Opportunities From: VolunteerME Heart of Maine

Join us on October 11th at Hirundo for our 6th Annual Fall Fest! Celebrate the beauty of Maine in autumn with family, friends, and a day packed with seasonal activities, nature, and community fun.

We are looking for volunteers to help with a variety of tasks from setting up to breaking down, running activity booths (face painting, scare crow and jack-o-lantern competition), parking assistance and more!

Are you passionate about nature and skilled in fundraising or community outreach? Join the Board of Trustees at Hirundo Wildlife Refuge and help connect people with nature while inspiring the next generation of conservation stewards. We’re looking for a motivated individual to help guide our future, build strategic partnerships, and support the protection of our 2,400-acre sanctuary. Email us at info@hirundomaine.org to learn more!

The Trail Inspection Team will work closely with Hirundo Wildlife Refuge in Old Town, ME, to monitor and report trail damage/repairs to our Trail Keeper, Howard Corbett during the winter season (December 2024 – April 2025). After each snowstorm, volunteers will walk the trail they have selected and either correct and/or report major/minor damage to Howard. Anyone is welcome to participate in this program, but the ability to handle cold, snowy/icy conditions, and wear proper winter gear is required.

Minimum age for this opportunity is 16.

To find out more about this project, please email caroline@hirundomaine.org to obtain a detailed document.

We seek enthusiastic individuals with certification as a Maine Master Naturalist, Registered Maine Guide, or Maine Master Gardener to join our team as Volunteer Naturalists/Guides. This position involves working closely with our Programming Director to lead guided nature walks, bird tours, guided paddles, organizing invasive species removal days, and conducting species identification workshops.

Responsibilities:

Lead guided nature walks, bird tours, or guided paddles.

Organize and oversee invasive species removal days, coordinating with volunteers and stakeholders.

Conduct species identification hikes on various topics such as mushrooms, invasive plants, native wildflowers, Maine trees, and more.

Collaborate with other volunteers and staff to develop educational materials and resources.

Qualifications:

Certification as a Maine Master Naturalist, Registered Maine Guide, or Maine Master Gardener is required.

Strong passion for and knowledge of local flora, fauna, and ecosystems.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Prior experience in leading outdoor activities and educational programs is preferred.

Time Commitment:

Flexible, based on seasonal needs and volunteer availability.

Opportunities are available during weekdays and weekends.

Benefits:

Refine your expertise as Maine Master Naturalists, Registered Maine Guides, or Maine Master Gardeners, enhancing leadership, communication, and teaching skills that are valuable both professionally and personally.

Contribute to conservation and environmental education, providing a sense of accomplishment and purpose through inspiring others to appreciate and protect nature.

Promote a sense of stewardship in your community.

We are looking for dedicated individuals with a passion for conservation and land management to join our team as Land Steward Volunteers at Hirundo Wildlife Refuge. This role involves working closely with our Refuge Manager to maintain and enhance the natural habitat for wildlife while ensuring enjoyable trails for our visitors. Volunteers play a crucial role in maintaining and restoring habitats within the refuge. By participating in activities like trail maintenance, invasive species removal, and habitat monitoring, volunteers directly contribute to the long-term health of the ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities:

Trail Maintenance: Assist with keeping trails accessible and safe for visitors by clearing overgrown brush, removing fallen trees, and maintaining trail markers.

Habitat Management: Help manage the land to support wildlife residents, including planting native plants, controlling invasive species, and maintaining wildlife habitats.

Groundskeeping: Perform tasks such as picking weeds, mulching, and general landscaping to enhance the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the refuge.

Carpentry and Repairs: Occasionally assist with carpentry work and minor repairs to infrastructure like boardwalks, bridges, and signage to ensure visitor safety and enjoyment.

Qualifications:

Passion for environmental conservation and habitat restoration.

Physical ability to perform outdoor tasks in varying weather conditions and rugged terrain.

Willingness to learn and follow safety protocols related to equipment and habitat management.

Experience with carpentry or landscaping is a plus, but not required.

Time Commitment:

Flexible, based on seasonal needs and volunteer availability.

Opportunities are available during weekdays and occasional weekends.

Benefits:

Gain hands-on experience in land stewardship and conservation practices.

Contribute to the preservation and enhancement of wildlife habitats within the refuge.

Enjoy the outdoors and foster a deeper connection with nature while making a positive impact in your community.

We are seeking enthusiastic individuals with a passion for education and nature to join our team as Children’s Programming Volunteers at Hirundo Wildlife Refuge. This role involves leading educational activities, nature hikes, and potentially canoe paddling tours for children visiting the refuge. This role provides direct support in our organization’s Kid’s In Nature initiative, working under the supervision of our Programming Director in a supportive environment. Hirundo conducts environmental educational programs for schools and the public year-round. Volunteers assist in leading these programs, sharing their passion for nature, and inspiring local youth to become environmental stewards. This role is particularly rewarding for those interested in education or environmental advocacy.

