Waterfowl Identification Guide Comprehensive Conservation Plan Phone: 218-8474431 |
In addition to the volunteer opportunities listed below, you may be interested in joining our Friends Group.
Volunteer Coordinator
Major Duties and Responsibilities
Assists Wetland Management District (WMD) staff with seeking, orientating, and training volunteers. Maintains records of volunteer activities and ensures that all paperwork is completed for volunteers at the Detroit Lakes WMD. Assists with volunteers recognition and appreciation events.
Qualifications and Skills
Ability to interact with volunteers and WMD staff in a courteous and professional manner. Willingness to learn about WMD activities and seek ways to incorporate volunteers into the WMD program. Ability to assist in the planning and administering of volunteer activities, paperwork, and recognition. Must have good written and oral communication skills.
Time Commitment
Variable and flexible. Hours are dependent upon the number of volunteers working in the WMD.
District Ranger
Major Duties and Responsibilities
Visit the 166 Waterfowl Production Areas (WPAs) in the five counties of the WMD to replace boundary signs and report on vehicle and farming trespass, rock dumping, deer stands, and other disrupting activities. Make observations of habitat conditions and wildlife use.
Qualifications and Skills
Ability to drive up to 70 miles from the WMD office and locate WPAs by reading maps. Skill in operating 4-wheeled drive and all-terrain vehicles. Ability to walk the boundaries of WPAs and provide written reports of what is observed. A valid State driver's license is required.
Time Commitment
Hours are variable and flexible. Daily schedule could range from 4 to 8 hours during the spring, summer, and fall.
Maintenance Assistant (Jack of All Trades)
Major Duties and Responsibilities |
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Qualifications and Skills
Ability to mow grass using a riding lawn mower. Basic vehicle and equipment maintenance and construction skills. Ability to employ these skills to accomplish a variety of maintenance tasks.
Time Commitment
Hours are variable and flexible. Daily schedule could range from 1 to 8 hours, working 1 to 5 days per week.
Trail Construction/Maintenance Specialist
Major Duties and Responsibilities
Assist in the construction and maintenance of a 1.5 mile hiking trail at the Detroit Lakes WMD office. The work would involve such things as dirt and gravel hauling with a dump trailer, grading with a landscaping blade, flower planting, and weed control.
Qualifications and Skills
Ability to operate a pickup to pull a dump trailer would be needed during the construction phase. Ability to operate skid steers and farm tractors would be beneficial. Safety training would be required before heavy equipment can be operated. The ability to work independently and lead others in this construction project would be very helpful.
Time Commitment
Hours are variable and flexible. Daily schedule could range from 1 to 8 hours, working 1 to 5 days per week.
Office Assistant/Receptionist Major Duties and Responsibilities |
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Qualifications and Skills
Ability to interact with visitors and WMD staff in a courteous and professional manner. Ability to answer telephone and skill in communicating with others. Knowledge of computer operation and skill in data entry and typing.
Time Commitment
Hours are variable and flexible. Daily schedule of 4 to 8 hours, working 2 to 3 days per week.
Biological Assistant
Major Duties and Responsibilities
Assist WMD personnel with waterfowl, non-game migratory bird, predator, and other wildlife surveys. Assist WMD personnel with annual maintenance and survey of waterfowl nesting structures. Prepares reports and enters wildlife and habitat data into computer programs.
Qualifications and Skills
Ability to identify waterfowl and non-game migratory bird species. Skill in data collecting, record keeping, and report writing. Knowledge of computer operation and skill in data entry. Ability to drive up to 70 miles from the WMD office and locate survey areas or nesting baskets by reading maps. Ability to walk for extended periods in wet and rough terrain. Skill in operating 4-wheeled drive and all-terrain vehicles. Ability to work independently. A valid State driver's license is required.
Time Commitment
Hours are variable and flexible. Daily schedule during the spring and early summer would usually be 8 hours. Scheduling could be more flexible during late summer and fall.
Wetland Restoration Assistant
Major Duties and Responsibilities
Assist WMD staff with locating, surveying, staking, and seeding drained wetlands on private property and WPAs in the five counties of the WMD.
Qualifications and Skills
Good physical condition and ability to carry range poles and other equipment during wetland staking activities. Ability to walk for extended periods in wet and rough terrain. Skill in operating 4-wheeled drive and all-terrain vehicles. A valid state driver's license is required. Ability to work independently at times.
Time Commitment
Wetland restoration activities would occur from May through October. Daily schedule would usually be 8 hours (7:30 am to 4:00 pm) for at least 2 days per week.
Wild Flower Seed Harvester Major Duties and Responsibilities |
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Qualifications and Skills
Ability to identify the wild flowers that are to be collected. Ability to drive up to 70 miles from the WMD office and locate the collection sites by reading maps. Skill in operating 4-wheeled drive pickups. Ability to work independently. A valid state driver's license is required.
Time Commitment
Hours are variable and flexible. Daily schedule could range from 1 to 8 hours, working 1 to 5 days per week. Most collecting would take place during August and September.
Photographer
Major Duties and Responsibilities
Document through photography the special events, habitat conditions, wildlife use, public use, management practices, and other significant activities that occur on the WMD throughout the year. Digital and 35mm cameras will be provided.
Qualifications and Skills
Artistic skill and ability to photograph events, activities, and wildlife using digital and 35mm cameras. Ability to recognize a photo opportunity when it is presented. Skill in operating 4-wheeled drive pickups. Ability to drive up to 70 miles from the WMD office and locate the photographic sites by reading maps. Ability to work independently. A valid state driver's license is required.
Time Commitment
Hours are variable and flexible. Daily schedule could range from 1 to 8 hours, working 1 to 5 days per week. Most photo opportunities would occur during the months of May through November.
GIS/GPS Technician
Major Duties and Responsibilities
Digitizing boundaries and management activities on WPAs using the Geographic Imaging System (GIS), collecting field data using the Global Positioning System (GPS), and producing computerized maps to assist WMD staff with management activities.
Qualifications and Skills
Skill and knowledge of PC computers is desirable. A willingness and ability to learn ArcView and GIS computer skills. Interest in the ability to learn how to operate GPS equipment and skill in using data to produce maps and other documents that can be used by WMD staff.
Time Commitment
Hours are variable and flexible. Daily schedule could range from 1 to 8 hours, working 1 to 5 days per week. Most GPS data collection would be during the summer months. Data entry can be done throughout the year.
Landscape Specialist
Major Duties and Responsibilities
Maintain the Headquarters WPA flower beds. Assist WMD staff with landscaping and other beautification projects that enhance the appearance of the Headquarters office area and hiking trail for the visiting public.
Qualifications and Skills
Knowledge of flowering and other plants. Ability to plant and maintain flower beds and skill in arranging them attractively. Ability to plan and implement landscaping and other beautification plans.
Time Commitment
Hours are variable and flexible. Daily schedule could range from 1 to 4 hours, working 1 to 3 days per week.
