Visitor Center Volunteer

The Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge receives over 50,000 visitors at the Islands and Ocean Visitor Center (IOVC) every summer. This large visitor center provides high quality exhibits, outdoor interpretive programs, an education lab, an auditorium, a seminar room for presentations, and a bookstore. Volunteers engage with visitors to learn about the refuge, provide orientation, and answer questions for visitors. Three volunteers will be recruited. One person is needed for maintenance two days a week with the other two days working the visitor center. Volunteers must be available in Homer, AK from May 15 until September 9, 2023. Travel tends to take at least one week from lower 48.

Applicants can apply via volunteer.gov -- staff will send them an additional application to learn more about them. Applications will be accepted July - October. Selection will occur in October or November. Selected volunteers will have paperwork starting in January/February (background check, etc). Volunteers not selected can apply in following years.

Benefits and Reimbursement: Volunteers are not federal employees, and will not receive payment for their time, medical or health insurance, retirement benefits, or federal status. All volunteers are covered under Workers' Compensation Program for medical expenses for any work-related injuries. In exchange for an RV site with full hookups, volunteer will be asked to contribute a minimum of 32 hours per week during agreed upon time commitment (4 x 8 hour days). Volunteers will be reimbursed up to $15/day ($105/week for the dates above) for meals and incidental expenses. Expenses included: dining, groceries to be consumed, uniform components, propane, non-alcoholic beverages, and all other expenses necessary to complete the position. Itemized receipts must be turned in to claim this reimbursement. Volunteer should keep receipts organized and turn in weekly or every two weeks to the designated staff person. Each volunteer will be reimbursed for the actual cost of fuel for traveling to Homer, AK, not to exceed $250. Receipts must be turned in to claim this reimbursement. The actual cost of food and lodging during the drive to Homer will not be reimbursed.

Housing: The volunteer provides a suitable motorhome or travel trailer in good repair, subject to approval by the Visitor Center Manager. Two RVs pads are located a short walk down a hill from the visitor center. Sites includes wifi, washer and dryer, electric, and sewage. A shower is available in the visitor center if needed. Occupants are expected to abide by the bunkhouse or RV rules. No pets permitted in federal buildings (visitor center or workshop), nor in federal vehicles. All pets must be on leash as per the city of Homer and not left unattended outside due to wildlife. Volunteer will clean up after pets and dispose of waste in appropriate manner.

Age and Uniform Requirements: Must be over the age of 18 and physically able to carry out the assigned duties. All volunteers are required to wear an official FWS volunteer uniform shirt with name tag, which will be provided. Khaki or tan pants are preferred, comfortable closed-toed shoes required, and must be provided by the volunteer. For maintenance, jeans can be worn. Volunteers are recommended to provide their own hiking boots and rain gear for personal time outside of work. Muck boots will be provided for tide pooling.

***Due to the high number of applications, emails, and phone calls about volunteering, please be patient -- summer is our busy season.