Qualifications
- Enjoy meeting and dealing with people.
- Have patience and tact. Be able to answer repeated questions, unpleasant individuals and seemingly uncontrolled children.
- Have a background or interest in conservation, natural or cultural history, ecology, or biology. Please note that a college degree or formal education is NOT necessary.
- Have a desire to treat volunteer service as a serious responsibility. Volunteers are expected to complete a training program, wear a uniform, and report for duty on schedule.
Duties
The goal of interpretation is to help visitors create a meaningful experience from their Kīlauea Point visit. Roving interpreters will assist the staff by increasing public awareness and understanding of the Fish & Wildlife Service, the National Wildlife Refuge System, the native Hawaiian plant, animal, and cultural resources at Kīlauea Point, and the effects of invasive species.
The roving interpreter’s primary job is to perform fixed duties in and around the Contact Station or the Kīlauea Road Overlook. He/she will:
- Answer questions;
- Conduct short guided walks or stationary interpretive programs;
- Inform visitors of other Refuge interpretive and educational opportunities;
- Operate a cellular phone and audio-visual equipment;
- Possibly operate a golf cart or transport vehicle;
- Protect Refuge resources and provide for visitor safety by making regulations known. (Volunteers are not responsible for law enforcement.);
- Keep an eye open for potentially dangerous situations that might affect visitors, protected wildlife, federal property, or volunteers and staff; and
- Immediately report a dangerous situation or physical emergency to Refuge staff.
Obligations
- Complete a training program provided by Refuge staff;
- Review, understand, and abide by all volunteer-related Standard Operating Procedures;
- Provide own transportation to and from work;
- Wear a uniform, nametag, closed-toed shoes;
- Report for work on scheduled dates and times; and
- Provide personal water, sunglasses, sunscreen, and weather protection .
Supervision
Roving interpretive volunteers will be supervised by the volunteer coordinator and other visitor services staff. Initially a roving interpreter will work closely with Service staff and/or experienced volunteers. Once the volunteer feels comfortable, he/she will be permitted to work independently. The volunteer coordinator will spot check the volunteer’s work and provide constructive criticism.
Benefits
- Have the opportunity to work at one of the most beautiful places on earth;
- Meet people from all around the world, other volunteers, and Service personnel;
- Gain knowledge of Hawaii’s marine coastal ecosystem, the cultural and natural history of Kīlauea Point, and the National Wildlife Refuge System;
- Be able to share your knowledge and improve public understanding of Hawai‘i’s unique and troubled flora and fauna, and the Refuge and its management programs;
- Contribute to visitor safety and comfort, and to the quality and success of Refuge operations;
- Receive a discount at the Kīlauea Point Natural History Association’s Bookstore;
- Have the opportunity to access behind the scene locations of the Refuge Complex;
- Gain additional training, such as CPR/First Aid/AED; and
- Contribute to enhancing staff and volunteer service on Refuge landscapes and/or with wildlife.
To become a Refuge Volunteer, please fill in this Volunteer Application Form (181 KB PDF) and email to Volunteer Coordinator Lori Walker. For more information on volunteer opportunities, please contact Lori at 808-828-1413 extension 229 or Lori_Walker@fws.gov.
