Resident RV Volunteer - 2025

Facility

Minnesota River in foreground with brown marsh grasses covered in fog in background.
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge is a thriving urban refuge where nature connects people, communities and wildlife. Where communities are welcomed through meaningful connections, educational opportunities and recreational experiences, while conserving wildlife habitat in the Minnesota...
National Wildlife Refuge
Bloomington,MN
Carver,MN

Location

Address

3815 American Blvd. East
Bloomington, MN 55425
United States

Date Range
-

Volunteer Position Overview

Volunteers Needed
-
Recruitment Start Date
Recruitment End Date
Training Required
No
Security Clearance Needed
Yes
Virtual
No
Apply Now

About This Position

**Please note: to apply for this opportunity, please email a resume, 3 references, and a photo of RV to Oscar Hernandez Ledesma at oscar_hernandez@fws.gov rather than applying through this announcement**


Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge (refuge) manages over 14,000 acres of land dedicated to wildlife and wildlife-dependent recreation. The refuge is part of a corridor of land and water stretching nearly 70 miles along the Minnesota River, from Bloomington to Henderson, Minnesota. The refuge provides valuable habitat for a diversity of wildlife, including waterfowl, migratory birds, fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and other species. This unique area has a little bit of everything, from urban to rural and everything in between.


While primary responsibilities will be staffing and supporting our Rapids Lake Education & Visitor Center, there will be opportunities to support additional duties across the refuge and our second visitor center at Bloomington. These may include but are not limited to: maintenance projects, habitat restoration, and assisting with public programs.


Examples of Indoor Work:

  • Welcome, greet and orient visitors while staffing a visitor center during a minimum of two full shifts or four half shifts a month, for a total of at least 14 hours per month for Visitor Center duty. Full shifts are 10am-5pm and half shifts are from either 10am-1:30pm or 1:30 – 5pm. These shifts fall on either Saturday or Sundays and are determined based on need with at least two weeks notice in advance.
  • Fill and clean bird feeders.
  • Assist staff in the preparation of educational materials or programs and events.
  • Light cleaning and maintenance of visitor center.
  • Having a current DOI Access Card is an advantage with potential to obtain one as needed for computer access.


Examples of Outdoor Work:

  • Walk trails and report trail maintenance needs.
  • Assist with maintenance of grounds, facilities, trails, vehicles, and equipment.
  • Assist with maintaining pollinator gardens.
  • Boundary posting, painting, maintaining grounds (mowing/landscaping), facilities, and trails.
  • Must be able to load/unload mowers, use weed whips, and blowers (training provided). May include use of lawn mowers for mowing parking lots and berms.


Location: The RV pads are located on the refuge at our Rapids Lake Unit in Carver, MN amidst the prairie. The closest city with full amenities is Chaska, MN.


Requirements: Weekend Visitor Center work is required. Volunteers must enjoy working with others and providing excellent customer service. A valid driver’s license and a defensive driving course (provided) to operate a government vehicle. A fingerprint background check to access non-public areas of the refuge. 24 volunteer hours per week per person and a four-month minimum stay. Preference to start in May 2025.


Benefits: The refuge will provide a full hookup RV site with electrical, water, sewer, and picnic table. RV volunteers will have the opportunity to participate in multiple training and staff events.


How to Apply: Applicants should email a resume, 3 references, and a photo of RV to Oscar Hernandez Ledesma at oscar_hernandez@fws.gov.

Stories About Volunteering

volunteers plant native shrubs
Habitat Restoration
Merrill Creek Reservoir Restoration wins Governor’s Award
In December 2024 a Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program project with Merrill Creek Reservoir was awarded a Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award for our work restore native habitat and provide recreational opportunities for the public at the Reservoir.
Looking across a green lawn with trees in the background is a large yellow house with a wrap around porch. In the foreground, near the house are several tents set up providing a place for storm volunteers to stay.
Our People
Hatchery Hosts Flood Relief Volunteers
On September 27, 2024, Hurricane Helene dropped catastrophic amounts of rain on the mountains of eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina. This event resulted in historic flooding and damage to an enormous swath of the southern Appalachians. Erwin National Fish Hatchery is proud to be...
Citizen scientists on Guam discuss plant features to help with identification
Get Involved
Si Yu'os ma'ase, Guam!
A day of fun, learning, and habitat conservation with our community
Wildlife Management
Citizen Scientists Key to Successful Data Collection at National Wildlife Refuge
Volunteers play a key role in the collection of data that guides refuge managers and support adaptive management techniques that help protect wildlife and prevent increased crop depredation near Nestucca Bay in Oregon.
Little River at Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge
Our Partners
A deepening friendship
The Friends of Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge have secured millions of dollars in federal funds to add land to the refuge. With a new refuge visitor center on the horizon, they're expanding their role to support onsite interpretation and recreation.
an aerial view of an eroding coastal bluff on a national wildlife refuge property. Buildings, a parking lot and trees can be seen surrounding the property
Climate Change
At Cape Cod Refuge, Coastal Change Is a Constant
Coastal erosion at Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge cost the refuge its headquarters office and forced the Fish and Wildlife Service to make difficult decisions to adapt. But while the landscape changes under their feet, refuge staff remain steady and agile, showing up each day to conserve wildlife.

View All Stories

Other Ways to Work with Us

Refuge volunteers hard at work and trying to take a good selfie
Image Details

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.

Careers and Internships