Today I am interviewing a ranger with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service about an exciting opportunity for Workampers on Long Island in New York.

Ann Marie Chapman works for the National Wildlife Refuge System, which has 10 units scattered across Long Island, five of which are open to the public. Together, the properties encompass 6,800 acres.

The beautiful thing about Long Island is that it’s 45 miles from the largest city in America, New York City, yet it’s filled with beautiful scenery and surrounded by water.

Ann is looking for several volunteers to serve a minimum of three months preserving the habitats of endangered wildlife and protecting some endangered plants. In fact, Workampers take part in an annual plant count to help rangers keep abreast of the things growing on Long Island.

The work takes place at the Elizabeth Morton Refuge, which is located in the prestigious Hamptons area, as well as at the Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge, located on the wild and scenic Carmans River.

Ann is looking for Workampers to help at the refuge from April through October and even into November, if the weather is still nice.

If she could find one Workamping couple or solo to help during the whole season, Ann would be delighted. However, If volunteers would like to stay just three months, she’s happy to split the commitment.

Couples are expected to put in about 24 hours per week, per person. Solos are expected to work about 32 hours. The refuge does not allow outdoor pets, but animals like cats, which generally stay inside the RV, are welcome.

The volunteers are involved with maintaining trails, trimming grass, cleaning bathrooms and picking up trash. However, they can also be involved in leading educational programs. That makes this job ideal for a retired teacher.

Workampers receive a free full-hookup RV site and have access to a storage shed as well as a washer and dryer.

The primary trait Ann is looking for in Workampers is the ability to provide great customer service. The agency offers training on how to use all-terrain vehicles and even motorboats.

A former Workamper created a handbook for other Workampers to serve as a guide of all the activities they can do during their off time. It’s easy to go horseback riding, kayaking and camping. People can also hop a train to get to New York City, Boston or even Washington, D.C.

For more information, visit www.volunteer.gov and search for opportunities in New York, but enter Long Island as the keyword. People can submit applications right from that site.

This is a great opportunity for people to combine big city life with wide open natural resources.

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That’s all I have for this week’s show. Next time, I will be talking with an employer who has an opportunity for people to work at a campground in West Virginia. The firm is also seeking a manager. I’ll have more details on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thank you for listening and I hope you enjoy the spectacular fall colors and cooler weather.