Volunteer Opportunities

Our volunteers are individuals who want to give back to their communities, parents who want to be good stewards of the land and set examples for their children, retired people willing to share their wealth of knowledge, concerned citizens of all ages who want to learn more about conservation, and passionate people who enjoy the outdoors and want to spread the word about America's greatest natural treasures.

IMAGINE banding birds at a national wildlife refuge, raising fish at a national fish hatchery, conducting wildlife surveys, leading a tour, or restoring fragile habitat.

With close to 42,000 volunteers contributing in excess of 1.5 million hours, our volunteers perform a wide variety of tasks. Some work full-time, some just a few hours a week or month, or during a particular season or special event.

WHO ARE OUR VOLUNTEERS?
Our volunteers are individuals who want to give back to their communities, parents who want to be good stewards of the land and set examples for their children, retired people willing to share their wealth of knowledge, concerned citizens of all ages who want to learn more about conservation, and passionate people who enjoy the outdoors and want to spread the word about America's greatest natural treasures.

WHAT DO OUR VOLUNTEERS DO?
Generally, no special skills are required to be a volunteer. On-the-job training is provided as needed. Individual talents and skills are matched with volunteer interests and work opportunities. The following opportunities may be available on a refuge near you:

• conducting fish and wildlife population surveys
• lead tours and provide information to school groups and other visitors
• assisting with laboratory research, improve habitat such as re-establishing native plants along a riverbank
• help with special projects such as banding ducks
• performing clerical and administrative duties
• working with computers and other technical equipment
• photograph natural and cultural resources
• fight invasive species

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer opportunities with the USFWS may be found at more than 500 wildlife refuges and hatcheries throughout the United States. The best way to begin is to visit the Web site of a particular refuge or hatchery – and then visit the actual location.

Locate a refuge or hatchery near you.

If volunteer programs are not listed at the particular refuge or hatchery Web site that interests you, call or email directly.

Comprehensive List of Refuges and Hatcheries with Resident Opportunities

Volunteer.gov/gov

Volunteer Application (560 KB PDF)

Volunteer Coordinators (16 KB PDF)

Youth Opportunities

Options for High School Students

High School and College students are the best future we have to ensure environmental conservation is a priority for the American public. We offer many opportunities for students within the Service including internships, seasonal employment, volunteering and educational programs. Working with young people is critical to accomplishing our mission in wildlife conservation. Together we can learn from each other and move forward to develop the best and most effective strategies to save natural resources.

Youth Conservation Corps

The Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) is a summer work program designed for youth between the ages of 15 and 18 years old. Under the direction of a trained leader, youth work in summer crews on essential management issues, such as invasive species removal, trail maintenance and habitat restoration. YCC is for youth who are interested in gainful summer employment in the outdoors.
More information

Pathways

The Pathways Program provides students in high schools, colleges, trade schools and other qualifying educational institutions with paid opportunities to work in agencies and explore Federal careers while completing their education.
More information

Volunteer

Imagine banding birds at a national wildlife refuge, raising fish at a national fish hatchery, conducting wildlife surveys, leading a tour, or restoring fragile habitat. Volunteer opportunities may be found at more than 500 refuges and hatcheries throughout the United States. The best way to begin is to visit the web site of a particular refuge or hatchery – and then visit the actual location.
More information

Join a Friends Group

Refuge Friends – Your Place to Connect with Wildlife and People

From its start in 1903, the National Wildlife Refuge System has owed its very existence to concerned citizens eager to protect America's natural resources. There are now more than 200 Friends groups, with about 10 new organizations created each year. Some support a single refuge while others are connected to a refuge complex or an entire state.

Friends organizations are crucial to the collective mission of the Refuge System to conserve and protect the wildlife of this great nation. Friends organizations are essential to helping millions of Americans understand that their actions today determine the legacy we leave for tomorrow. Click "Find a Friend" on the left to locate a Friends organization near you.

Friends Policy

A Friends policy is now available to assist U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employees in achieving the Service mission more efficiently through partnerships with nonprofit Friends organizations. Details here.

National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Friends

Check them out here: http://www.nfwf.org/Pages/default.aspx