Patuxent Research Refuge
Volunteer Position Description -
Trail Monitor - NWVC

Last Update

Purpose: These volunteers enhance visitors outdoor experience of the trails and public use areas by greeting visitors, providing information, and insuring public safety.

Duties: Volunteers assist visitors using trails, answer questions about plants and wildlife or refer to appropriate sources, check the trails for needed repair, help maintain trails, report problems and emergencies.

Location of Assignment: National Wildlife Visitor Center trail system.

Qualifications: Ability to walk comfortably for at least 3 miles and remain outdoors for at least 2 hours in a variety of weather conditions. Good people skills required. Ability to use a portable radio.

Minimum Age Requirement: 18 (however, 14 year olds are permitted if working with a trained parent or guardian each time they volunteer).

Training Provided/Required: Refuge Orientation (6 hours), Customer Service on-the-job training (8 hours), NWVC Trail Monitor Training (5 hours) and Self-Study are required, NT Trail Monitor Training (2 hours) highly suggested.

Time Commitment: Two 4 hour shifts per month are required. Weekend trail monitors are especially needed.

Related Issues: Incidents of lyme disease have occurred as a result of working in the field. Volunteers should be aware of the risk and measures to take to avoid tick bites.

Supervisor: NWVC Trail Monitor Training Program Coordinator and Refuge Operations Specialist.