Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

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Volunteers needed starting in April 2024

Okefenokee National Wildlife Overview

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1937 and presently encompasses 403,000 acres of the Okefenokee Swamp. Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge conserves the unique qualities of the Okefenokee Swamp for future generations to enjoy. The swamp is considered the headwaters of the Suwannee and St Marys Rivers. Habitats provide for threatened and endangered species, such as red-cockaded woodpeckers, wood storks, indigo snakes, and a wide variety of other wildlife species. It is world renowned for its amphibian populations that are bio-indicators of global health, and more than 600 plant species have been identified on refuge lands. The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge has 353,981 acres of National Wilderness Area within the refuge boundaries. In addition, the refuge is a Wetland of International Importance (RAMSAR Convention - 1971) because it is one of the world’s largest intact freshwater ecosystems. More than 400,000 visitors annually spend time boating, hiking, canoeing, and participating in education programs at Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.

For more information, please visit the following:

• Official Website: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Okefenokee/about.html
• Friends of Okefenokee Website: https://www.okefenokeefriends.org/

Why volunteer at Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

A season at Okefenokee provides lodging, unlimited outdoor recreation, and professional growth and development.

• RV pad with full hookups (water, sewer, electric), propane, Wi-Fi, and laundry facilities
• Work 3, 8-hour consecutive days per week
• Three-month or more commitment preferred
• Enjoy sightings of more than 200 bird species, 49 mammal species, 64 reptile species, 37 amphibian species, and 39 fish species
• Explore our upland islands, open lakes, cypress forests, and wet "prairies" that contain our over 600 plant species, including 12 carnivorous plants (pitcher plants, sundews, bladderworts, and butterworts)
• Rural atmosphere, open spaces, beautiful landscapes, peaceful, and dark skies
• Friendly and engaging staff

Hours: Volunteers will work 24 to 32 hours per week on 3 or 4, 8-hour consecutive days. Working on the weekends and holidays may be required. A three-month or more commitment is required.

Accommodations: RV sites are located a short distance to the Visitor Center and Maintenance buildings. RV pads are level concrete pads with full hookups (water, sewer, and electricity), propane, and limited Wi-Fi. Just a few steps away is a laundry facility.

Questions: If you have any questions about this position, please email Becky Stitt at rebecca_stitt@fws.gov or call (912) 496-7836.

Start Date - 2022-12-13

End Date - 2023-10-01

Activities include: Trail/Campground Maintenance;Visitor Information

Difficulty_Level: Average

Hosts Housing Amenities: RV/Trailer Pads