Visitor Information Center Volunteer

*We are currently looking to fill a biweekly Saturday position.*

Introduction

The Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, located just six miles north of Atlantic City, New Jersey, protects over 48,000 acres of diverse coastal habitats. The refuge primarily consists of wetlands (82%), but also features woodlands, grasslands, dunes, and beaches. It is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering 15 miles of scenic trails, boat launches, a Visitor Information Center, and the popular 8-mile Wildlife Drive auto tour.

The Refuge’s location in one of the Atlantic Flyway’s most active flight paths makes it a critical stopover for countless bird species, and one of the region's premier birding destinations. Visitors can engage in a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, birdwatching, fishing, hunting, photography, and more. This blend of stunning natural landscapes and opportunities for exploration makes it a must-visit for nature lovers. For more information about the refuge, please visit: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/edwin-b-forsythe.

Become A Visitor Information Center Volunteer!

Interested in being a part of the Edwin B Forsythe Refuge? Join our volunteer team and learn about the various tasks that go on behind the scenes to help manage the refuge!

Description: The Visitor Information Center (VIC) is open Wednesday through Sunday 10am - 2pm. It hosts a variety of exhibits and is a place for visitors to feel welcomed, have their questions answered, pick-up maps and brochures, purchase daily entrance and America the Beautiful Interagency passes. Volunteers work together for both the refuge and our non-profit partner, the Friends of Forsythe, who have a Gift Shop in the center.

Duties: Volunteers are needed to help staff the Visitor Information Center

·      Open and close the center, greet and welcome visitors, orient visitors to the refuge, provide information on recreational and educational activities, answer questions and telephone calls. 

·      Stock brochures, maps, toilet paper, paper towels, and fee envelopes. Perform light cleaning and sanitization of high touch surfaces.

·      Operate refuge cash register to accurately sell/issue America the Beautiful Interagency passes, Fish and Wildlife Duck Stamps, and Edwin. B. Forsythe passes and entrance fees.

*In the Fall, the Refuge will transfer over to a web-based sales system through the Recreation.gov online platform. This will include use of a laptop computer, sales software, a credit card machine and receipt printer.

·      Work with our partner, Friends of Forsythe (FOF) to sell gift shop items using Lightspeed software, educate visitors about the organization and membership options. FOF Website - https://friendsofforsythe.org/

Availability: Every other Saturday, 9:45am - 2:15pm. Cover other shifts as needed and available.

We are looking for a someone who is interested in a assisting for a a longer term, requesting a minimum of 1 year after trial period (when background check clears).

Knowledge & Skills Required: Good communication skills and ability to interact responsively, politely, empathetically, and informatively with people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Detail oriented and ability to learn procedures for a complex pass program, basic entrance fee sales, and gift shop inventory. Experience with computers, ability to use web-based software for sales and to use SignUp website to sign up for shifts. Customer service experience and/or fee handling a plus!

Physical Demands: Work is indoors, mostly sitting with some walking to show visitors the exhibit room and maps. Some reaching and bending for stocking maps and supplies. Light cleaning of glass doors and high-touch surfaces.

Other Requirements:

Refuge staff and/or experienced volunteers will provide training. Volunteers are required to:

·     Pass a basic background check (paid for by the refuge) which includes being fingerprinted and providing personal background information.

· Complete a Volunteer Service Agreement form and review the Volunteer Service Description annually.

·    Review and follow refuge and America the Beautiful pass sales procedures, VIC Operating Procedures and complete Collection Officers certification annually.

·     Review the Volunteer Handbook, the VIC Information Binder, and familiarize themselves with content of refuge maps, brochures, and website pages.

·     Wear a volunteer uniform when on duty and follow all refuge policies and procedures.

·     Participate in volunteer meetings, review Volunteer Update emails, and stay up to date with current happenings in the refuge.

·     Volunteers must be 18 years or older and have reliable transportation to and from the Visitor Information Center.