RV Volunteer: Visitor Center Volunteer

Our Refuge: Located about 15 miles outside Portland, OR, Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Complex is a fantastic destination to see a variety of wildlife in many of our diverse habitats. As a designated Urban Refuge, we provide many opportunities for the public to engage on the land. We strives to work with new communities in new ways and we are looking for others to help us achieve this work. The portion of the refuge open to the public offers a seasonal trail, as well as a year-round trail. In addition to this broad scope of walkable trails, the refuge also houses an amazing Visitor Center equipped with a classroom, exhibit hall, conference room and a Friend's operated Nature Store.

RV Accommodations: There are two sites available to our RV Volunteers. These sites require the volunteers to commute to and from the Visitor Center for their shifts. It is about a 10-15 minute drive. Volunteers must provide their own transportation. Water, sewer, and 50 amp electric is provided at each site, along with nearby trash and recycling disposal. Propane refills are provided by the Refuge. Cell phone coverage is great at this location. There is also WIFI access for these two sites and access to laundry is possible depending on the season.

Local Amenities: This refuge is located approximately 15 miles outside of Portland, OR in the town of Sherwood. In Sherwood, there are all kinds of restaurants, shopping, grocery stores and home improvement stores as well. Medical care is right in the vicinity as well and provides several options for whatever needs you may have.

Some Helpful Information: The refuge stays fairly busy all throughout the year. There is a lot of wildlife to see and enjoy and with being so close to the Portland metro area many families come daily to take in the sights. Even if things are slow in the Visitor Center, staff always have small projects we need help with. We will work with you to keep you as busy and as involved as you want to be.

Time Commitment: TRNWRC RV Volunteer program requires a minimum of three months commitment. For couples willing to volunteer, 32 hours a week are asked of the pair (divided between the two), while a single individual needs to work 24 hours each week to qualify for an RV pad. As the refuge is just working through its reopening, following the closures during the pandemic, staff are working hard to reengage our volunteer base at the refuge and are in need of assistance to fill some gaps, specifically in the Visitor Center. We are asking that the incoming RV Volunteer(s) be willing to work at least one weekend day in the Visitor Center to fulfill their required weekly hour commitment. Please note, the start and end date listed are flexible. Please reach out if you have questions about that.

No Pets Allowed: Due to the location of the RV pads, the Refuge does not allow pets for our RV Volunteers. Service animals are allowed. Please let us know if you have any questions in regards to this.