Thank you for your interest in the
WERC Volunteer Program. Volunteers are a valued and important part
of the WERC and they play an essential role in the many programs
that we provide.
What is a WERC volunteer and what
duties do they perform? A volunteer is typically highly motivated
and shares to a high degree our organizational goals and values.
They donate their time, effort, energy and money to assist the WERC
in fulfilling its mission. Often times members, sponsors, or
interested parties and organizations do not desire or cannot donate
large sums of money. Instead they donate their time and energy by
working at the center. Volunteers usually take time off from their
regular jobs and responsibilities and pay their own travel and other
expenses while here.
To be a successful volunteer at the
WERC while enjoying your experience here, you need to display a
positive attitude, be proactive, energized, hard working and
self-motivated. Volunteers need to be creative, flexible, and
responsible. Volunteers need to be able to work with the public and
be willing to contribute to the overall development of WERC and the
image we uphold. The WERC enjoys a positive relationship with local
communities. We expect volunteers to maintain this positive image
and relationship.
"Everybody can be great, because
anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to
serve. You don't have to make your subject and your verb agree to
serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by
love." Martin Luther King, Jr.
Our visitor center is primarily an
educational facility with the focus on wolves, gray wolf and
multi-species reintroduction in Idaho, the culture and history of
the Nez Perce Tribe and other regional environmental issues.
Volunteers are involved in many of the operating aspects of WERC at
both the visitor center and the office. Besides the invaluable
learning and sharing experiences, volunteers work and participate in
a unique experience working around gray wolves and with the Nez
Perce Tribe.
Living Arrangements:
There are no longer facilities on-site
for volunteers to stay at. All lodging is off-site. We are
located one mile west of Winchester Lake State Park, which has
seventy-three camping sites, some which can now be reserved, along
with showers and restrooms. Or you may stay at one of the local
motels or one of several bed and breakfasts located through out the
region.
Early spring and fall can be very
pleasant at times but typically daytime temperatures are in the
sixties with night time lows in the forties. This is also the
typical rainy times of the year. The summers are usually hot and
dry during the months of July and August.
What You Need to Provide:
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Must be of good physical condition due to the altitude and
amount of walking that takes place daily.
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The ability to live independently off-site.
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Your own transportation to and from Winchester and between the
site and offices.
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Your own food and other personal needs/requirements.
Typical Duties May Include:
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Clearing and chipping wood for hiking/walking trails.
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Snow removal.
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Fence repairs.
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Giving presentations to various groups, usually twelve
to fifteen people per group.
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Assist in the care of the pack.
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Cutting, hauling and chopping of camp firewood supply.
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Working in the visitor center such as: merchandise
sales and inventory, answer visitor questions, make tour
reservations, etc.
-
Working in the office such as: word-processing,
answering phones, copying, brochure/mail out fulfillment, filling
merchandise orders, filing, record keeping, etc.
-
Cleaning restrooms, visitor center, office, etc.
-
Noxious weed control and management.
What WERC Provides:
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Limited computer access for email, word processing,
etc.
-
Two WERC shirts for use during tours or other
presentations if assigned duty.
-
Flexible schedule with minimum of one-day a week off.
-
Length of Service:
-
WERC appreciates all volunteers and the services they
donate. The length of stay varies with the duties and
responsibilities that are agreed upon at the time of acceptance.
Some of the Benefits of
Volunteering at WERC:
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The opportunity to meet and work with individuals from
various backgrounds and cultures.
-
The opportunity to serve and be involved in something
you care about.
-
Environmental education learning opportunities.
-
A unique opportunity working around gray wolves.
-
Opportunity for valuable work experience.
-
Opportunity for your employer to provide in-kind
donation of your working skills/knowledge to the WERC. (Contact
your employer to see if this is possible).
To Apply:
If you are seriously interested and
feel you can make this type of commitment, submit an application,
letter of introduction (including a description of you capabilities
and skills) and a letter of reference. Send to: Volunteer
Coordinator, Wolf Education & Research Center, Post Office Box 217,
Winchester, Idaho 83555
Application deadline:
At least one month before desired
start date. For local volunteers at least one week before
desired start date.
Please think this through carefully
before responding and considering the type of work that must be
performed and the sacrifices that you must personally make to
fulfill your commitment. The rewards and growth that we offer
through this program will be a once in a lifetime experience that
will remain with you forever.
Thank you
Randy Stewart
Wolf Education and Research Center
Education Program Coordinator
PO Box 217
Winchester, ID 83555
(208) 924-6960
(208) 924-6959 (Fax)
werced@camasnet.com
