Volunteer Activities
• Conservation Education
• Office/Clerical
• Tour Guide/Interpretation
• Visitor Information
• General Assistance

Photo Courtesy of NPS

Our RV pad volunteers are asked to staff our air-conditioned museum and visitor center information desk for 32 hours per week. The time can be split between couples. Volunteers make daily contact with our visitors and provide basic information about the park through friendly conversation and/or providing brochures. Basic information includes hours of operations, schedule of programs on weekends, and info about upcoming special events. Other duties include basic cash register operations, promoting our Junior Ranger program, and providing basic historical knowledge of Fort Caroline and the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve. There are also opportunities for project based assignments, and participation in demonstrating historic weapons. 

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Type: Trailer/RV Pads
Description: Pad is 30' x 16' with plenty of room to overhang the front and back. Full hookups with sewer, water, and electricity. Electric has 50/30/20 amp options. Road to RV area is gravel with about 15 feet of clearance. Washer and Dryer access included. Shopping centers are near and park is close to major highways.

Gate Attendant/Park Host:

Dates: May 01, 2019 through October 31, 2019, Possibly Longer

Volunteer Duties: Staff a Visitor Center and or Gate-House. Greet and assist Visitors/Campers. Collect fees associated with camping reservations. Assist Rangers with office administrative duties. Promote water safety.

Special Skills: Interpersonal skills, ability to adapt and improvise, NRRS experience, Microsoft Office, and mobile.
(Updated 04/30/2019)

 

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Type: Trailer/RV Pads
Description: Campsite is provided with the 20 to 25 hours worked. A full hook-ups is provided, close proximity to laundry, Wi-Fi and river.

Are you able to meet people and make friends? Do you desire to give back to the community? Share a love of history, travel, and the National Park Service to visitors?

Then De Soto National Memorial is looking for you!  We are an innovative and fast-paced park, a unit of the National Park Service, looking for volunteers to join our team and be actively involved in a wide variety of opportunities at the park and beyond. 

Introduction

Several positions are open for the Visitor Center at De Soto National Memorial. As team members, volunteers will perform duties to support the interpretive operations and mission goals of the park. Visitor Center and information desk duties are primarily centered upon customer service and administrative support.

Major Duties

• Greet park visitors.
• Staff front desk providing park and general information to the public.
• Answer numerous and repetitive questions about the park in a professional manner.
• Educate visitors on the regulations of the park and safety concerns.
• Use telephone to provide information about the park.
• Operate a variety of audio/visual and other equipment used in connection with interpretative material (e.g.- show the park film in the theater, use the P.A. system to make announcements)
• Distribute maps, brochures, and other printed materials.
• Monitor and keep informational brochures stocked and available.
• Monitor and report safety concerns to park staff.
• Receive and report lost and found items following park protocol.
• Handle negative contacts and sensitive topics in a professional manner.
• Report all negative contacts to park staff.

Other Duties

May assist with preparations for programs or special events which include repair/maintenance of items used in programs or arrangement/movement of furniture and displays.

May perform a variety of administrative tasks (ex. Filing, opening boxes and paper bundles, stuffing envelopes, photocopying, reviewing text, maintain volunteer records.)

May rove park grounds and provide informal information, orientation, and/or interpretation to visitors.

Occasionally, volunteer may be tasked to conduct an informal interpretative talk or presentation.

Volunteers may cross train into other programs at the park such as assisting with Ranger-led Kayak tours, supporting Junior Ranger Summer Day Camps, and aiding rangers and fellow volunteers with Fishing Clinics.

Volunteer will not use government computer.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

Ability to work independently with little to no supervision and as part of a team.

Ability to communicate orally.

Ability to research and communicate facts about the resources at De Soto National Memorial.

Enjoy talking with and meeting people.

Ability to effectively deal with stressful situations, repetitive tasks, and large crowds (i.e.- field trips, etc).

Physical Demands

Requires sitting and standing for long periods of time.

Work Environment

Work is performed mainly in an office setting. The visitor center could get busy with over 300 visitors a day during the winter, in addition to field trips and day camps in the summer. Coastal weather is notoriously unpredictable and can change quickly. The area experiences thunderstorms, high winds, rain, high heat, cool temperatures, and hurricanes. It is often hot and humid and oftentimes the heat index exceeds 100 °F. 

