Fall-Spring 2026-2027 RV Volunteer - Maintenance

Volunteer your time at one of the most magnificent and extraordinary places on the planet!

The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

Maintenance volunteers are needed May 2026-October 2027. A minimum of 3 months is preferred and longer commitments of up to 6 months may be considered. Start and end dates may be flexible.

Required Days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

The primary goal of this position is to assist refuge staff with facilities maintenance across the refuge, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for visitors.

Site Information: Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is located about 8 miles southwest of Folkston, GA, which has a small downtown with restaurants, a library, convenience stores, and a grocery store. Larger towns like Waycross, Kingsland, and St. Marys are 45 minutes away, and Jacksonville, FL is about an hour’s drive. The refuge offers over 407,000 acres of wet prairies, cypress swamp, and upland habitats with wildlife like alligators, birding opportunities, over 120 miles of water trails, walking and biking trails, a boardwalk to an observation tower, and the historic Chesser Island Homestead. Visit the Okefenokee NWR website to learn more about the refuge.

Duties and Responsibilities

· Assists with hiking and paddling trail maintenance by using trimmers, pole saws, brush cutters and other hand tools.

· Mowing grass, trimming bushes, cleaning restrooms, picking up trash, and planting native plants.

· Assists with construction and repair of boardwalks, viewing platforms, camping platforms, fences, signs, kiosks, and other visitor facilities.

· Some tasks may include simple metal work or woodworking.

· May perform a variety of other duties depending on skills and interest.

Qualifications

· Volunteers must feel fit for the job and capable of working in outdoor environments.

· Experience loading and trailering mowers, experience with commercial mowing is preferred.

· Be able to stand or walk for extended time, bend and kneel on uneven, rough, or slippery terrain.

· Be able to lift 10-20 pounds unassisted.

· Volunteers must have a valid Driver’s License and complete USFWS Defensive Driving training before operating a government vehicle.

Working Environment and Safety Considerations: Work is typically performed outdoors with little or no shade. Volunteers may be exposed to weather conditions including direct sunlight, heat, humidity, and rain. Average winter temperatures run about 65°F with occasional lows in the 20's. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided as needed.

Hours and Time Commitment: 24 hours/week of service per person for couples and 32 hours/week for individuals.

Housing and Amenities: Concrete RV pads are available with electric, water, sewer, and propane. Onsite RV volunteers must provide a suitable motorhome or travel trailer in good repair and must have a

separate vehicle available for their personal use in order to leave the site for non-work-related purposes. Refuge vehicles must not be used for personal use. Laundry facilities are available onsite. Internet service is provided and cell coverage may vary by service provider. Pets are allowed but must not be left outside unattended.

Age and Uniform Requirements: Must be over the age of 18 to drive a government vehicle and over the age of 21 to use certain equipment. All volunteers are required to wear an official volunteer uniform with name tag. Volunteers will be provided with a set of shirts. Volunteers must provide their own pants/jeans/shorts and choose appropriate clothing for each task and weather. Volunteers must wear closed-toe shoes when on duty.

When applying, please provide contact information for three references. Two references should be professional. If applying as couple, please provide both applicant names.

Please contact [email protected] if you have questions.