Resident Volunteer - Visitor Services and Maintenance

Background:

Encompassing 24,563 acres since 1935 on the edges of the Chihuahuan Desert and Southern Plains of southeast New Mexico, Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge is an oasis of biologically significant wetlands used by not only the migratory waterfowl the refuge was established for, but also a variety of wildlife including endangered species.

Named for its bitter waters by early explorers, Bitter Lake is central to the refuge and the surrounding wetlands, including biologically unique sinkholes. As a recognized Globally Important Bird Area, the refuge boasts migratory visits of more than 100,000 birds, as well as breeding and wintering populations viewable from the refuge Visitor Center overlook or the refuge Auto Tour. The refuge also offers a variety of trails and visitor use for visitors from around the world to use the refuge or to observe the wildlife that calls it home.

Volunteer Position:

Bitter Lake NWR Complex strives to maintain a Queer/LGBTQA+ and BIPOC-friendly space and work environment. Working and living at this station requires the ability to work with, take directions from, and live near people of all ages, backgrounds, and personality types. Positive outlooks and flexibility are key to success at this refuge complex. We welcome RV volunteers of all backgrounds to apply!

We are seeking individuals or a couple to serve as Visitor Services volunteers for FY 2026-2027. We are flexible on exact volunteer dates. We will consider couples if we can find an appropriate position for your partner. RV pads are the only available housing.

The Visitor Services Volunteer Position requires that each individual work 24 hours per week (typically three 8-hour days) for a minimum of 3 months. The refuge has maintenance, and visitor services needs. Duties will depend on each volunteer's experience and interest, but common duties may include; maintaining facilities (visitor center, tour loop, parking areas and vault toilets, and trails), landscaping (BIG IMPORTANCE), staffing the visitor center, outreach and education, and more.

Please list at least two volunteer or professional work references on your application.

Important Information to Know:

We have an RV campground that is available for volunteers with a self-contained RV. There is currently 1 RV pad open to fill in a new volunteer. There is a community building with laundry facilities, refrigerator and bathroom that volunteers have access to. Due to the nature of our site, we require that all individuals using shared amenities be full-time RV volunteers (24 hours/week). The RV campground does have pretty reliable access to free Wi-Fi.

Aside from the standard DOI Volunteer Agreement, we require volunteers to sign a refuge Rules and Expectations Form when staying at the refuge RV campground.

The nearest city is Roswell, NM (15-minute drive). The station is considered connected with decent wi-fi at the RV Pads, but cell service may be spotty. Within the City of Roswell, there are many amenities and grocery stores, including recreational opportunities within a 50-mile radius to the refuge.