Work Schedule

The park's current need for assistance is:

Sundays 9 am – 1 pm

Tuesdays 9 am – 1 pm (short term)

Tuesdays 1 pm – 5 pm (short term)

Thursdays 9 am – 1 pm

Fridays 9 am – 1 pm

Saturdays, 9 am - 1 pm

Volunteer will notify the volunteer supervisor of planned absences within a reasonable amount of time, usually not less than one week, or as soon as possible when the volunteer cannot be available to perform scheduled duties due to sickness or other reasons.

Uniform

While on duty, the volunteer will wear a NPS volunteer shirt and name tag (provided). The volunteer will supply his/her own pants (jeans are not preferable for Visitor Center duties), and shoes. The volunteer should look professional at all times and follow the De Soto Volunteer uniform policy.

Housing

Housing is not provided.

Reimbursement

Volunteer will not be reimbursed for expenses.

*** When applying, please provide two references and a description of previous experiences to deso_interpretive_staff@nps.gov***

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Description: Housing will NOT be provided.

Volunteer Activities
• Construction/Maintenance
• Conservation Education
• Office/Clerical
• Tour Guide/Interpretation
• Visitor Information
• Fish/Wildlife
• General Assistance

Photo Courtesy of FWS

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1963 as an overlay of NASA's John F. Kennedy Space Center for the protection of migratory birds. Consisting of 140,000 acres, the Refuge provides a wide variety of habitats: coastal dunes, saltwater marshes, freshwater impoundments, scrub, pine flatwoods, and hardwood hammocks that provide habitat for more than 1,500 species of plants and animals and 15 federally listed species. Located less than an hour east of Orlando and less than an hour south of Daytona, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge sees over one million people annually. 

This position is for Summer 2019 from May 2019 through October 2019.

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is located in Central Florida along the Atlantic Coast and has two RV pads with full hookups available for work campers. To stay on a pad, volunteers are required to work 24 hours per week. Due to high interest, volunteers must be able to commit two and a half months minimum for summer season.

Availability

• 24 hours per week, 3 month minimum year round
• Volunteers might be asked to work on weekends and holidays.

Volunteer Duties:

• Orient visitors to recreational activities such as hiking, bird watching, and fishing.
• Greet visitors to the refuge and provide them with information about the area and programs and activities offered.
• Answer the phone in the Visitor Center and provide information.
• Help keep the Visitor Center area clean and presentable to visitors.
• Help educate visitors about the cultural and natural resources in and around Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
• May assist with special programs and events.
• Sell daily and annual passes for the refuge as well as all federal lands.
• Carry out maintenance operations by removing trash from various locations on the refuge
• Assist with administrative office work
• Ensure brochure racks remain stocked
• Assist refuge staff with various tasks

Qualifications/Skills

• Enjoy working with the public.
• Be able to deal with a high volume of visitors under occasionally hectic situations.
• Have knowledge or a willingness to learn about the refuge's natural resources.
• Have the ability to communicate effectively with people of all ages, backgrounds, and cultures.
• Written and oral communication skills.
• Contribute as a team player working with a diverse group of people
• Computer skills.

Working Conditions

• Volunteers may be working in conditions, typical of Central Florida, including heat, humidity and mosquitoes.
• Summer conditions in Central Florida can be very taxing. Work campers have the ability to work either 3 eight-hour days or 4 six-hour days depending on tolerance of weather and working conditions.

Benefits to Volunteers

• Gain knowledge of the operations of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
• Meet other employees and volunteers
• Opportunities to talk with people from all over the world
• Learn about many aspects of the refuge's natural resources
• Opportunities to gain recognition items based on cumulative service

Work campers are expected to stay a minimum of three months working 24-hour weeks to be able to use the RV pad available from May 2019 through October 2019. If you have any questions, please contact Emily DeLanzo at Emily_DeLanzo@fws.gov or (321)861-0668.

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Type: Trailer/RV Pads
Description: Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is located in Central Florida along the Atlantic Coast and has two RV pads with full hookups available for work campers. The RV pads are located in a gated housing area 1/4 mile past the visitor center beside the shared Refuge housing. Washer and dryers are present on site at no cost to volunteers.

