Maintenance Volunteer

Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge is seeking a dependable, safety-conscious maintenance volunteer for a four-month assignment from November through February.

Located in Utah’s remote West Desert, Fish Springs is one of the most isolated national wildlife refuges in the lower 48 states. The Refuge protects approximately 18,000 acres of spring-fed wetlands and greasewood uplands that provide vital habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. This position offers an opportunity to support an important conservation mission while living and working in a striking and exceptionally remote landscape.

The maintenance volunteer will assist the Refuge Manager with a variety of light-duty maintenance, repair, and organization projects. Work will be assigned based on Refuge priorities, the volunteer’s demonstrated skills, weather conditions, and applicable safety requirements.

Duties

Assignments may include:

• Completing basic woodworking and carpentry projects;
• Preparing and painting interior or exterior surfaces;
• Performing seasonal landscaping and grounds maintenance;
• Organizing tools, equipment, supplies, and materials;
• Cleaning and improving shop and work areas;
• Conducting basic preventive maintenance on hand tools and shop equipment;
• Assisting with minor facility repairs;
• Helping maintain fences, signs, and other Refuge infrastructure;
• Removing accumulated materials and preparing items for appropriate disposal; and
• Supporting other light-duty maintenance projects consistent with the volunteer’s experience and abilities.

Applicants with prior experience in welding, concrete work, or small-engine repair are especially encouraged to apply. These skills are preferred but not required. Volunteers will only perform specialized work when it has been authorized and when they have demonstrated the necessary experience to complete it safely.

Qualifications

The ideal applicant will:

• Dependable, self-motivated, and able to complete assigned projects with limited day-to-day oversight;
• Follow established work plans, safety procedures, and supervisory direction;
• Communicate clearly regarding project status, changing conditions, equipment problems, and safety concerns;
• Work respectfully and cooperatively with Refuge staff, visitors, partners, and other volunteers;
• Maintain an orderly and safe workspace;
• Use government tools, equipment, vehicles, and supplies responsibly;
• Recognize personal and technical limitations and request assistance when needed; and
• Be comfortable living and working in an isolated environment with limited access to goods, services, and emergency assistance.

Prior maintenance, construction, mechanical, trade, facilities, farm, ranch, or shop experience is helpful. Applicants should describe their relevant experience and level of proficiency in their application.

Supervision and Training

The volunteer will work under the direction of the Refuge Manager. Project priorities, authorized work hours, safety expectations, and the scope of individual assignments will be established by Refuge management.

The selected volunteer will receive an orientation covering Refuge operations, emergency procedures, communication expectations, safety requirements, and the authorized use of government property and equipment. Task-specific instruction will be provided as appropriate.

Housing

Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge is located in a remote location with no services for nearly 50 miles surrounding the site. The town of Delta is the nearest population center with services and groceries which is about an hour to two hour drive from the Refuge depending on conditions. Due to remoteness, the Refuge does supply volunteers with a full hook-up, 50 amp RV site with a concrete pad to park on. Extra fridge space, laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, and additional bunkhouse housing is available for volunteers as well.

*For more information about the position, Refuge, or inquiries, please reach-out to fish_springs@fws.gov