Ways to Get Involved
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. Check out ways that you can become involved, and contribute your strength on behalf of America’s natural resources.
Volunteering
Volunteering - RV Volunteer Program
Wheeler offers several opportunities for RV volunteers to staff the Visitor Center and provide information to visitors, to help with general maintenance, and other needs. The RV site includes water, electric, and sewer service, as well as access to washer/dryer. RV volunteers from all over the country and all walks of life visit and volunteer. Volunteers get to experience some of the most rewarding wildlife work in the country. To view and apply for current volunteer positions, please visit volunteer.gov and search "Wheeler NWR".
Volunteering - Local Volunteers/Groups
A wide array of volunteer activities are available for local individuals and groups. Individual volunteers should be age 18 or older, although there may be opportunities for organized groups of youth. If you interested in volunteering at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, please inquire about current opportunities by calling 256-350-6639 or emailing us at wheeler@fws.gov.
Education Programs
Youth Conservation Corps - 2024
The United States Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) is a summer youth employment program that engages young people in valuable hands-on work experiences to help develop and maintain the natural resources of the United States on national wildlife refuges, national parks, national forests, and fish hatcheries.
Wheeler NWR and the American Conservation Experience (ACE) are sponsoring the summer Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) program at Wheeler NWR in 2024.
WHERE: Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge headquarters located at 2700 Refuge Headquarters Road, Decatur, AL.
WHAT: Full-time (40 hours per week) summer employment, Monday through Friday, 7 am-3:30 pm, for 8 weeks from June 3-July 26.
SALARY: $15 per hour
HOURS: Monday-Friday, 7 am - 3:30 pm, June 3 - July 26, 2024
DUTIES: YCC members will learn about the different jobs in the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the conservation of natural resources. Projects include but are not limited to: trail and gate painting and upkeep, light building and grounds maintenance, biological surveys, and invasive plant removal. Participants will perform hard physical work outdoors using a variety of hand tools and may be exposed to insects, poison ivy, adverse weather, and difficult working conditions, but it is a rewarding experience!
REQUIREMENTS: Ability to use common hand tools and perform physical labor. Must be between 15 and 18 years of age for the duration of the program. Must have parental approval and transportation to refuge headquarters. Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Selected applicants will need to have their own bank account before reporting to work and provide proof of a valid social security number.
Selection: 4 positions will be selected from the pool of applicants.
To Apply: Complete an application online at https://forms.gle/yXJVsJjJ8D5KsJTm9 no later than 4:00 PM, Friday, April 19, 2024.
For further information, please contact: wheeler@fws.gov