Make a difference! This is an opportunity to volunteer in a beautiful swamp that is visited by individuals from around the world. This position will coordinate efforts at Big Cypress National Preserve to seek external funding through the grant application process with a goal of improving resource conditions and visitor experiences.

We are seeking a grant writer with successful experience. Work will include researching grant sources, reviewing requests for proposals to determine Preserve eligibility, coordinating between programs to gather information, drafting proposals, applying for grants, and monitoring project work when funded. Having a federal background clearance and a current PIV card is helpful.

Length of commitment:  Successful volunteers should commit to six months with an option to stay for a year. (Watch the seasons change!) A volunteer living in government housing or in your own motor home within Big Cypress National Preserve must commit to 32 hours/week. (Motor home sites have full hook-ups.) If housing is not needed, volunteers must commit to 8 hours/week.

Equipment: Desk space and a computer will be assigned. Phone access will be available. Government vehicle will be available, for official duty only, on an as needed basis, connected to viewing sites and discussing potential grants with outside entities in the local area. Must have a current driver's license to drive government vehicles.

Physical requirements: Work is generally seated, standing, or walking/hiking with mild lifting (not more than 20 lbs).

Benefits to the Volunteer: Opportunity to support a national park unit by seeking external funding and monitoring projects moving forward as well as to serve as a team member focused on improving resource conditions and visitor experiences. Best of all: Volunteers will be living in Big Cypress National Preserve or visiting on a weekly basis!

Division supported: Park Management

Supervisor: Interpretation Supervisory Park Ranger

Scope of contacts: Volunteers will have contacts with NPS staff, potential grant makers, and representatives of park partner organizations.

Grant Writer must be: Detail oriented, self motivated, deadline driven, and have clear concise writing skills. Must have a proven record of grant writing and positive communication skills, orally and in writing. Experience serving as a team member. High proficiency use of Microsoft Suites. Proficiency in Google Shared Tools is helpful. Federal background check and access to an assigned PIV card also helpful.

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Type: Other
Description: Efficiency apartments and trailer pad sites with complete hook-ups are available in Big Cypress National Preserve.

Volunteer Activities
• Campground Host
• Construction/Maintenance
• Office/Clerical
• Trail/Campground Maintenance
• Visitor Information
• General Assistance

Photo Courtesy of FS

The Forest Service is seeking summer campground hosts.  For a lucky few, the perfect camping option is serving as a volunteer campground host. The year-round post, which can last from 3 months to 1 year, offers a free campsite in exchange for 25 hours a week of volunteer service.  Summer is a busy time at our lakeside areas and we are seeking volunteers who want to be a part of helping us keep our facilities neat and tidy for the visiting public.

Volunteer camp hosts greet visitors, perform general facility and groundskeeping maintenance. 

Ocean Pond is a serene and popular campground along the shores of a lake that provides 67 campsites with either electric, water or primitive set ups.  Olustee Beach is a day use site with a fishing pier, boat ramp, beach and interpretive trails. Conveniently located between Jacksonville and Lake City, Florida, it is a popular destination for both local visitors and those traveling along I-10.

The Osceola National Forest is within a short driving distance to many popular attractions in Florida and some of the more popular north Florida cities.  The Jacksonville beaches are a short hour drive, Gainesville with University of Florida and Shands Medical Center are less than an hour.  St. Augustine (oldest city in Florida) and Tallahassee (the state Capitol).  Osceola NF are located less than 2 hours from our forest.   The Atlantic beaches, natural springs and local rivers with caves and scenic points of interest provide easy access to recreational waters in the area. 

Outdoor recreational activities on the forest are centered around Ocean Pond, a mile-long lake that includes campgrounds, beaches, hiking, fishing, boating and swimming. OHV and equestrian trails along with undeveloped campgrounds are located around the forest. Other attractions include the Florida National Scenic Trail, Olustee Battlefield State Park and the Big Gum Swamp Wilderness.

To apply, fill out an application here on the volunteer.gov website.  Or email  Leslie Canciglia  ltcanciglia@fs.fed.us with questions.  Check out our website. http://www.fs.usda.gov/osceola  to learn more about the forest.

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Type: Trailer/RV Pads
Description: We will provide full hookup - water, sewer and electric, propane reimbursement.

