Ways to Get Involved
Whether you want to further conservation, learn more about nature or share your love of the outdoors, you’ve come to the right place. National wildlife refuges provide many opportunities for you to help your community by doing what you love. National wildlife refuges partner with volunteers, youth groups, landowners, neighbors and residents of urban communities to make a lasting difference. Learn more about available opportunities below!
Employment Opportunities
Recreation Assistant / Fee Collector
Join the visitor services team as a gatehouse fee collector. Working the gatehouse is a great way to gain experience with public outreach, pass sales, and customer service all while building knowledge about federal lands management. Additional opportunities to work with other departments, including assisting with nature-based programs and restoration projects. Requires weekend hours. Learn more online and apply by e-mailing jean_adams@fws.gov.
Part-Time Administrative Assistant
Join our visitor services team in a part-time administrative assistant position supporting visitor center operations. This position will provide support answering public calls, e-mails, and drop-in questions, as well as helping with pass sales and office management tasks. A perfect job for those who love talking to and meeting new people! Requires on-site work Tuesdays plus one additional day each week from 8am - 4:30pm. This position is offered through the Experienced Services Program. Learn more and apply online.
Great Marsh Restoration Coordinator
Join the biology team as the Great Marsh Restoration Coordinator leading ecological projects including invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.
Learn more about invasive species management, ditch remediation, data collection, public education and outreach, and supervising summer field techs. This is a great job for someone with strong data management skills and coastal ecology knowledge who loves working with people and being outdoors! This position is offered in partnership with Mass Audubon and is benefits eligible. This is a 9 month position with the possibility of extension up to 3 years based on performance and funding. Learn more and apply online.
Pepperweed Technicians
Join the biology team as a Pepperweed Technician. Duties include mapping and handpulling invasive plants, community engagement, and outreach. Opportunities to learn field techniques and development of leadership skills will be incorporated into the position. The technicians will work as a team, under the direction of the Salt Marsh Coordinator and Mass Audubon staff. These positions are offered in partnership with Mass Audubon. These are 8 week positions beginning June 2024. Learn more and apply online!
Salt Marsh Restoration Technicians
Join the biology team as a Salt Marsh Restoration Technician. Technicians will start by assisting with the Perennial pepperweed team and then transition to conducting the implementation of single channel hydrology restoration remediating ditches. Technicians will be collecting field data using Survey 1-2-3 and utilizing equipment such as walk-behind tractors, brush cutters and hand tools. They also will help staff train and support volunteers in project implementation. May have additional opportunities to learn and assist with ongoing restoration monitoring using protocols. These positions are offered in partnership with Mass Audubon. These are 26 week positions starting in June 2024. Learn more and apply online!
Volunteering
If you are interested in volunteering at the refuge, please send an email to parkerriver@fws.gov for more information.
Parker River Gatehouse (Year-round, flexible dates)
Be at the heart of it all! Assist with greeting visitors, check and sell passes, and share information about the refuge. Training provided, no experience needed!
Shorebird Beach Ambassador (August- October, flexible dates)
Everyone loves the pristine beaches at Parker River, and so do the shorebirds that migrate from the Arctic to South America every fall. Help these birds get ready for the next leg of their long-distance journey by educating beach goers about the importance of Walking Around the Flock. Training and hands-on materials provided.
Artists and Graphic Designers (Year-found, flexible dates)
Do you like using your art to connect people with nature? Artists and graphic designers are needed to collaborate with staff on designing impactful signs, messages, social media content, and provide nature art programs to help visitors appreciate the Refuge.
