Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Resident Volunteer/Workcamper- Maint

Facility

Two large marine mammals covered in algae swimming in crystal clear water
Crystal River is home to the only national wildlife refuge in the United States specifically created to protect habitats for Florida’s beloved official marine mammal, the Florida manatee.

Location

Address

1502 S.E. Kings Bay Drive
Crystal River, FL 34429
United States

Date Range
-

Volunteer Position Overview

Volunteers Needed
-
Recruitment Start Date
Recruitment End Date
Training Required
No
Security Clearance Needed
No
Virtual
No

About This Position

Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge Complex is looking to fill maintenance resident volunteer RV spots for three month stays only between April 2026 and October 2026. This campground is in Homosassa next to the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge maintenance shop and offices, approximately twenty minutes from the main office. Each site has electric (30/50amp), water and sewer hook-up, and a laundry facility is available on the property. RVs must be self contained as there is no restroom/shower facility on site. There is cell coverage with good strength depending on the service carrier and WiFi is provided and fairly reliable. Work campers will primarily serve in maintenance roles under the direction of the maintenance operations staff member and volunteer coordinator. Duties will include mowing, weed whacking, cutting back trails, hedge trimming, refreshing mulch and pine straw, and removing Spanish moss. Couples and singles must each commit to 24 hours of service per week. 

Duties/Activities

Campground Maintenance
Conservation Education
General Assistance
Tour Guide/Interpretation
Trail/Campground Maintenance
Visitor Information

Stories About Volunteering

A woman in a blue shirt stands next to a red sign reading "Winthrop Kids Fishing Day"
Our People
Five Summers of Service – A Volunteer’s Commitment to Community at Winthrop National Fish Hatchery
We’ve been fortunate to have some amazing hosts, many of them returning for multiple years. Among them is Stacy Turner, a remarkable individual who has left an indelible mark at Winthrop National Fish Hatchery in Winthrop, Washington.
Fireworks in the night sky
Recreation
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Volunteers Shine in Local Parade
Every year in Bandon, Oregon, the community holds a parade that celebrates America’s independence and all the community they hold dear. For a group of Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge volunteers, participating in this parade has been the highlight of 2025. Hundreds of thousands of people...
Man and gray cat take picture together.
Our People
Volunteers of the Northeast
Across the nation, it’s not just employees, contractors and interns who advance the mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Meet seven volunteers making meaningful contributions to national wildlife refuges and fish hatcheries around the Northeast region.
A group of six stands by the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery entrance sign
Our People
Volunteers Making Waves
At Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery, the commitment of our volunteers is crucial in enhancing fish conservation, supporting educational programs, and improving public access to nature. From trail projects to educational initiatives, these passionate individuals help ensure a sustainable future...
Family poses for tree planting at Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Get Involved
Volunteers, an Earth Day Celebration, and a Little Snow
37 hardy volunteers braved an unexpected snowstorm to celebrate Earth Day and plant over 75 trees and shrubs at the Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.
Groundwork Hudson Valley Green Team Group Picture Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge
Get Involved
Spring Break Stewardship
The youth members of the Groundwork Hudson Valley Green Team recently spent two days of their Spring Break working with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service staff on habitat restoration projects at two national wildlife refuges.

Other Ways to Work with Us

Are you looking for something different than a volunteer opportunity? The Fish and Wildlife Service employs around 9,000 people nationwide and offers great internship opportunities every year.