Come Experience Your National Preserve and Help Visitors Do the Same

Big Cypress needs you to share your experience and expertise and help the visiting public enjoy their public lands. Interpretation volunteers are needed throughout the year both long-term and short term. Whether you have several months to volunteer or several days a week, you can make a difference at the Preserve.

When:  If you have 2-6 months availability and love the summer humidity, bugs, and air conditioning-- positions start May 1st, 2019 and last through October 31st, 2019. 

Duties:  Volunteers will assist the Preserve staffing visitor centers, roving trails and pullouts, gathering statistics, and operating computer cash registers to sell items for the Florida National Parks Association. Training and procedure checklists are provided to get you in the groove.

Helping visitors have the best experience is a big part of the job. The position works in both visitor centers orienting the public to the Preserve and the region, answering phones, selling park store items, and encouraging people to get the most out of their visit.

If you want an extra challenge you will be trained and present thematic interpretive programs to the public. Programs can range from 5 to 50 minutes and cover a variety of natural and cultural topics related to Big Cypress. A program might be a walk, talk, tour, power point presentation, demonstration, or activity.

Volunteers need a valid U.S. driver’s license and will operate government vehicles. 

Skills needed: Be comfortable interacting with a widely diverse public of all ages and interest levels. A willingness to learn about the Preserve and share your knowledge with the visitors in a meaningful manner in helpful. Can you answer the same question over and over again and not sound like a recording? Good! A passion for your public lands, a sense of humor, and a taste for adventure are also useful as a volunteer. 

Housing in the form of dorm rooms, efficiency apartments, and RV pads may be available to volunteers who work at least 32 hours per week. If you are local and/or don’t need accommodation, hours are much more flexible.

Please include three (3) references and their contact information on your application.

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Type: Trailer/RV Pads
Description: Bunk House, Efficiency Apartments, and RV Pads available. To qualify for housing a time commitment of 32 hours/week is required.

Experience Big Cypress and share your enthusiasm with visitors. We need you to share your knowledge about Big Cypress and the surrounding areas here in south Florida. Give one day a week or a few hours once or twice per week. You will make a difference to visitors from around the world!

Duties: Volunteers will assist the Preserve primarily staffing visitor centers including answering questions, operating computer cash registers to sell items for the Florida National Parks Association, answering phones, and helping visitors learn more about their National Preserve.  You may also help with roving boardwalks and collecting statistics.

For an extra challenge be trained and present thematic interpretive programs to Preserve visitors.    

Volunteers who will be going out in the field will need a valid U.S. driver's license.

Individuals must be comfortable interacting with a widely diverse public of all ages and interest levels. A willingness to learn and share your knowledge with visitors in a meaningful manner is helpful. While you may answer the same questions many times the smiles you get when you share in helping them discover what they are looking for is rewarding to all involved. A passion for public lands, a taste for adventure, and a sense of humor are also very useful as a volunteer.

Please include three (3) references and their contact information on you application.

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Not Available

Enjoy the sunshine and the humidity! Help Big Cypress National Preserve visitors see native wild plants around their visitor centers. 

Remove downed vegetation. Must be able to pick up loads of at least 10 pounds. Trim native and non-native vegetation using appropriate tools. Dig up non-native vegetation. May be planting native vegetation. Must be able to use hand trowels, lopers, shovels, and wheel barrows. Must be able to bend and kneel as appropriate. 

Time requirement: 2 to 8 hours/day. May do once, one day/week or more often as needed.

Must wear appropriate clothing: light weight long pants and closed-toed shoes (no sandals). Wearing a light weight long-sleeved shirt and a hat ids also recommended.

Will need a filled water container. If volunteering longer than 4 hours, please bring a lunch. 

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Not Available

Volunteer Activities
• Campground Host
• Construction/Maintenance
• Conservation Education
• Trail/Campground Maintenance
• Tour Guide/Interpretation
• Visitor Information

Photo Courtesy of NPS

Have we been looking for you all our life!?  We are looking for one or two boats (double or single occupancy) who would be interested in lending their talents to Biscayne National Park in exchange for the chance to 'winter' in South Florida.  If you can donate 32hrs/week/person, we can give you dockspace and hookups Nov/Dec, 2019-April 30, 2020...free of charge.  (preference given to individuals who can commit to the whole season but shorter time commitments may be possible.)

