Volunteer with the Forest Service and our Partners 

Over the past 42 years, almost 3 million people have invested millions of hours of their time valued at $1.4 billion to enhance the land and serve people.

The US Forest Service Volunteer Program has something for almost everyone: retirees, professionals, homemakers, students, as well as service clubs and organizations. If you like people and care about our country's natural resources, the Forest Service needs your time and talents.

Some volunteers work full-time for several months, while others donate a few hours a day each week, or contribute a one-time service. Students may volunteer to earn college credits through a college-approved intern program, or to become familiar with Forest Service activities and philosophy. Many individuals have found that their volunteer experience has guided them towards job interest and possible careers. Retirees or others with skills to share often find that a volunteer position provides them with a nice change of pace.

Some of our volunteer positions provide items such as housing, a uniform, reimbursement for certain out of pocket expenses, and work-related transportation, depending on the nature and location of the volunteer project and the availability of funds.

Learn more information about volunteering

There are several ways you can apply for a volunteer position: you can fill out an application, print it and mail it to the address indicated for the position, or you can e-mail it to the contact person at the volunteer website.  If you find some interesting positions, contact the person listed by the position for more information. Some of the questions you may want to ask are: What kind of weather should I expect? What equipment might I need? What specific challenges and opportunities does the project present? Can I volunteer for a longer or shorter period? We appreciate your willingness to donate your services. The unit you agree to serve is depending on you!

Volunteer projects sponsored by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game    

 Idaho Department of Fish & Game Southwest Region Volunteer Project Schedule

Idaho Department of Fish and Game - Sagebrush and Bitterbrush Planting Schedule

Idaho Fish and Game is looking for volunteers to plant thousands of sagebrush and bitterbrush seedlings during March at several locations across southern Idaho.

Your Local Chapter of Trout Unlimited is looking for Volunteers

Trout Unlimited (TU) is a national organization with more than 150,000 members organized into about 400 chapters from Maine to Montana to Alaska. Our Mission - Isto conserve, protect and restore North America's coldwater fisheries and their watersheds.

Our Vision - Isby the next generation, Trout Unlimited will ensure that robust populations of native and wild coldwater fish once again thrive within their North American range, so that our children can enjoy healthy fisheries in their home waters.

MK Nature Center in Boise Idaho

Become a volunteer with the Morrison Knudsen Nature Center.  We have a unique facility that offers a great wildlife experience on a 4.6-acre site along the Boise River Greenbelt. The StreamWalk and Visitor Center provide a glimpse of Idaho's many landscapes and abundant wildlife.

Underwater viewing windows along the stream walk give visitors a fish-eye view of the world.

 

Idaho Master Naturalist Program

The Idaho Master Naturalist Program aims to develop a corps of well-informed volunteers to actively work toward stewardship of Idaho’s natural environment.

Any adult who enjoys learning about nature can become an Idaho Master Naturalist. If you enjoy outdoor recreation, bird watching, identifying plants and animals, gardening, and supporting conservation, this program is for you!

 

 

Boise Parks and Recreation

The Boise Parks and Recreation offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for you and your organization to be involved with.

  

Also, learn more about "TREE" classes that are being offered this spring.  Some of the classes include tree biology, pruning, selection, planting and disease control.

 

Forest Fire Lookout Association

The Lookout Jobs page is a collection of Lookout Jobs, both paid and volunteer.  Postings include lookouts for the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, and others.  FFLA volunteer lookout opportunities and from other programs may also be listed.

 

Volunteering for the Public Lands is now more Rewarding

Introducing the Interagency Volunteer Pass

Benefits of the pass?  The pass covers entrance and/or standard amenity fees on lands managed by the USDA Forest Service, National Park Service, US Fish & Wildlife Service, Bureau of Reclamation, and Bureau of Land Management. Passes are valid for one year from the issuance date.

How Do I Get One?  Serve 250 hours as a volunteer on participating Federal public lands and you can receive the Pass in recognition of your efforts. Simply log your service hours with your volunteer supervisor or volunteer coordinator and they can request the pass for you. 

View profiles of our highlighted volunteers 

Find information about how to volunteer with the Forest Service.

 

View the Forest Service Volunteer Program Strategic Plan

Forest Service partnerships and collaborations with Youth and Conservation Corps and other youth and veterans employment organizations are critical to mission accomplishment. Corps participants support every aspect of Forest Service operations and include a wide range of activities critical to healthy forests. Whether in teams, internships, or other types of placements, young people contribute on every forest, grassland and prairie in every region.

Forest Service Volunteers & Service strategic plan is available for viewing and download.