TITLE:Wildlife Caretaker

DIVISION:Field

REPORTS TO:Director of Public Access

LOCATION: Buffalo Camp Campground

GROUP:Volunteer

TERM:September 1 to late November (weather permitting), 2024

HOURS:An average of 30 hours per week

PROVISIONS: $300 monthly reimbursement for personal expenses incurred by volunteering , RV site with full hookups (30/50A electricity, water and septic dump), Mileage reimbursement

The start and end date may be changed as mutually agreed upon in writing by American Prairie and the volunteer. Email will suffice for written agreement. 

This volunteer role can be shared by a couple or pair of individuals. This volunteer description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the volunteer. All volunteers are required to be responsible for and assist with additional tasks and responsibilities as needed. 

VOLUNTEER PURPOSE:This role will support public access during the fall hunting season on American Prairie’s properties located approximately 40 miles south of Malta, Montana. This volunteer role will monitor public traffic as well as movements of resident wildlife. 

These American Prairie properties are located north of the Missouri River in a remote region of northeastern Montana. The property borders the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge and is home to abundant wildlife, including significant elk and deer populations. The position comes with a full hook-up for parking a camping trailer. The property is accessed via 45 miles of gravel and unimproved road which becomes impassable when wet and requires an AWD or 4WD vehicle. The property contains a great variety of terrain, from riparian areas and cottonwood groves along the creeks, to steep uplands with ponderosa forests, and open valleys. The volunteer role will have access to recreate on the property (hike, bike, hunt, fish) throughout their service.

VOLUNTEER SCHEDULE:

The schedule is designed to monitor peak times for hunter traffic near sunrise and sunset. The general schedule will be 7am-10am and 3pm-6pm Thursday through Monday, with Tuesday and Wednesdays off. During duty hours the volunteer will either be present in the staff housing from which wildlife and vehicle movement can be monitored, driving roads on the property or hiking cross-country.

VOLUNTEER DUTIES: 

• Monitor hunter activity and report public hunting and access regulatory infractions to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (MT FWP) staff and supervisor.

• Monitor buildings and property reporting damage, issues or unusual activity to supervisor.

• Monitor road use on the property.

• Positively engage public visitors to provide information and answer questions as opportunities present themselves. 

• Provide monitoring and reporting on wildlife especially people-wildlife interactions.

• Complete property and building maintenance if interested and possessing necessary skill set.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Enthusiasm for and positive representation of American Prairie’s mission, goals and culture.

• Familiar with and comfortable with bird and big-game hunting.

• Great observer of the environment, wildlife and people.

• Self-motivated work ethic and ability to work effectively independently.

• Good communication skills with ability to be hospitable to the public and respond accurately and effectively to general questions.

• Ability to exercise sound judgment and to maintain safe practices. 

• Ability to work independently and travel long distances alone in remote areas. 

• Ability to safely navigate dangerous road conditions – poorly maintained, gumbo mud, and snow. 

• Ability to navigate using a map (GPS or smartphone preferred to navigate complex ownership).

• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.

• 4WD or AWD vehicle in good repair with at least 8” of ground clearance.

• Camper or RV (must be able to travel across ~50 miles of gravel to reach host site)

VOLUNTEER AGREEMENT:

I acknowledge I am an unpaid volunteer of American Prairie, am choosing to split this role and the expense reimbursement with another volunteer and have read and understand the volunteer duties outlined above. I offer to volunteer for American Prairie with no expectation of compensation for work or offer of employment.