Some duties will include working at a remote island, informal interpretation with island campers, informing visitors about island regulations, general maintenance, assisting with environmental education camps, and various other tasks.  Park staff will work with hired individuals to steamline park needs with individual's talents.  

The ideal person/people should be fit and work well on a team.  They should be flexible with their time and talents, and enjoy working with the public.  Independent work a MUST.

Weekend work is required.  Some night work required.  NPS experience preferred, though not required.  No pets.  No children.  Harbor Hosts are responsible for transportation from mainland to Boca Chita Key.  Draft of boat should be no more than 3.5 feet due to depth of Boca Chita harbor . Boat must be able to be self sustained while at Boca Chita Key as there are no hookups.  Mainland dock has water and electricty (50 or 30 amp) hookups for days off.  Pump out station at marina next door.  

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Description: Harbor Hosts must provide own live-aboard boat.

Volunteer Activities
• Visitor Information

Photo Courtesy of NPS

We are looking for the right people to join our team! The volunteer position in the Interpretive division at Biscayne National Park is diverse. The duties require staffing the visitor center desk, responding to visitor inquiries, assisting staff with special projects, conducting formal and informal interpretive programs.

The desirable candiate must be a reliable self-starter, able to work with minimal supervision and comfortable interacting with different personalities. Must be willing to devote a minimum of 4 hours per week to equal a total of 80hr or more. This is not a community service or service learning project opportunity for those needing volunteer hours.

PLEASE NOTE: Housing and transportation are NOT provided for this position.

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Description: No housing available

Volunteer Activities
• Campground Host
• Construction/Maintenance
• Office/Clerical
• Trail/Campground Maintenance
• Visitor Information
• General Assistance

Photo Courtesy of FS

For a lucky few, the perfect camping option is serving as a volunteer campground host. The year-round, short-term post, which can last from three months to one year, offers a free campsite in exchange for 15 hours a week of volunteering.

Volunteer camp hosts greet visitors, monitor the site and keep the area orderly, clean bathrooms, and perform general facility and groundskeeping maintenance. We provide tools and equipment to do the job and reimburse for propane.  

Those interested must have an RV or hard top camper, be able to lift 40 lbs and be personable to traveling public.  Applicants must pass a federal background check.  

Hog Pen Landing offers a boat ramp with direct access to the lake.  Hog Pen Landing is a primitive campground with few amenities.  There is no water, sewer or electric currently at the site.  Conveniently located between Jacksonville and Lake City, Florida, it is a popular destination for both local visitors and traveling snowbirds.  If you are used to being independent and want a quiet, relaxed campground, Hog Pen may just be for you.

The Osceola National Forest is within a short driving distance to many popular attractions in Florida and some of the more popular north Florida cities, Jacksonville Beaches, Gainesville, University of Florida and Shands Medical Center, St. Augustine - Oldest City in Florida, and Tallahassee, the state capitol.  Osceola NF is set between the Atlantic Beaches and the Nature Coast with many local rivers, caves and scenic points of interest. Outdoor recreational activities on the forest are centered around Ocean Pond, a mile long lake that includes campgrounds, beaches, hiking, fishing, boating and swimming. OHV and equestrian trails along with undeveloped campgrounds are located around the forest. Other attractions include the Florida National Scenic Trail, Olustee Battlefield State Park and the Big Gum Swamp Wilderness.

To apply, fill out an application with the dates of interest and relevant experience if any or email: lcanciglia@usda.gov

Check out our website. http://www.fs.usda.gov/osceola

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Type: Trailer
Description: Reimbursement for propane. Site has no electric or water Concrete RV pad

Volunteer Activities
• Construction/Maintenance

Photo Courtesy of NPS

• This position will include operating a Government vehicle to drive to Black Point to collect trash from receptacles and pick up litter along the jetty.
• Volunteer will also assist in the emptying of monofilament (fishing line) recycling bins
• General assistance to the division of Maintenance
• Other tasks as assigned or appropriate to your skill level and training
• Interested individuals should be able to commit to 4 hours, once a week, for at least 6 months.
• Responsible and professional
• Self-starter and quick to learn
• Follows directions, but can independently perform tasks once oriented
• Punctual and dependable
• Previous experience with general maintenance tasks & small tools
• Works well in a team atmosphere
• Must posess a valid Florida driver's license
• Contact for this position is: Elizabeth_Strom@nps.gov, 786.335.3673

