Volunteering
Discover for yourself what tens of thousands of volunteers have learned: Volunteering at a national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.
Learn more about national wildlife refuge site is fun and rewarding in many ways. Enjoy a sense of accomplishment from doing your part to further wildlife conservation for the pleasure of generations to follow.
Volunteers contribute over 20,000 hours to the National Elk Refuge each year and support a variety of divisions at the National Elk Refuge, including administration, maintenance, and visitor services.
The National Elk Refuge has one of the largest volunteer programs within the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Volunteers are essential team members at the National Elk Refuge because they support mission critical work that otherwise might not be completed due to the demands and priorities on the Refuge's limited permanent staff. Working within the Refuge team is a fun, dynamic, and inspiring atmosphere. A wide array of volunteer activities are available for residential and local individuals, as well as groups year-round.
To learn more about volunteer opportunities at the National Elk Refuge, please contact: Annie Sorrell, Visitor Center Manager & Volunteer Coordinator: annie_sorrell@fws.gov
Our Partners
Outreach
Irrigation Technician
Join our irrigation team at the National Elk Refuge this summer. Enjoy spectacular landscapes of mountains, rolling sagebrush sagebrush
The western United States’ sagebrush country encompasses over 175 million acres of public and private lands. The sagebrush landscape provides many benefits to our rural economies and communities, and it serves as crucial habitat for a diversity of wildlife, including the iconic greater sage-grouse and over 350 other species.
Learn more about sagebrush covered hills, and grasslands in northwestern Wyoming’s Jackson Hole valley. Position includes assisting with operation and maintenance of a state-of-the-art K-Line irrigation system which irrigates 4,000 acres of grasslands crucial to winter range habitat on the National Elk Refuge.
Refuge personnel are looking for candidates to assist primarily with irrigation duties on refuge grasslands. Forage produced is utilized by elk and bison during the fall and winter months on this critical winter range habitat. This position also aims to help build professional experience in natural resource management. Although no irrigation or rangeland experience is required, ideal candidates will have interest rangeland and wildlife management, habitat improvements, and general biology. Operation of 4x4 UTV/ATV’s is required and training is provided by the refuge. Technicians will also get the opportunity as time allows to work with other departments including biology, education, facilities, and mechanical. Although this position is on the National Elk Refuge with USFWS, it is NOT a federal government position. Health insurance, relocation and other benefits are NOT provided. Seasonal position only. If you are between the ages of 21-30 (35 for veterans), you can qualify for the Public Land Corps certificate. Positions start sometime mid-April to late May and end sometime between mid-August and mid-October.
Basic Job Requirements:
- Must be 21 years or older
- Must possess a valid driver’s license
- 40 hours a week minimum requirement
- Able to work outdoors in all weather conditions
- Operate a ATV/UTV safely (training provided)
- Familiarity with GPS systems (training provided)
Pay & Benefits
- $17/hour (paid bi-weekly)
- Housing provided (no rent) and basic utilities provided
- Public Land Corps certificate (for qualifying individuals)
For more information and to learn how to apply, please contact:
Melissa Gresen | Maintenance - Irrigation Program | melissa_gresen@fws.gov
Education Programs
The National Elk Refuge offers free programs for local and visiting groups.
Environmental Education Programs (curriculum-based)
Our curriculum-based programs are focused on wildlife and life sciences. Programs are offered either onsite on the National Elk Refuge or at schools within Teton, Lincoln, & Sublette Counties in Wyoming or in Teton County in Idaho. Visit the Next Generation Science Partners website for a list of curriculum-based programming. To schedule a program, please email kari_cieszkiewicz@fws.gov
Youth Programs
The education team at the National Elk Refuge offers a variety of activity-based programs for local or visiting youth groups. These programs are designed for nature camps, after-school groups, and youth-focused community events. For more information or to schedule a program, please email kari_cieszkiewicz@fws.gov
Adult Programs
The education team at the National Elk Refuge offers programming geared towards adult-learner groups, such as Road Scholar. For more information or to schedule a program, please email kari_cieszkiewicz@fws.gov
All programs are free of charge. Please schedule your program two weeks in advance.