How to Volunteer in National Parks

The National Park Service's Volunteer-In-Parks program offers individuals the opportunity to assist the park service with a number of different tasks and activities. Some volunteer positions are short term, lasting just a day. Other positions last for months or are on-going. Positions range from park guides to campground hosts and can include maintenance tasks within the park.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Search the National Parks website for volunteer openings. Choose to search for positions in a particular park or by state. Some individuals may wish to volunteer close to home while others may want to stay in a particular park for several months while volunteering.
2. Assess your skills and interests. Some volunteer positions will fit with your particular talents and personality better than others. Each position on the list gives a difficulty level and a short description of the position. Before applying, consider whether the position will be something you'll like and can do.
3. Talk to the contact person listed for each position and ask more about the position and what will be required of you. You'll want to know how many hours the position holds and what you'll be doing. If lodging is a concern, talk to the contact person about possible options near or in the park. In most cases, you'll be responsible for your own housing while volunteering.
4. Fill out the volunteer form provided on the website. The form includes basic information about you, including what skills, education and qualifications you have for the particular volunteer position you're applying for. Include as much relevant information as you can as this helps the park decide whether you'll be a good volunteer for the position. They may also be able to forward the application for other relevant volunteer positions.
5. Submit the form and wait to find out whether you've been selected for the position. If selected, make sure the dates of the position match those you have available. You can have the application forwarded on to other parks as well. Many retirees may like this option and can include several different parks that they'd be interested in spending time at.
6. Sign a VIP agreement if necessary or any other documentation needed. Depending on the position, you may be required to have a background check done or provide other information.