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Description: No housing available

Volunteer Activities
• Construction/Maintenance

Photo Courtesy of NPS

• General assistance to the division of Maintenance
• Tasks may include painting, working with tools, litter cleanup, island trail maintenance etc.…
• Other tasks as assigned or appropriate to your skill level and training
• Time commitment negotiable.
• Responsible and professional
• Self-starter and quick to learn
• Follows directions, but can independently perform tasks once oriented
• Punctual and dependable
• Previous experience with general maintenance tasks & small tools
• Works well in a team atmosphere, indoors and outdoors
• Must posess a valid FL driver's license
• Contact for this position is: Elizabeth_Strom@nps.gov, 786.335.3673

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Description: No housing availble

We are looking for the right people to join our team! The volunteer position in the Interpretive division at Biscayne National Park is diverse. The duties require staffing the visitor center desk, responding to visitor inquiries, assisting staff with special projects, conducting formal and informal interpretive programs.

The desirable candiate must be a reliable self-starter, able to work with minimal supervision and comfortable interacting with different personalities. Must be willing to devote a minimum of 4 hours per week to equal a total of 80hr or more. This is not a community service or service learning project opportunity for those needing volunteer hours.

PLEASE NOTE: Housing and transportation are NOT provided for this position.

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Description: Housing is NOT available

Pick up downed vegetation. Move vegetation to appropriate location that is away from sidewalks, parking lots or other areas where visitors walk. Must be able to pick up loads of at least 10 pounds. Trim native and non-native vegetation using appropriate tools. Pull out or dig up non-native vegetation. May be planting native vegetation. Must be able to use hand trowels, lopers, and shovels. Must be able to bend and kneel as appropriate.

Time requirement: 2 to 8 hours/day. May do once, one day/week or more often as needed.

Must wear appropiate clothing-light weight long pants and closed-toed shoes (no sandals). Wearing a light weight long-sleeved shirt is also recommended. 

Must bring a filled water container. If volunteering longer than four hours should bring a lunch also.

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Not Available

Volunteer Activities
• Conservation Education
• Tour Guide/Interpretation
• Science

Photo Courtesy of NPS

Internship - Environmental Education

Interns are College Students or recent graduates pursuing a career in the National Park Service.

Park: Big Cypress National Preserve is 729,000 acres of swampland in south Florida. Part of the Everglades ecosystem, Big Cypress is a critical watershed for the Ten thousand Islands area to the southwest. It is home to many endangered species including the Florida Panther. Incredible wildlife viewing opportunities, canoeing, hiking and biking are just some of the activities available during the winter months in the swamp.

Dates: Full 6 month internships. Internship begins October 1st, 2019 and runs through March 30th, 2020 only.  Interns must be able to arrive by October 1st to attend the 2 week training and work through the end of March.

Duties: Main Duty -  October through the end of March – Four days a week interns work with the S.W.A.M.P., Swamp Water and Me Program, a hands-on curriculum-based program with the 6th grade students and their teachers from the Collier County School System. Interns will either assist rangers or lead own groups depending on staffing during the field trip. This involves hiking into a cypress strand, prairie and pineland with the students and helping them with field experiments, data gathering and other activities such as radio telemetry, dip netting, water quality testing, soil sampling, animal and vegetation identification and weather tests. While the hiking is not long in distance it can be very physically demanding as it involves walking through knee to thigh deep water, long periods of standing, heavy lifting, heat and humidity, mosquitoes, uneven footing and other swamp creatures besides the 6th graders!

A normal S.W.A.M.P. day: 8:00 - 9:30 projects, prepare for students. 10:00 students arrive. 10:30-2:30 in the field with program, 3:00-4:30 clean up equipment and get ready for next day, and work on projects. One day a week interns will present the pre-site programs in the classrooms. The Intern will also assist in the facilitation of the S.W.A.M.P. Teacher Workshop.

Interns also develop and present a variety of requested programs to school groups of all ages and adult special interest groups. These take place in the schools, the community or in the preserve. Interns will work at special events, assist in the training of new employees and volunteers, work on a variety of assigned projects, develop new activities and teacher materials, and maintain and inventory equipment.

