Visitor Services Support Member and Tribal Program Assistant – Malheur National Wildlife Refuge

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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Princeton, Oregon

Job Type: Full-Time (Seasonal)

Salary: $27.00/hr for 532 hours (3 months) + mileage ($0.67/mile)

Start / End Dates: March-May, 2026

Summary: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and High Desert Partnership are seeking a motivated individual for a temporary entry-level position to assist with visitor services, volunteer coordination, and Tribal programs alongside Malheur National Wildlife Refuge staff. This temporary position is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience in visitor services, community engagement, and wildlife conservation while collaborating with the Friends of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge and providing a valuable service to the Burns Paiute Tribe.

Location Details/Description: Malheur National Wildlife Refuge is located 32 miles south of Burns, Oregon. The Refuge is famous for spectacular concentrations of wildlife, which are attracted to the Refuge’s habitats and abundant water resources in an otherwise arid landscape. The Refuge protects more than 187,000 acres and represents a crucial stop along the Pacific Flyway as a resting, breeding, and nesting area for hundreds of thousands of birds and other wildlife. Visitors are drawn to Malheur’s abundant wildlife and natural resources. The Refuge provides a variety of recreational opportunities for visitors to enjoy from wildlife viewing, interpretation, and education to fishing and hunting. Malheur is committed to protecting resources of plants, animals, and cultural resources by working with the Burns Paiute Tribe.

For more information about Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, visit the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge website at https://www.fws.gov/refuge/malheur.

Position Overview: The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is to work with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. This position will help the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service realize its mission at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.

During this term, the employee will, under the guidance and direction of Malheur National Wildlife staff, support the visitor services program, participate in outreach and educational programs, assist with the volunteer program, develop meaningful Tribal engagement, and assist with administration to help maintain files and records related to visitor services, volunteers, and programs engaging the Burns Paiute Tribe.

The Refuge is collaborating with High Desert Partnership (HDP) to manage this position in support of the local Youth Changing Community Collaborative. HDP will handle payroll, while direct supervision will be provided by Refuge staff.

The employee will provide support and assistance in the following tasks:

Visitor Services Program:

  • Assist with opening, closing, and staffing the Visitor Center to help facilitate visitor inquiries and provide information about Refuge activities, facilities, and regulations
  • Conduct formal/informal interpretation at the Visitor Center, wildlife observation areas, and auto tour route by providing visitors with information that enhances public engagement and education about the Refuge’s natural and cultural resources
  • Assist in developing an effective interpretative program across the Refuge to connect visitors to the Refuge’s natural and cultural resources
  • Develop and teach environmental education programs to schools and community groups on-and-off Refuge aligned with the Refuge’s environmental education objectives
  • Assist with identifying and building partnerships with local schools and community organizations that serve diverse and non-traditional audiences
  • Develop and maintain an integrated signage program to provide visitors with clear navigation instruction
  • Assist in evaluating visitor services programs (e.g., trails, fishing, hunting) to ensure they meet the needs of diverse audiences
  • Help with reviewing, editing, and maintaining the Refuge’s website and literature

 

Volunteer Program:

  • Assist with managing volunteers for various programs and special events to help volunteers perform at their best and benefit the volunteer program
  • Help with organizing volunteer activities on-and-off Refuge for various programs and special events ensuring a positive and rewarding experience for participants
  • Help maintain volunteer living quarters that are suitable for year-round use with basic amenities

 

Engagement with Tribal Departments:

  • Assist in building respectful, collaborative relationships with Tribal partners  to support cultural resource programs and activities on the Refuge
  • Assist in coordinating meetings for open communication and consultation for Refuge projects
  • Facilitate communication between the Refuge and Tribal departments ensuring equitable access to resources on the Refuge
  • Help communicate and engage Tribal members with special events on-and-off Refuge
  • Assist with promoting collaborative conservation efforts between the Refuge and Tribal departments

 

These duties will provide the employee with the opportunity to reach a diverse group of people, make a positive impact at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge while gaining valuable experience in visitor services and community engagement, and develop knowledge and appreciation of wildlife conservation and the National Wildlife Refuge System.

Schedule: Duties will often be carried out between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm, Monday – Friday, five days per week but may include some weekends to staff the Visitor Center and/or special events. A flexible work schedule will be required, which could involve work performed outside of normal work hours. Time off may be granted and requests should be directed to the supervisor for approval. Supervisor and employee will collaborate on setting the schedules. Depending on funding availability and employee availability, this position could be extended through August.

Position Benefits
Uniforms/Gear: Uniforms and gear for this position will be provided to project a professional image to visitors and to perform tasks more effectively and safely.

Provided Training/Orientation: The employee will receive position-specific training and an orientation outlining U.S. Fish and Wildlife policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support. Specific training may include defensive driving if driving a government vehicle and FISSA training for computer access.

Travel Expense: Travel expenses to and from work will be included in the salary during the time of employment. Private-owned vehicles will need to be provided by the employee.

Government Vehicle: If a government vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will
be provided by the Refuge.

Qualifications / Experience Level Required:

Required:
  • Applications must include a letter of recommendation from a Tribal elder of Burns Paiute Tribe
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Must be a member of the Burns Paiute Tribe
  • Must have a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Must have a valid driver’s license and an insurable driving record
  • Willing to undergo and must pass the required background check
  • Must have a personal vehicle due to the distance of housing to the office
  • Willing and able to represent the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner
  • Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage with diverse audiences
  • Commitment to completing tasks thoroughly and on time
  • Willing to work flexible hours including weekends as needed

Preferred:
  • An education, experience, or an interest in environmental studies, recreation management, natural resources, biology, ecology, or related subject fields
  • Enthusiasm for interacting with people and learning how to assist visitors to enjoy refuge resources responsibly through interpretation, customer service, and facility maintenance
  • Ability to multitask and shift schedules and priorities to meet changing conditions
  • Strong writing and organizational skills
  • Skills and abilities to resolve a full range of problems or situations when performing a variety of tasks in a field or office setting

Physical Demands, Work Environment, and Working Conditions

Physical Demands: Position is based indoors and outdoors. Demands may include stooping, lifting, reaching, talking, hearing, regular and recurring hiking, walking, and bending. Manual dexterity is required for the use of various tools, computer keyboard/mouse, and other office equipment.

Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Must be able to lift and carry equipment up to 25 lbs. and navigate uneven terrain.

Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently, working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.

Travel: This position may require domestic travel within Harney County and nearby counties.

Application Process

To Apply: Submit a resume, a cover letter demonstrating interests and experiences, and contact information for three professional/academic references to Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, 36391 Sodhouse Lane, Princeton, OR 97721.

Housing: No

Contact:

Carey Goss

541-589-1141

carey_goss@fws.gov

Application Closes: 01/31/26

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