Visitor Services & Maintenance

Facility

An image of a Bald Eagle.
Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge was established to manage the upper third of Reelfoot Lake as a refuge for migratory birds. Reelfoot is a wintering ground for migratory waterfowl and bald eagles.

Location

Address

4343 Highway 157
Union City, TN 38261
United States

Date Range
-

Volunteer Position Overview

Volunteers Needed
-
Recruitment Start Date
Recruitment End Date
Days
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Training Required
No
Security Clearance Needed
No
Virtual
No

About This Position

The Reelfoot NWR offers 4 concrete pads, 2 which are covered, 2 not covered. Full hookup, both 30 or 50 amp, water and septic. Free wifi, propane, laundry facility, storage space for each campsite, storm shelter, extra freezer space, and more. Located next to 2 refuges ponds, and within walking distance to the Visitor Center. Volunteers drive gov. vehicles on their scheduled work days. We have a small staff and offer a family-like atmosphere.

We are looking for a retired couple that can work only 3 days a week (8 hour days). Couples will work the same 3 consecutive days. One person keeps the Visitor Center open while the other does maintenance.

Visitor Center - Greeting visitors, answering phones, taking messages, cleaning, assisting with simple environmental education programs, assisting in record keeping for quota hunts, assisting in preparing for our Jr. Duck Stamp Judging and Awards Ceremony in the spring, assisting in our annual Fishing Rodeo and Jr. Ranger Camp. etc. The visitor center has fairly low visitation, but is busy in the spring with field trips.

Maintenance - (depending on the season) mowing and weed eating, spraying weeds, trail maintenance, blowing leaves, keeping vehicles and heavy equipment cleaned, litter patrol, assisting equipment operators in various tasks, keeping power units fueled up in winter, roving interpretation, leading Eagle Tours in Jan-Feb (free to public, only can take 5 people or fewer at a time, very informal tour) etc.

Reelfoot Lake is a beautiful area that offers gorgeous sunsets/sunrises, wildlife viewing opportunities, hunting, fishing, photography and more. It is the perfect place for canoeing or kayaking.

Email Tara_Dowdy@fws.gov for more information, such as what to expect each season at Reelfoot NWR, average temps per season, and more.

Check out our website: Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge

Check out our Facebook page: West TN National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Duties/Activities

Conservation Education
Construction/Maintenance
Fish/Wildlife
General Assistance
Planning Office/Clerical
Tour Guide/Interpretation
Trail/Campground Maintenance
Visitor Information

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.