Intermountain Region

Volunteer Opportunities

The Intermountain Region, one of nine Regions in the Forest Service, covers most of the states of Idaho, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming. This directory covers volunteer opportunities for the Intermountain Region only.

The US Forest Service Volunteer Program has something for almost everyone: retirees, professionals, housewives, students and young people, as well as service clubs and organizations. If you like people and care about our country's natural resources, the Forest Service needs your time and talents.

Some volunteers work full-time for several months, while others donate a few hours a day each week, or contribute a one-time service. Students may volunteer to earn college credits through a college-approved intern program, or to become familiar with Forest Service activities and philosophy. Many individuals have found that their volunteer experience has guided them towards job interest and possible careers. Retirees or others with skills to share often find that a volunteer position provides them with a nice change of pace.

Some of our volunteer positions provide items such as housing, a uniform, a subsistence allowance, and work-related transportation, depending on the nature of the volunteer project and the availability of funds. The field subsistence rate varies from $10 to $15 per day, depending on the appraised cost for the area.

There are several ways you can apply for a volunteer position: you can fill out an application, print it and mail it to the address indicated for the position, or you can fax the application to (801) 625-5170, attn. Bill Lyons.

If you find some interesting positions, contact the person listed by the position for more information. Some of the questions you may want to ask are: What kind of weather should I expect? What equipment might I need? What specific challenges and opportunities does the project present? Can I volunteer for a longer or shorter period?

We appreciate your willingness to donate your services. The unit you agree to serve is depending on you!

What are the benefits of the pass? The pass covers entrance and/or standard amenity fees on lands managed by the US Forest Service, National Park Service, US Fish & Wildlife Service, Bureau of Reclamation, and Bureau of Land Management. Passes are valid for one year from the issuance date.

How can I qualify for a Volunteer Pass? Accrue just 500 hours of volunteer service on participating Federal public lands (beginning in 2007), and you can receive the new Volunteer Pass in recognition of your efforts. Simply coordinate tracking of your hours with your volunteer supervisor or volunteer coordinator.

For information related to earning the Volunteer Pass on National Forest lands, please contact Bill Lyons at blyons@fs.fed.us or (801) 625-5458.