Key Responsibilities:

Educational Stations: Run nature-themed educational stations during field trips, engaging children with hands-on activities related to wildlife and conservation.

Preparation and Setup: Prepare and set up educational stations and materials before field trips, ensuring all resources are organized and ready for use.

Nature Hikes: Lead guided nature hikes, providing information about local flora, fauna, and conservation efforts to enhance children’s understanding of the natural environment.

Canoe Paddling Tours: Depending on your interest and experience, there may be opportunities to lead canoe paddling tours, emphasizing safety and environmental stewardship.

Camp Assistance: Assist the Programming Director with organizing and facilitating activities during children’s camps, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Qualifications:

Experience working with children in educational or recreational settings.

Passion for nature, wildlife conservation, and environmental education.

Strong communication skills and the ability to engage with children of various ages.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with a positive and flexible attitude.

Time Commitment:

Flexible, based on program schedules and volunteer availability.

Programs typically occur during weekdays, with occasional weekends for special events or camps.

Benefits:

Gain valuable experience in environmental education and youth development.

Opportunity to inspire children’s curiosity about nature and foster a sense of environmental stewardship.

Enhance leadership and communication skills in a supportive and rewarding environment.

Join us in supporting our Free Rental Saturday programs, ensuring they remain accessible to the public. As a Boat Handler, you will play a crucial role in facilitating a smooth and enjoyable experience for our visitors. Boat Handler Volunteers work closely with our Outreach & Development Coordinator to ensure smooth operation and high safety standards. 

Responsibilities:

Receive rental schedules via email on Friday for the upcoming Saturday.

Prepare the necessary boats and equipment according to the schedule.

Distribute maps and waterproof cell phone cases to paddlers.

Assist paddlers in selecting appropriate Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs) and paddles.

Assist paddlers as they embark and disembark from boats.

Ensure all equipment is properly stored away after each rental period.

Sanitize and wipe down PFDs for hygiene purposes.

Qualifications:

Strong interpersonal skills and a friendly demeanor.

Comfortable working outdoors and capable of lifting and moving kayaks and canoes.

Attention to detail and a commitment to ensuring visitor safety and satisfaction.

Benefits:

Opportunity to contribute to wildlife conservation efforts and outdoor recreation.

Gain valuable experience in customer service and event coordination within a nonprofit setting.

Join a dedicated team of volunteers passionate about preserving our natural environment.

As a Blog Writer at Hirundo you will play a crucial role in supporting our Program Director and our Outreach & Development Coordinator in promoting events and programs through our blog, sharing updates about the refuge, and writing nature spotlights. This volunteer position offers an opportunity to gain hands-on and writing experience in nonprofit community outreach while making a positive impact on our organization.

Responsibilities:

Assist the Program Director in developing blog posts for events and programs.

Create engaging content that helps raise community awareness about natural events, wildlife, and culturally relevant topics

Represent Hirundo at community events by tabling and informing attendees about our organization’s mission and activities.

Qualifications:

Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

Creativity and proficiency in creating online content.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Passion for community engagement and nonprofit work.

Willingness to learn and contribute to the growth of Hirundo’s outreach efforts.

Time Commitment:

Flexible hours based on schedules and project needs.

Benefits:

Gain valuable experience in blog-writing, outreach, and nonprofit operations.

Opportunity to network with professionals in the nonprofit sector and community.

Make a meaningful contribution to environmental conservation and education efforts at Hirundo.

We are looking for dedicated volunteers to join our team as Adult Programming Volunteers at Hirundo Wildlife Refuge. As a volunteer, you will play a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of our adult programs, supporting participants, and promoting our mission of conservation and education. Adult Programming Volunteers will work under the supervision of our Programming Director in a supportive, team environment. 

Key Responsibilities:

Program Registration: Assist with signing participants in for programs, ensuring all necessary paperwork is completed and waivers are signed.

Equipment Management: Help distribute and collect equipment before and after programs, ensuring everything is accounted for and in good condition.

Information: Answer questions about upcoming programs, Hirundo's mission, and general inquiries from visitors.

Guided Paddle Tours: Depending on interest and experience, there is an opportunity to co-lead guided paddle tours, providing information about the area and ensuring participants a safe and enjoyable experience.

Qualifications:

Passion for environmental conservation and outdoor education.

Friendly and approachable demeanor with excellent interpersonal skills.

Ability to handle basic administrative tasks and assist with logistics.

Knowledge of paddle sports and safety practices is a plus (training will be provided if needed).

Time Commitment:

Flexible, based on program schedules and volunteer availability.

Programs may occur during weekdays, evenings, and weekends.

Benefits:

Gain valuable experience in environmental education and community engagement.

Opportunity to interact with nature and contribute to wildlife conservation efforts.

Enhance your communication and leadership skills in a supportive environment.