Volunteer Opportunities at State Parks and Historic Sites

Almost all state parks have opportunities for volunteers to get involved. Volunteer positions may be short term, for specific events or activities, or ongoing programs. Some typical volunteer positions are:

Park Host - Park Hosts are volunteers who supplement park staff and serve as a representative of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Hosts greet campers and give assistance to park visitors and park staff. More information on the Park Host Program.
State Park Friends Groups & Support Organizations - Support groups continue to be organized around the state in support of our Texas State Parks. Many state parks have organized groups of interested citizens that actively support their park. These non-profit organizations, sometimes referred to as "friends groups," work on behalf of park sites to assist with daily programs, special events, fund raising, and public education. These groups serve as important links to local communities and park user groups as well. The partnerships between the agency and support organizations provide a mechanism to utilize the skills, contacts, and resources of private citizens and businesses to enhance state parks and to provide services that may not otherwise be available. List of active State Park Friends Groups & Support Organizations. If there is not a group listed for your favorite park, contact the park manager to see how you can get involved in forming a group.
Tour Guide or Docent - Many historic sites use volunteers to serve as guide to lead site tours for park visitors. Training is provided on relevant material and tour techniques.
Special Event Assistance - Volunteers may be needed to assist park staff with promoting or conducting a special event. Duties may include staffing an activity station or crowd control.
Trail Maintenance - Volunteers work with park staff to maintain trails. Training is given in techniques for tree pruning, constructing water bars, and other essential maintenance activities.
Environmental Restoration - Assistance is used to plant native species or remove exotic "invader" plants. Learn the fundamentals of resource management and how parks strive to stay natural.
Office Assistance - Volunteers provide customer assistance, assist with clerical duties, etc.
Outreach Assistance - Help is need to assist the park staff in reaching out to schools and other groups. Training will be provided.
Check the Calendar for volunteer events scheduled within the next 3 months.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities, contact the manager or volunteer coordinator at the park of your choice.

For Applications and More Information contact the park of your choice
or
Lori Reiley
TPWD - State Parks Division
4200 Smith School Rd.
Austin, Tx. 78744-3291
512-389-4746 (phone)
512-389-4895 (fax)
Lori.Reiley@tpwd.state.tx.us

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