Become a Volunteer
The Forest Service welcomes interested individuals of all ages, races, ethnicities, national origins, genders, physical abilities, belief systems, backgrounds, and experience levels to volunteer on our public lands! There are several ways in which you can apply to volunteer with the Forest Service, including online through the Volunteer.gov website, in person at your nearest Forest Service office, and by mailing in an application.
Volunteer opportunities can be anything from a one-off, one-time-only daily service project to a multi-month dedicated project. We’ve got opportunities for all.
Anyone can apply for a volunteer position, regardless of citizenship status or employment-related factors. There are a few exceptions:
Under 18? Volunteers under the age of 18 require written consent of parent or legal guardian and do not need to fill out a OF301-a. However, parents are required to fill out that form on behalf of their minor.
Non-citizens? Non-citizens and non-permanent residents (of the U.S.) should contact SM.FS.WOVolServ@usda.gov for additional questions.
Court-order community service? The Forest Service welcomes individuals seeking or required to perform court-ordered community service, as well as students seeking to complete an internship or earn credit hours for school. The eligibility for completing community service or internship requirements from schools, courts, or other outside institutions is not determined by the Forest Service.
The Forest Service official who negotiates and approves volunteer agreements determines the qualifications and eligibility for each volunteer assignment. These criteria establish the nondiscriminatory basic functions and abilities required for volunteer service in the individual position or project. To be selected for and retained in the position or project, you must be able to meet all of the elements within the job description/essential eligibility criteria for that position or project.
Apply Online
The best and preferred way to both find and apply for potential volunteer positions is through Volunteer.gov, a website that lists volunteer opportunities available on public lands across the United States.
To apply for opportunities directly through the website, you will first need to set up a free Volunteer.gov account and input your name, birthdate, and email address. After entering this information, you will receive an email that prompts you to set up a password to complete your registration.
Once you’ve found a specific volunteer opportunity that you’re interested in, click the “Apply Now” button on that listing. This will begin the application process, which you will complete on your computer. During this simple and quick process, you will share your basic contact information, availability, and educational background, along with any skills, abilities, or interests that may be relevant to your potential volunteer work.
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.
To search for opportunities on Forest Service land, use the extended search filters.
Under Agency, click on Forest Service.
Once Forest Service is highlighted, click the arrow “Move selection to Selected”.
Click Apply to trigger your search.
Apply In-Person
If you do not wish to use Volunteer.gov, you can also apply in-person at your nearest Forest Service office during business hours, which will be listed on the national forests and grasslands website. Because the application process can differ from forest to forest, district to district, you may want to call or email for details before visiting.
Please view the Forms page for downloads and more information.
Apply by Mail
The Forest Service also welcomes volunteer applications by mail. You can download and complete the Volunteer Application directly from Volunteer.gov or by viewing Forms. You may want to call or email your forest, grassland or district office before sending off your Volunteer Application to confirm the correct mailing address and to ask whether any other materials should be included with your application.
The Approval Process
Once submitted, your application is reviewed by a Forest Service official. This process can take several weeks and may require a background check or interview.
If you are approved as a volunteer, a Forest Service official will contact you to discuss the role and complete a Volunteer Service Agreement, which will outline your service expectations, requirements, and important safety information. Your volunteer service is not official until a Forest Service official signs this form.
Many volunteer opportunities receive far more applications than there are spots available. If you are not selected for an opportunity, consider searching for another—new opportunities are added to Volunteer.gov all the time, and your regional or district office may be able to share others that are not listed online.
Background Check
You may be required to complete a background check or provide fingerprints check as part of your volunteer work. As part of Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), these are required for anyone who will have access to Forest Service facilities and information systems for six months or more. The National Agencies Check with Inquiries is the basic federal background check that potential volunteers may need to undertake before starting their volunteer service, if they fall under that category. This background check includes a review of schools, past employers, FBI and other government databases, and law enforcement databases.
LincPass Identification Card
Depending on the nature of their work, some volunteers may require a Personal Identity Verification (PIV) —or federal identity credential. This security measure is called LincPass within the Forest Service and all other U.S. Department of Agriculture agencies. Learn more about the LincPass here.
Questions? Please email SM.FS.WOVolServ@usda.gov.