Visitor Information Center Volunteer

Introduction

The Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, located just six miles north of Atlantic City, New Jersey, protects over 48,000 acres of diverse coastal habitats. The refuge primarily consists of wetlands (82%), but also features woodlands, grasslands, dunes, and beaches. It is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering 15 miles of scenic trails, boat launches, a Visitor Information Center, and the popular 8-mile Wildlife Drive auto tour.

The Refuge’s location in one of the Atlantic Flyway’s most active flight paths makes it a critical stopover for countless bird species, and one of the region's premier birding destinations. Visitors can engage in a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, birdwatching, fishing, hunting, photography, and more. This blend of stunning natural landscapes and opportunities for exploration makes it a must-visit for nature lovers. For more information about the refuge, please visit: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/edwin-b-forsythe.

Become A Visitor Information Center Volunteer!

Interested in being a part of the Edwin B Forsythe refuge? Join our volunteer team and learn about the various tasks that go on behind the scenes to help manage the refuge!

Description: The Visitor Information Center (VIC) is open Wednesday through Sunday 10am - 2pm. It hosts a variety of exhibits and is a place for visitors to feel welcomed, have their questions answered, pick-up maps and brochures, purchase daily entrance and America the Beautiful Interagency passes. Volunteers work together for both the refuge and our non-profit partner, the Friends of Forsythe, who have a great Gift Shop in the center.

Duties: Volunteers are needed to help staff the Visitor Information Center

·      Open and close the center, greet and welcome visitors, orient visitors to the refuge, provide information on recreational and educational activities, answer questions and telephone calls. 

·      Stock brochures, maps, toilet paper, paper towels, and fee envelopes. Perform light cleaning and sanitization of high touch surfaces.

·      Operate refuge cash register to accurately sell/issue America the Beautiful Interagency passes, Fish and Wildlife Duck Stamps, and Edwin. B. Forsythe passes and entrance fees.

·      Work with our partner, Friends of Forsythe to sell gift shop items and educate visitors about the organization. 

Availability: Thursday and Saturday Shifts Available, 9:45am - 2:15pm. Weekly or Biweekly.

Knowledge & Skills Required: Good communication skills and ability to interact responsively, politely, empathetically, and informatively with people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Detail oriented and ability to learn procedures for a variety of passes and entrance fee sales. Use of Signup app to sign up for shifts. Customer service experience and/or fee handling a plus!

Physical Demands: Work is indoors, some reaching and bending. 

Other Requirements:

Refuge staff and/or experienced volunteers will provide training. Volunteers are required to:

·      Complete a Volunteer Service Agreement form and review the Volunteer Service Description annually.

·      Review Interagency Pass Sales Operating Procedures and complete Collection Officers certification annually.

·      Review Volunteer Handbook, the VIC Information Binder including VIC Volunteer Procedures, and familiarize themselves with content of refuge maps, brochures, and website pages.

·      Wear a volunteer uniform when on duty and follow all refuge policies and procedures.

·      Participate in volunteer meetings and stay up to date with current happenings in the refuge.

·     Volunteers must be 18 years or older and have reliable transportation to and from the Visitor Information Center.