Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, Resident Volunteers

Facility

A flock of black-and-white shorebirds with upturned beaks rest in perfectly still water
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1938 to provide nesting, resting, and wintering habitat for migratory birds, including the greater snow geese and other migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, wading birds, raptors, and neotropical migrants; to provide habitat and protection for...

Location

Address

NC 12 south for shipping: 708 N Hwy 64, Manteo, NC 27954;
Rodanthe, NC 27968
United States

Date Range
-

Volunteer Position Overview

Volunteers Needed
-
Recruitment Start Date
Recruitment End Date
Days
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Training Required
No
Security Clearance Needed
Yes
Virtual
No
Suitability
Groups, Families, 55+

About This Position

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge is seeking enthusiastic resident volunteers to support two refuge visitor centers and other refuge programs. The Pea Island and Coastal North Carolina Refuges Gateway Visitor Centers and gift shops see thousands of visitors monthly. Located along the Outer Banks Scenic Byway, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge features 12 miles of beach, three impoundments that support waterbirds, and dune and saltmarsh habitats. Pea Island is hugely popular with tourists and beachgoers, anglers, and birders. In addition to the visitor center staffing, Resident Volunteers can provide general maintenance; assist with interpretation, education and outreach; and assist with biological work.


In return for these services, Resident Volunteers are provided electrical, water and sewage hook-up for their RVs, as well as laundry facilities and a beautiful environment to enjoy. A couple must commit to 24 hours of service per person per week. Depending on tasks, couples may work together at some times and separately at other times. A single person must commit to 32 hours of service per week. While we make every effort to meet individual wants/needs for schedules and work assignments, assigned hours are not guaranteed to be on the same days. Weekend work may be required. A three month minimum commitment is preferred, but a shorter time is negotiable and we will accept longer if available and the need exists. 


The RV site is located on Bodie Island, about 20 miles north of our visitor center on Pea Island. Each site has electric (30/50amp), water and sewer hook-up, and a laundry facility in a nearby bunkhouse (less than 1 mile away). There is cell coverage with fair strength, depending on the service carrier, but no internet service. Most RV’s use their “hotspot." A government vehicle is provided for volunteer duties; a personal vehicle is strongly recommended for personal errands.


For additional information or questions, please reach out to the listed Site Contact.


Duties/Activities

Conservation Education
Fish/Wildlife
General Assistance
Tour Guide/Interpretation
Trail/Campground Maintenance
Visitor Information
Weed/Invasive Species Control

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.