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Volunteer Forms

Two people working at computers in an office setting.
Public Affairs Specialist Keila Vizcarra work with Tribal Relations Resource Assistant Rosa-Lee Jimenez on communication documents and social media post at her desk at at the Angeles National Forest Headquarters in Arcadia, Calif., Feb. 9, 2023.(Forest Service photo by Preston Keres)

The quickest and preferred way to volunteer with the Forest Service is through Volunteer.gov. By creating a profile and applying directly to a Forest Service volunteer opportunity, your online application serves as your digital volunteer agreement, so you do not need to complete any of the forms below.

However, if you wish to apply in person or by mail, you’ll need to fill out the forms below.

A volunteer agreement is a contractual document that allows the Forest Service to accept voluntarily offered direct service. It also:

  • Ensures that volunteers are covered for injuries incurred while on duty.

  • Enables the Forest Service to reimburse certain out-of-pocket expenses.

Only line officers, officially delegated Staff Officers, or officially designated acting staff members can execute an agreement.

Individual Volunteers

Individual volunteers are people who want to donate their time and talent to advance the mission of the Forest Service and are not associated with an organized group. These volunteers must fill out an OF-301a, ensuring parent or guardian consent for any minor volunteers.

Group Volunteers

Group volunteers donate time to the Forest Service in cooperation with an institution, organization, or unit of State or local government. Examples of group volunteers have included the Florida Trail Association, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts of America, and Back Country Horsemen of America.

In collaboration with the Forest Service, the volunteer group can serve as the project manager by coordinating and supervising its members, unaffiliated individual volunteers, or other volunteer organizations and members.

Document these volunteers as a group using the name of the organization and have the group leader complete and sign the OF-301a form and all group volunteers sign the OF-301b, sign up form for groups. In addition to receiving Forest Service guidelines and regulations, group volunteers also may receive direction from their organization. Group volunteers must check with their host organization to ensure that they have all the information they need to succeed.

A signed Volunteer Service Agreement Form OF-301a authorizes the individual or group to volunteer and specifies service expectations, requirements and any reimbursements. A well-written agreement provides for the safety of the volunteer while clearly describing the service project, requirements, locations, schedules, and other information pertinent to the volunteer service.

HOW AND WHEN TO USE THE OF-301a FORM:

  • OF-301a is used for both individual and group agreements.

  • Group contacts/ liaisons can fill out this form on behalf of volunteers and are required to ensure all paperwork is completed for their group and all minors have parental consent.

  • A Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) is a required attachment to the OF-301a for all tasks of the project. The JHA clearly defines practices and procedures including required safety equipment and is designed to promote the safety and well-being of volunteers.

  • Provide a copy of the completed agreement to the Forest Service volunteer point of contact and one to the volunteer or volunteer group leader.

Downloads

Signed OF-301b forms are used to engage an organized volunteer group or when holding a group or public volunteer event. While often used for one-day or short-term volunteer projects, the OF-301b may also be used for volunteer groups which will volunteer together consistently on the same project (for example, a monthly trail crew whose group leader, group members, and service activities will remain the same). In this case, the volunteer program (1) must ensure any new members who join throughout the year also sign a volunteer service agreement and (2) that the volunteer program time keeping system accurately captures the dates and hours of service for specific group members.

HOW AND WHEN TO USE THE OF-301b FORM:

  • You are engaging in an organized volunteer group or holding a group or public volunteer event.

  • Parent or guardian consent is required for all minors. If an organized group does not have records of guardian permissions, each minor must be engaged through the OF301a. Same requirements for guardian permissions apply for walk-in one day events, like National Public Lands Day.

  • The OF301b form must be used with a group agreement (OF301a) and applicable projects details may be attached as needed.

Downloads:

Questions? Please email SM.FS.WOVolServ@usda.gov