Interns will also assist in the facilitation of teacher workshops such as Project Wild, and Black Bear Curriculum Workshop. Interns are involved in the League of Environmental Educators of Florida.

Days off vary week to week depending upon program needs.  Interns typically work a minimum of 40 hours per week Monday through Friday, but may also be scheduled to work several weekend festivals, special community events or attend training opportunities which may be longer than 8 hour days.  

Interns may have the opportunity to assist with projects in other divisions including visitor services, resource management, fire, administration, maintenance and law enforcement. The intern will also visit other agencies and attractions in the area as part of their training. Interns will be working directly with the Education Coordinator on a daily basis as well as have the opportunity to shadow employees in other divisions and provided a full range of exposure to the full operation of the Preserve.

Skills: Must have a car and valid driver's license.  Must enjoy and have experience working with children. An education, interpretation, recreation or biology background is preferred. Knowledge of natural science is necessary along with good communication skills, flexibility, be in good physical condition and most of all have enthusiasm!!!

Compensation: This internship position is designed to give you first hand workplace experience. Depending on funding, a reimbursement of $150.00 per week may be available. Housing will be provided on-site in a shared bunkhouse. Laundry facilities, a pool and a weight room are also available. Area: Big Cypress is located in South Florida on Highway 41 just thirty miles east of Naples and seventy miles west of Miami. Temperatures during the winter months are usually in the 80s during the day and 60s to 70s at night. Everglades City is the closest town, five miles, with a small grocery, convenience stores, gas stations, and restaurants. The fishing is great!

To apply, fill out the on-line application AND send your resume with references and their contact information to Lisa Andrews, lisa_andrews@nps.gov or call 239-695-1164.

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Type: Bunk House
Description: Interns and Seasonal employees share a 4 bedroom 2 bath house. May have 2 people per bedroom. Contact for details.

Volunteer Activities
• Conservation Education
• Tour Guide/Interpretation
• Science

Photo Courtesy of NPS

Volunteer couples needed in Environmental Education Program October thru March.

Duties: This is a full 6 month position.  Position begins October 1st, 2019 and runs through March 30 2020. Volunteers work in the S.W.A.M.P., Swamp Water and Me Program, a curriculum based program with the 6th grade students and their teachers from Collier County public and private schools. Volunteers act as the sweep while hiking with groups of students,  assisting the Lead Education Rangers with group management and safety during the field trips to the preserve. Volunteers assist students with their activities and help Ranger keep them on task. Groups hike into a cypress strand, prairie and pineland with the students and helping them with field experiments, data gathering and other activities such as radio telemetry, dip netting and water quality testing. While the hiking is not long in distance it can be physically demanding as it involves walking through knee to thigh deep water in the swamp, long periods of standing, lifting, heat and humidity, mosquitoes, uneven footing and other swamp creatures besides the 6th graders!

A normal Environmental Education work day is from 9:30 – 3:30. VIPs arrive at the education center at 9:30 and begin preparing the education center for arrival of students which includes housekeeping duties, preparing and loading all equipment and working on projects if time allows. 10:00 students arrive. 10:30-2:30 in the field with program, 2:45 - 3:30 clean and re-stock equipment and student backpacks, prepare for the next day and work on projects.

On days that no 6th grade field trips are scheduled the volunteers may assist rangers with special events and festivals, assist with special requested programs like wet walks and canoe trips, assist with teacher workshops, work on special projects, assist with general upkeep and maintenance of EE Center and equipment or do job related exploration and training.

Requirements: Couples work a minimum of 24 hours each and single Volunteers work a minimum of 32 hours per week. Typically these hours will be fulfilled by working four eight hour days for single volunteers and four six hour workdays for couples however when scheduled to work on special events or workshops the days may be longer. Volunteers must be very flexible as the days worked and the days off may change from week to week depending on when the school groups can be scheduled and to accommodate bus schedule changes or other group programs and events. The workdays will normally be between Monday and Friday but may work several weekends for special events or non-school programs. 

The duty station to report to is the Environmental Education Center located on Birdon road, which will require personal vehicles to be driven the 2.5 miles from the housing area along a gravel road.

Volunteers will have the opportunity to assist other divisions with special projects and visit other agencies in the area and have many other training opportunities.

