Maintenance Volunteer at San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge

Volunteer Duties

May include, but not limited to:

• Repair, replace, remove, or install directional, informational, and interpretive signs.
• Gate and fencing relocation and installation.
• Repair metal and PVC infrastructure and perform improvements water delivery systems to habitat.
• General property maintenance of refuge buildings, restrooms, and grounds as needs are identified.
• Cutting/removal/mowing of vegetation surrounding critical refuge well, solar, and road infrastructure.
• Repair or build/replace visitor sign in boxes.
• Attend to resource needs through close coordination with management and biology staff.
• Assist with chemical spraying.
• Resolve station safety concerns within skill set.
• Perform routine and annual station safety inspections.
• If qualified, perform habitat rehabilitation projects using heavy equipment such as backhoe, skid steer, and excavator.
• If qualified, tow heavy equipment via trailer and dump truck (CDL required).
• If qualified, perform tasks including metal work, cutting, and welding.
• If qualified, perform heavy equipment preventative maintenance checks, parts and wiring inspection and replacement, and complete routine maintenance.
• If qualified, operating ATVs and UTVs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Ability to drive USFWS vehicles with training and permission (valid driver’s license required).
• Ability and willingness to work alone in a remote location.
• Willingness to work along the US/Mexico International border.
• High regard for personal safety and commitment to adhering to station and agency safety procedures and policies.
• Personal accountability to complete projects with high quality with limited oversight.
• Ability to safely perform physically demanding work in remote locations away from other people in extreme weather conditions.
• An interest and general working knowledge of the tools and concepts used in working on maintenance-type projects, including, but not limited to hand tools, mechanics, carpentry, and general maintenance.
• Flexibility to accommodate unexpected maintenance emergencies and re-prioritize tasks as needed.
• Willingness to assist staff and work on a team when needed.
• Possession of a commercial driver’s license (CDL), FWS heavy equipment training, FWS ORUV training, and welding skills are pluses but not necessities.

Safety and Working Conditions

• May require prolonged standing, walking, bending, stooping and reaching. 
• Work is primarily performed alone and is immediately adjacent to the US/Mexico International Border.
• Work is often performed in areas of no/limited cell coverage.
• Work is performed mainly outdoors and often in extreme weather conditions. Summertime temperatures routinely exceed 100° F.
• Dirty and dusty conditions and regular travel on gravel and dirt roads.
• May require moderately heavy physical effort in performing such tasks as lifting and carrying heavy objects weighing up to 45 pounds.
• May come into contact with hazardous chemicals, fumes, or other irritants.
• Operation of heavy equipment entails extra risk, with potential for extreme injury or death. All operators must possess an up-to-date safety certification.
• Volunteer will need to dress appropriately for the work and site conditions, including the wearing of any and all required personal protective equipment (PPE). 

Supervisor’s Responsibilities to Volunteer

• Provide initial safety orientation and site/staff introduction.
• Offer and follow through on proper training required to accomplish duties appropriately.
• Show the respect given to any other staff member at this refuge.
• Maintain availability for any questions or concerns of the volunteer.

Volunteer Obligations

• To complete orientation and any training program provided by the staff.
• Willingness to serve without monetary compensation.
• Responsibility for reliable personal vehicle to reach refuge headquarters office.
• To be available for work on dates and times agreed upon.
• Accept that missing work periods without prior notification can result in dismissal from the Volunteer Program.
• To record volunteer hours and work completed on a daily basis. This timesheet is to be sent at the end of the month to the Volunteer Coordinator who shall track your total volunteer hours for the Refuge’s reporting requirements.  

Time and Commitment

• Term start date is flexible.
• Volunteers staying on-site in refuge housing or utilizing an RV pad are required to contribute a minimum of 24 hours per week if volunteering as an individual. For couples, a combined minimum of 32 hours per week is required.
• A minimum commitment of one month is required for on-site stays. A two-month term is preferred and may be extended based on the volunteer’s fit and performance.
• Workdays and hours generally follow standard business hours but may be adjusted through mutual agreement.    

Benefits

• RV pad with full hookups or private room in a shared bunkhouse is available.
• Wi-Fi and washer/dryer available on-site. 

Reimbursement

•  No reimbursement offered.