal equipment may be necessary, but volunteer would be reimbursed for film and development.
Training: Site Orientation, Ecology 101, other trainings as necessary.
Time Commitment: Depends on interests and needs of volunteer and USFWS staff; may be 2-4 hours per month or more.
Purpose: To assist in the daily office operations of the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center Visitor Center.
Duties: Volunteers assist staff in management operations; may include answering and making phone calls, word processing, responding to public inquiries, assisting with photocopying, and preparing mailings.
Qualifications: Ability to work with minimal supervision. Word processing experience is helpful. Mental flexibility and good people skills are required.
Training: Site Orientation
Time Commitment: Minimum 4-8 hours per month.
Purpose: To create and update publications at the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center.
Duties: Volunteers will update information in current pamphlets, brochures, and newsletters. Volunteers may also create new pamphlets, brochures or newsletters relating to activities or events taking place at the PWLC.
Qualifications: Basic computer skills. Good organizational skills and an interest in research and writing.
Training: Site Orientation, Ecology 101
Time Commitment: Minimum 4 hours per month.
Purpose: To review and organize Waterfowl Production Area management files for the Fergus Falls Wetland Management District.
Duties: Volunteers will be responsible for organizing management files based on activities (acquisition, management, photos, etc.) Work is performed indoors at the District office.
Qualifications: Good organizational skills and attention to details.
Training: Will be provided on-site.
Time Commitment: Minimum commitment of 20 hours total, to be spread according to availability of volunteer.
