Individual Placement – Volunteer Coordinator

The Student Conservation Association is seeking a Volunteer Coordinator for the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge in Nampa, ID. This role involves recruiting and training volunteers, managing volunteer programs, and engaging with the community to enhance conservation efforts. The position runs from August 17, 2026, to August 7, 2027, requiring full-time availability and some evening and weekend work. Candidates should be passionate about nature and community engagement.
Position Summary


Join the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge team as we work to become a trusted community asset, reflective of the entire community, that is collaborative in pursuit of our conservation mission. The Volunteer Coordinator will work with Refuge staff, volunteers, and partners to improve and expand Refuge volunteer programs, including ensuring that refuge volunteer programs are inclusive and accessible to various communities.



Schedule


August 17, 2026 -August 7, 2027 (51 weeks)



Key Duties and Responsibilities



Recruit, orient, and train volunteers, communicate with new and existing Refuge volunteers about volunteer opportunities, including through quarterly newsletters organize volunteer recognition events, and manage the volunteer database. Current volunteer projects include habitat improvement, wildlife monitoring, environmental education, visitor services, maintenance, and more.
Lead the reorganization and ongoing improvement of the database, scheduling, and tracking infrastructure to improve efficiency and deepen understanding of volunteer hours, interests, availability, and engagement
Collaborate with partners for volunteer recruitment and management.
Coordinate individual and group volunteer projects.
Work with community partners to identify and co-design on- and off-site stewardship activities that address refuge and community priorities.
Identify barriers that limit access to volunteer engagement and retention, then implement solutions to dismantle those barriers.
Participate in other refuge visitor services projects, including:
Helping lead events at the refuge and in the community.
Conducting community outreach and engagement.
Engaging with refuge visitors, at the visitor center and elsewhere, to provide a safe and welcoming experience and to ensure understanding of refuge regulations.
Helping develop, coordinate, and implement site or issue specific outreach and communication.
Share ideas and new perspectives for decision making of refuge facilities and amenities

Marginal Duties



Draft short social media posts
Weekly drive through the refuge to inspect amenities and enhance the visitor experience.

Required Qualifications



Must be 18 – 30 years old, inclusive, or veterans aged 35 or younger, at the start of the position.
Available to work full-time (40 hours per week) for 51 weeks. Position requires some evening and weekend work.
Valid driver’s license and good driving record. Drive government vehicle as required for position.
Interns must undergo a government background check if selected.

Preferred Qualifications


The ideal candidate for these positions is someone who:



Is bilingual Spanish-English.
Is passionate about nature and about connecting marginalized communities with outdoor recreation opportunities and resources.
Is able, with instruction, to teach environmental education and interpretation programs and coordinate a volunteer program.
Is able to connect with diverse audiences.
Is open-minded and willing to learn.
Is good at networking and creating partnerships.
Has strong written and oral communication skills.
Has strong organizational skills.
Is comfortable and capable of working independently and as part of a team.
Is a creative problem solver.
Has community outreach or engagement experience.
Has experience working with adults and children in outdoor settings.
Has knowledge of social media platforms and video editing programs.
Has excellent customer/visitor service skills.
Comfortable with public speaking to a wide range of group sizes
Shows patience and understanding for volunteers with varying needs.
Is able to work outside in all weather conditions.

Hours


40 per week, occasional evenings and weekends



Living Accommodations


Housing is available (though not required) on-site in a shared refuge bunkhouse. Each individual placement will have a single bedroom in this 3-bedroom, 1-bath house. You will likely share the house with others. The house is at the refuge maintenance area, and is a 3-mile drive, or 1.5-mile hike or bike ride from refuge headquarters where you will serve.



Compensation



$600* weekly living allowance (paid bi-weekly)
$1,100* to/from travel allowance (paid during first pay period)
$1,500 Duty Related Travel or Member Expense reimbursement funding (Receipt required)
Monthly Health Insurance (Optional)
All Weather Uniform (provided by SCA & Arborwear)
Eligible for the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority upon successful completion of position (640hrs minimum service)

*All allowances subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes



This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans aged 35 or younger, at the start of the position. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority. For more information: www.fws.gov/internships/public-land-corps



Personal Vehicle Information


Required for access to basic amenities.



Additional Benefits



Defensive Driving Training
First Aid/CPR
AmeriCorps: May be eligible, but subject to award availability

Equal Opportunity Statement


SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.