Volunteer Service Description: BioBlitz FY2026

FY Year: 2026, event date TBD

Written by: J. Buechel

Supervised by: Supervisory Park Ranger S. Baxter, lead by Park Ranger T. Hall.

Staff Locations: Including but not limited to: Lowndes Interpretive Center and grounds, Hall Family Farm (Campsite 1), and Rosie Steele Farm (Campsite 2).

Description of Service: The incumbent will assist trail and event staff in performing a “bioblitz”, an event held to identify and record as many species as possible within a given time to provide a snapshot of the biodiversity of a location.

Time Commitment: The event will last up to 6 hours, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on date TBD.

Responsibilities: The incumbent will safely traverse the Hall and Steele farms to identify and record any seen species to provide a snapshot of biodiversity. If any animal found is unknown, incumbents will record a description of the animal or acquire a photo for possible later identification.

Health & Physical Requirement: None

Knowledge, Skills, Expertise, Qualifications:

• Work is appropriate for all ages, but incumbents of the ages 18+ preferred.

• Experience and comfort with working outdoors.

• Knowledge of various species of wildlife.

Training: None needed, a small training will be performed before the event starts.

Benefits to Volunteers:

• Gain a better understanding of the Selma to Montgomery Marches and the local families that supported the march.

• Make a positive impact on the community.

• Experience national parks in a new way.

• Earn community and service-learning hours.

Working Conditions: This work will be performed mostly outdoors and will include walking and standing for long periods of time and lifting up to 30lbs.

Government Vehicle Use and Driver’s License: This position does not allow the use of a government vehicle.

Government Property and PPE: A uniform shirt will not be issued to the Volunteer. No PPE will be required or issued. Use of personal equipment will not be required.

Financial Reimbursement: This position will not allow for financial reimbursements unless if previously arranged beforehand and with the approval of the Volunteer in Parks Coordinator and Trail Administration.

Government Network Access: This position will not require the use of Government electronics nor Network Access.

Background Investigation: This position does not require a government background investigation due to not needing the use of government vehicles, computers, working alone in a federally controlled area, or with children in an educational capacity.