Volunteer with Us

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You can make our great places better. Become a VIP and volunteer with us today!

The National Park Service offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups as part of the Volunteers-In-Parks program. Work behind the scenes or on the front line in positions ranging from a one-time service project/ volunteer event to a longer term position, serving alongside park employees or with one of our many partner organizations. Opportunities are available at park locations throughout the United States, including the territories in the Pacific and the Caribbean.

Some positions are specialized and require particular talents, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as a background check. Other positions only require a desire and willingness to volunteer. Individuals under the age of 18 must have written consent of the parent or legal guardian before they may volunteer. To learn more about the laws and policies that guide our volunteer programs, see our program's Reference Manual.

Find a list of available opportunities at Volunteer.gov, search for a volunteer event, or contact a national park near you.

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Duration:: 1 minute, 50 seconds

Share a little time and make a big difference for national parks and communities across the country through the National Park Service's Volunteers-In-Parks program.

Volunteer News

Get the latest volunteer news from across the National Park Service.

Volunteer Pass

Free! For volunteers with 250 service hours with federal agencies that participate in the Interagency Pass Program.

A volunteer helping a visitor at a park front desk

Reference Manual 7

This Volunteers-In-Parks Reference Manual 7 (RM-7) offers guidance to NPS employees, partners, and volunteers themselves.

A group of interns stand shoulder to shoulder in blue uniforms

Community Volunteer Ambassador Program

The CVA program connects communities, increases volunteers in parks, improves volunteer mobilization, and organizes stewardship days.

Artist-In-Residence

There are Artist-in-Residence programs for visual artists, writers, musicians, and other creative media.

Citizen Science

Citizen scientists of all ages head out to the field to gain deeper knowledge and contribute valuable information to parks.

Park ranger pointing to salamander in hand

National Parks BioBlitz

The National Park Service and National Geographic Society have collaborated to host large-scale BioBlitzes.

Girl scouts posing with park rangers and a sign reading

Girl Scout Ranger Program

Girl Scouts are invited to participate in a variety of organized educational or service projects at national parks.

Boy scouts preparing birch bark to make a teepee

Programs for Boy Scouts

Boy scouts can explore the national parks, learn about our mission, and help protect the nation's natural and cultural resources.

International Volunteers-In-Parks

Participants from around the world train in and contribute to US national parks.

Male volunteer standing in the aisle of a train car in uniform, leaning on a seat

Amtrak Trails & Rails

Volunteers with the Amtrak Trails & Rails program educate train travelers on the natural and cultural heritage of a region.

George and Helen Hartzog Awards

The George and Helen Hartzog Awards for Outstanding Volunteer Service recognize the exemplary contributions of these very important people.

Last updated: September 2, 2020

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