Ô¼ÅÚÊÓƵ

The Montezuma Ô¼ÅÚÊÓƵ Center is home to several animal ambassadors who require regular care. Animal care volunteers assist with the feeding, cleaning, and maintenance of animal habitats within our center building. The animals at our center include three Spotted Turtles and two Painted Turtles.

Weekly opportunities to volunteer are available, and volunteers are expected to consistently attend on their designated day before 4:00pm. The tasks to take care of our animals are expected to take about 30-45 minutes, and include:

• Feeding our animals (Requires being comfortable with potentially picking up insects with tweezers, including worms and beetle larvae)
• Cleaning their habitats and waste
• Performing water changes (if able, requires lifting potentially heavy buckets)
• If interested, opportunities will be available to help at events with animal interaction stations, showing guests how to safely engage with our animal ambassador species

Ô¼ÅÚÊÓƵ staff will work directly with animal care volunteers to train them in all tasks needed to take care of our animals and will be available to assist if necessary. Volunteers are expected to read through our animal care guides and to follow all procedures. Teens under 17 must be accompanied by an adult in order to volunteer. 
 

The Montezuma Naturalist Educator volunteers help our education staff in delivering outdoor education programs with schools, scouts, and community groups alike. We provide comprehensive training for beginner and experienced volunteer naturalists. Upon completion of training, participants will be invited to assist and eventually lead organized outdoor nature programs for youth groups.

Our garden and trail crew volunteers assist in keeping our native plant gardens and 2-miles of trails in premier shape for birds, pollinators, and community members alike. Prior gardening experience is appreciated, but not required.

As a member of our Garden and Trails Crew, your specific responsibilities may include: 

• Identifying and replacing aging, damaged, or missing signage
• Clearing fallen trees and debris, and removing plants that encroach on designated trails
• Invasive plant monitoring and removal
• Identifying opportunities for general trail improvement, with a specific eye towards visitor safety and the overall hiking experience
• Various skilled and unskilled tasks to maintain MAC’s buildings 

Ô¼ÅÚÊÓƵ staff will work directly with volunteers to identify and accomplish specific tasks for each workday. All necessary tools and protective equipment will be provided by Montezuma Ô¼ÅÚÊÓƵ, as will water and snacks. Prior experience is not required, but volunteers should come prepared to do physical work and may be required to lift up to 50lbs.

In general workdays are rain or shine, with work transitioning to inside if severe weather is present. Staff will communicate with volunteers prior to each workday to confirm final scheduling and outline work to be completed. 

The MAC Ambassador position is key to our center’s success. You are often the first face visitors see! Our center desk volunteers help guide guests through our center and provide helpful recommendations for outdoor adventures throughout the entire Montezuma Complex. Tasks expected of MAC Ambassadors include:

• Act as a friendly and welcoming face to visitors entering the center
• Provide recommendations of trails and hikes visitors can use and recently seen wildlife
• Check out purchases in our store
• Advertise upcoming events/programs to visitors
• Communicate any questions or concerns visitors may have to staff
• Answer phone calls at the front desk and transfer them to appropriate staff

Ô¼ÅÚÊÓƵ staff will work directly with Ambassadors to identify and accomplish specific tasks for each workday. Hours for volunteering at the front desk follow when our center building is open, which is from 10 AM – 4 PM, Tuesday – Saturday. Staff will communicate with volunteers prior to each workday to confirm final scheduling and outline work to be completed

MAC has numerous special events that utilize our special event volunteers for planning, marketing, and implementing. This role may be ideal for individuals that are available only during certain times of the year. Special events include the Annual Benefit (June), Montezuma Muckrace (mid-September), youth hunts (early October), and more!

The data entry volunteer is essential to preserving and organizing our center’s historical records. Working in a comfortable indoor environment, you’ll help transform our physical documents into accessible digital formats. This position is perfect for detail-oriented individuals who prefer seated work and want to make a meaningful contribution to our organization’s operations. Tasks expected include:

• Digitize physical paperwork, forms, and records using scanning equipment and computer systems
• Accurately input information from paper documents into our database systems
• Organize and categorize digital files according to established conventions
• Verify data accuracy and flag any unclear or damaged documents for staff review
• Assist with filing and organizing physical documents as needed

Ô¼ÅÚÊÓƵ staff will provide comprehensive training on our systems and work directly with Data Entry Volunteers to prioritize tasks and ensure quality standards. This position offers flexible scheduling with shifts available Tuesday through Saturday during regular business hours. Staff will coordinate with volunteers to establish consistent schedules that work for both parties and provide ongoing support throughout each workday

The Social Media Volunteer position is vital to connecting our center with the wider community and sharing our conservation mission online. You'll help showcase the beauty of our natural spaces and engage audiences through compelling digital content across our social media platforms.

This creative role is perfect for individuals passionate about wildlife photography, storytelling, and digital communication. Tasks expected of Social Media Volunteers include:

• Create engaging Facebook and Instagram posts featuring center activities, wildlife sightings, and conservation updates 
• Photograph events, programs, wildlife, and scenic views throughout the Montezuma Complex
• Write captions and content that educate and inspire followers about our mission and local ecology
• Research and implement trending hashtags and social media best practices
• Assist with documenting special events and volunteer activities through photos and videos 
• Collaborate with staff to develop content calendars and promotional campaigns for upcoming programs

Ô¼ÅÚÊÓƵ staff will provide guidance on our brand voice, content guidelines, and photography techniques while working closely with Social Media Volunteers to develop posting schedules and content themes. This position offers flexible hours that can accommodate both on-site photography sessions and remote content creation work. Staff will coordinate with volunteers to ensure consistent messaging and provide feedback on posts before publication.