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Come out and make a difference!
Whatever you have to offer, there's a place for your skills, experience, or energy here at Tamarac! See below for descriptions of some of the projects that help us achieve our mission. Whatever you bring to the table, there's a place for you at Tamarac - contact us today at info@tamaracfriends.org!
Wildlife Excursion Guide/Interpretive Naturalist
Present or assist with interpretive programs or group tours. Must be able to research, organize and present information and activities in a friendly and professional manner. Ability to work independently. Excursions are offered on a regular basis during the summer season. Operation of government vehicle is required for excursion guides.
Recreation
Visitor Center Host
Welcome visitors, provide assistance and orientation to the refuge and surrounding area. Present film, handle bookshop sales, answer phone and direct calls, receive deliveries. Must enjoy working with the public. 4 hour shift, regular schedule.
Event Staff
Assist with planning, set-up, activities, programs and clean up. Events include the Tamarac’s Fall Festival, Holiday Open House, Detroit Lakes Festival of Birds and others.
Photographer
Take quality digital images of refuge programs and events, flora and fauna of the refuge. Photos may be used in publications, refuge presentations, social media. Schedule is flexible. Equipment may be provided.
Maintenance
Recycling/Green Coordinator
Gather recyclables from offices and transport to recycling facility on a regular basis. Assist with identification of ways the refuge can operate in a more environmentally efficient manner. Operation of government vehicle is required. Hours variable.
Maintenance Assistant
Assist the maintenance staff with day to day operations and special projects. Duties may include sign installation, vehicle maintenance, painting, carpentry, mowing of visitor center grounds and select trails, maintaining public accesses. Must be in good physical condition. Operation of government vehicle may be required. Specialized training may be required depending on project.
Trail Steward
Monitor conditions of select trails including the Old Indian Hiking Trail on a regular basis. Report wildlife and plant observations. Pick up litter and report any maintenance needs. Assist in trail maintenance as needed. Hours variable- spring, summer and fall.
Gardener
Plant and/or maintain pollinator gardens near visitor center. Knowledge of gardening for a northern climate including native plants. Good physical condition and ability to work in warm temperatures and sun. Hours variable. Must be available spring, summer and fall.
Kiosk coordinator
Maintain and restock refuge information kiosks throughout the spring, summer and fall on a regular basis. Operation of government vehicle required.
Aquatic Invasive Species Educator
Educate boaters on the importance of inspecting and cleaning their boats and equipment to prevent the spread of aquatic invasives. Duty locations will be at various boat accesses. Work in teams of two. Operation of government vehicle may be required. Must be available several weekend days throughout the field season.
Wildlife and Habitat
Water quality monitor
Accurately collect and record data on select lakes and/or streams using standard operating procedures. Must be in good physical condition and be able to work under sometimes adverse conditions. Must be comfortable in learning new technology and being out on the water. You may work in pairs or assist refuge staff. Operation of government vehicle may be required.
Wildlife technician/surveyor
Assist refuge staff with a variety of wildlife surveys and restoration projects. Surveys include: toad and frog, ruffed grouse drumming, loon, grebe and tern, duck banding, Christmas bird count, winter track count etc. Ability or willingness to learn identification of wildlife species. Good physical condition and ability to work under sometimes adverse conditions. Ability to operate watercraft - canoe or trained in motorboat operation may be required. Operation of government vehicle may be required.
Environmental Education
EE Leader/Assistant
Prepare and present programs for pre-school through high school age students – OR assist with activities which may include working with small groups or individuals. Training and materials will be provided. Must be comfortable working with children. Previous experience preferred, background check required. Mostly weekdays- spring, fall, winter.
Support
Historian
Catalog and maintain historic documents, photos, maps etc. Research and prepare histories of important people, events and sites that may be incorporated into interpretive tours or fact sheets. Hours variable.
Writer
Write articles for the joint Friends/Refuge newsletter on various topics. May also assist with other projects including interpretive brochures, exhibits and signs.
Operations Assistant
Run miscellaneous errands for refuge staff. Operation of government vehicle may be required. Hours variable – on call as needed.
Clerical Aide
Assist with office operations. Answer phone calls, assist with photo copying, prepare mailings, data entry and other misc. tasks 4-8 hours/week.
Technology Standardization
Integrate software and hardware to help increase Friends of Tamarac outreach, administration, or cost effectiveness in mission execution. Hobbyist or professional - any help of any scope is appreciated!