Selection Priority is given to couples and to those volunteers that commit to the full term of October 1st through March.

Must have your own fully contained RV and second vehicle for daily transportation to work.

Skills: Must have enthusiasm!!! Must enjoy and have experience working with children. Must be able to work as a team with co-workers of different ages.  An education background is preferred. Knowledge of natural science. Good communication skills. Flexibility. Good physical condition.

Compensation: There is no housing available. We will provide an R.V. pad with full hook ups in our volunteer campground in exchange for a minimum of 24 hours of work per person for a couple or 32 hour per week for a single person. R.V. must be fully contained. Laundry facilities, a pool and weight room are also available.

Area: Big Cypress is located in sunny South Florida on Highway 41 just thirty miles east of Naples and seventy miles west of Miami. Temperatures during the winter months are usually in the 80s during the day and 60s to 70s at night. Everglades City is the closest town with a small grocery, convenience stores, gas stations, and restaurants. The fishing is great!

How to Apply: fill out the on-line application AND send your resume including references that may be contacted to: Lisa Andrews, Outreach/Education Coordinator, Big Cypress National Preserve 33100 Tamiami Trail E., Ochopee, FL 34141 or call Lisa 239-695-1164 or e-mail lisa_andrews@nps.gov

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Type: Trailer/RV Pads
Description: Must have own fully contained RV. No other housing is available

Come be a part of vital research being done for South Florida National Parks! The primary duty of this position is to conduct marine fisheries (Creel) surveys at Flamingo in Everglades National Park and possibly at Biscayne National Park. Creel surveys are face to face interviews where the surveyor would be asking anglers a detailed set of questions about their fishing activity as they pull their boat out of the water. A possible secondary duty is to assist in monitoring the beaches of Cape Sable for sea turtle nesting activity. The volunteer will enter data and perform data management for the creel project.

Location(s):

Everglades National Park; Office Location: Daniel Beard Center; Field Locations: Flamingo boat ramps/marinas (Creel Survey), and Biscayne National Park (Bayfront Park in Homestead, and Cape Sable (Sea Turtle Nesting Beach Survey and Productivity Assessment).

Volunteer must be able to provide their own transportation to the duty station at the Daniel Beard Center (located near the Homestead entrance to Everglades National Park).  

Project Duration: Ongoing; preferred commitment is one year (January – December)

Available Dates: Year-round (for Creel Project), commencing about early February 2019; there are seasonal opportunities to help on the Sea Turtle Nesting Beach Survey and Productivity Assessment from May – September 2019.

Minimum days Per Week: Volunteer minimally needed on Saturdays and Sundays.   

Hours Per Week: Varies, depending on students class or work schedule; minimum needed 16 hours/week.

Qualifications: 

Successful candidates will be recent graduates or enrolled in a formal course of study relevant to the duties of the position (biology, wildlife management, marine science, etc.). A combination of education and appropriate experience is also acceptable. Candidates will have knowledge of the interrelationships of various natural resources. They will have the ability to work in remote areas, the ability to work both independently and in a team setting, and must be physically fit for outdoor work in all types of inclement weather and harsh conditions (thunderstorms, biting insects, and hot, humid climate indicative of south Florida). They must have effective communication skills and skills in using GPS, and be able to navigate using a map and compass. Candidate will be enthusiastic, organized, motivated, responsible, safety-conscious, show great interest in biology and the field of natural resources, and maintain a positive attitude.

Work Conditions:

The work is performed mostly outside, with exposure to heat, humidity, and bugs every day. Work may involve lifting some items up to 50 pounds such as bags full of safety equipment, but most items are light (1-2 pounds). The work involves walking, stooping, climbing, standing, and reaching.

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Not Available

Are you skilled in administrative areas?  Would you like to volunteer at Everglades National Park? If so, we are looking for a Stenographer to help take notes during commitee and management meetings.  This will be a great opportunity to learn about the park, the system and how things are managed. 

Duties/Time Commitment:

Record actvities and take meeting notes for the following meetings:    

Wilderness Committee meeting, last Wednesday of every month, 1:00pm-4:00pm. 

 Pine Island District Management Team, once every three months or as needed. Time may vary. 

Potential other commitees/teams may want help in this area overtime as well. 

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Not Available