Facility
Location
3815 American Blvd. East
Bloomington, MN 55425
United States
Volunteer Position Overview
About This Position
**Please note: to apply for this opportunity, please email a resume, 3 references, and a photo of RV to Sarah Inouye-Lease sarah_inouye@fws.gov rather than applying through this announcement**
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge manages over 14,000 acres of land dedicated to wildlife and wildlife-dependent recreation. The refuge is part of a corridor of land and water stretching nearly 70 miles along the Minnesota River, from Bloomington to Henderson, Minnesota. The refuge provides valuable habitat for a diversity of wildlife, including waterfowl, migratory birds, fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and other species. This unique area has a little bit of everything, from urban to rural and everything in between.
While primary responsibilities will be staffing and supporting our Rapids Lake Education & Visitor Center, there will be opportunities to support additional duties across the refuge and our second visitor center at Bloomington. These may include but are not limited to: maintenance projects, habitat restoration, and assisting with public programs.
Examples of Indoor Work:
- Welcome, greet and orient visitors while staffing a visitor center during a minimum of two full shifts or four half shifts a month, for a total of at least 14 hours per month for Visitor Center duty. Full shifts are 10am-5pm and half shifts are from either 10am-1:30pm or 1:30 – 5pm. These shifts fall on either Saturday or Sundays and are determined based on need with at least two weeks notice in advance.
- Fill and clean bird feeders.
- Assist staff in the preparation of educational materials or programs and events.
- Light cleaning and maintenance of visitor center.
- Having a current DOI Access Card is an advantage with potential to obtain one as needed for computer access.
Examples of Outdoor Work:
- Walk trails and report trail maintenance needs.
- Assist with maintenance of grounds, facilities, trails, vehicles, and equipment.
- Assist with maintaining pollinator gardens.
- Boundary posting, painting, maintaining grounds (mowing/landscaping), facilities, and trails.
- Must be able to load/unload mowers, use weed whips, and blowers (training provided). May include use of lawn mowers for mowing parking lots and berms.
Location: The RV pads are located on the refuge at our Rapids Lake Unit in Carver, MN amidst the prairie. The closest city with full amenities is Chaska, MN.
Requirements: Weekend Visitor Center work is required. Volunteers must enjoy working with others and providing excellent customer service. A valid driver’s license and a defensive driving course (provided) to operate a government vehicle. A fingerprint background check to access non-public areas of the refuge. 24 volunteer hours per week per person and a four-month minimum stay. Preference to start May 1, 2026.
Benefits: The refuge will provide a full hookup RV site with electrical, water, sewer, and picnic table. RV volunteers will have the opportunity to participate in multiple training and staff events.
How to Apply: Applicants should email a resume, 3 references, and a photo of RV to Sarah Inouye-Leas at sarah_inouye@fws.gov.
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