From its start in 1903, the National Wildlife Refuge System has owed its very existence to concerned citizens eager to protect America's natural resources.

More than 200 nonprofit Refuge Friends organizations support national wildlife refuges, whether they work with a single refuge, a refuge complex or an entire state. Friends members are crucial to conserving and protecting our nation’s wildlife and teaching millions of Americans that their actions today determine the conservation legacy of tomorrow.

More than 42,000 people volunteer their time and ideas each year to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Whether they work on the land, in a visitor center or with youth, they contribute to the conservation mission that reaches back more than a century. Become a volunteer or Refuge Friend to contribute your strength on behalf of America’s natural resources.

Turnbull's Volunteer Program

Interested in making a contribution to the preservation of our natural heritage? Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge has opportunities for individuals with special skills and interests to assist with wildlife research, environmental education, administration, maintenance, habitat restoration, and trail maintenance.

For information on volunteer opportunities, call: (509) 559-3034, or send an email to: Sandy Rancourt, Visitor Services Manager.

Friends of Turnbull

The Friends of Turnbull NWR (FOTNWR), is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization that helps support the Refuge's programs. Their mission is to support the mandate of the refuge to protect and enhance wildlife and their habitats through education, research, habitat preservation and restoration.

Visit FOT's web site for more information and for Friends of Turnbull activities offered to the public.

YCC (Youth Conservation Corps)

Youth Conservation Corps Job Announcement 

If funding allows, Turnbull NWR hosts a Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) crew during the summer. We hire four teens to work 40 hours /week from June 25 through August 17, 2018. YCC crew members will earn $11.50 per hour. Work projects may include trail maintenance and construction, fencing, painting, hand pulling invasive plant species, office and grounds maintenance, lawn care, and other physical outdoor work activities. 

To be eligible to apply for the Youth Conservation Corps, the following criteria must be met:
 

• Be between the ages of 15-18 during the summer employment period 
• Be able to provide your own transportation daily to the Turnbull NWR headquarters, which is located 6 miles south of Cheney, WA
• Be willing to perform physical outdoor work activities
• Work the entire season with only emergency days of absence excused
• Be a US citizen or permanent resident of the United States, its territories, or its possessions
• Provide or be able to obtain a work permit as required under the laws of the applicant's home state
• Provide a valid U.S. Social Security number or have applied for a valid Social Security number

To apply, complete a Youth Conservation Corps Application form and return it to:

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge          OR      turnbull@fws.gov
26010 S. Smith Road
Cheney, WA 99004-9326

Applications can be picked up at local high schools, the Refuge office or downloaded from the following links: YCC Application English version  or YCC Application Spanish version

Application forms must be complete and postmarked no later than May 25, 2018 to receive consideration for the position.

If you have any questions please call call the Refuge office at (509) 235-4723.