Providing interpretive education on wetlands and wildlife, panoramic views, water quality, weather, natural resource management, trails, bird watching, recreation, exhibits, displays and an eagles nest, Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve is a treasure of the Hillsboro community.
Job Summary:
This position involves indoor visitor assistance at the new Wetlands Education Center. It is similar to a docent position. Some duties include greeting, answering questions, helping visitors with maps and nature exhibits, selling nature store items, and setting up spotting scopes for bird-watching. Training is provided by staff. This position is very enjoyable for environmentally-conscious people who like to help other people of all ages enjoy and learn about nature!
Time to be Available:
There are shifts from 10-1pm and 1-4pm Monday through Sunday; substitutes are needed for all shifts. Our most urgent need is for a regular Center Guide for Sunday mornings from 10:00am to 1:00pm.
Qualifications:
Guides must be at least 18 years old and be willing to have a background check done by the City of Hillsboro. Knowledge about nature is a big plus but not a necessity. We are all still learning about nature; there are new things going on every day.
Job Summary:
Crew member will work with staff and other volunteers to maintain upland native plant demonstration gardens, improve habitat for wildlife, and work on updates to Camp Madsen. This is an active outdoor position that involves using landscape tools and requires physical activity. Sometimes the group will be working in the rain and getting wet and muddy. Tools will be provided.
Time to be Available:
Third Saturdays from 9:00am to 12:00noon each month except July, August, and December.
Contact:
Jan Curry, Volunteer Coordinator
503-681-6283
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Volgistics is an online system for coordinating volunteers. It allows volunteers to use their personal computers or a Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve computer to sign up for volunteer tasks and to record the time they worked. It also helps the Volunteer Coordinator to better maintain accurate records of services provided by volunteers. The entry to Volgistics is through the Volunteer Information Center (“VIC”) which uses the same level of security as online banking to keep information safe.
A computer station resides in the Wetlands Education Center hallway and allows volunteers to enter data on days they work. Following the instructions below, volunteers may also record their hours on any off-site computer.
1. Start by going to the Volunteer Information Center
2. Enter the username (volunteer’s e-mail address) and password (original obtained from Volunteer Coordinator)
3. Record the dates and times volunteered
4. Confirm information is correct and EXIT
Here are some of the amazing volunteers we have working at the Jackson Bottom Wetlands.
There are many ways to financially invest in the Preserve. Please call 503-681-6206 to discuss scholarships, pledges, grants, and estate giving options. For information on donating a recognition bench, click here. Your gift will support our award-winning education programs.
Jackson Bottom Wetlands is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Our tax identification number is 31-1600186.
You can always donate to Jackson Bottom at Paypal. Thank you!
The Preserve invites YOU to support its mission of “Connecting Water, Wildlife and People” through volunteering.
WHY is there a Volunteer Program?
WHAT do volunteers do at the Preserve?
WHY volunteer?
WHEN and WHERE do the volunteers meet?
Most activities are held at the Wetlands Education Center (2600 SW Hillsboro Hwy). Other activities may be at Camp Madsen.
HOW are volunteers thanked for their work?
WHO can be involved as a volunteer?
HOW does it work?
Intake Process: Please complete the online Volunteer Application Form. Contact the Volunteer Coordinator to set up the required interview. The interview will include a review of the application and and the completion of a background check form. A match with an appropriate and currently needed volunteer position must be made. Contact information is listed below.
Trainings: large group trainings are held; others are individual as needed.
Staff provides: Training, Management, Communication and Scheduling for tasks, Problem Solving, Tracking, and Recognition
Communication: Information is done face to face, by e-mail, phone, and via a hard copy volunteer manual that provides history, policies, and safety information. Job descriptions are available.
WHAT makes the volunteer program work well?
WHAT are Jackson Bottom volunteers saying about their experience?
I wanted a place where I could volunteer with my kids. At Jackson Bottom we get to feel that we are a small part of a team that is working towards an important goal – the education of the public about the importance of a fragile ecosystem. We know that Jackson Bottom has limited financial resources, and if they are going to get their work done, they need the help of volunteers. And we need to feel that we are making a difference in helping the natural world around us.”
“Kids are bombarded with bad news and if they don’t feel that they can help, then they feel helpless and hopeless. Volunteering is the number one way to help kids and adults feel like there is a reason to hope. Watering trees, pulling weeds, providing artwork or guiding the Lunch with Birds program are all equally important in the grand scheme of saving just a bit of wetlands, so that there is a place of wildness. And the people at Jackson Bottom always make us feel that we are important.”
HOW can I become a volunteer and/or a member of Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve?
Contact Jan Curry, Volunteer Services Coordinator, 503.681.6283, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
HOW can I learn more about what is happening at the Preserve?
Check our Events Calendar.
When you become a member of Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve, you will receive a 10% discount in the Nature Store, while supporting visitor services, educational programs and outreach activities that make the Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve an important community resource. Through your membership, you become a partner in presenting our story of the natural environment and history of the Preserve. We hope you will join us in sharing the natural world by becoming a member today. Contact Karen Newton at 503-681-6206 with any questions.
2600 SW Hillsboro Hwy. Hillsboro, OR 97123|fax: 503-681-6277|phone: 503-681-6206