Volunteering

Volunteers in the National Forests

Volunteers are the heartbeat of the Forest Service. The types of work a volunteer can perform are many and varied; the only tasks a volunteer cannot carry out are those associated with law enforcement. Your talents and skills are matched with your work preference to obtain a role that satisfies you and best fulfills the mission of the Forest Service/USDA. You may work on a part-time or full-time basis. You can participate in a one-time project or serve over several months, seasons, or year-round. The commitment you make is up to you.

Training may be provided to you if your job requires it. If you are retired or have summers free, you may wish to live on a national forest while you work as a volunteer. College students may perform volunteer service related to their coursework for college credit. A variety of jobs are available if you prefer the office environment. There are also numerous opportunities to perform vigorous but satisfying physical labor outdoors.

For more information and possible opportunities visit the volunteer website at www.volunteer.gov/Gov or call one of our offices.

Current Opportunities

Placer Mining in the Southern Blue Mountains: Oregon Chinese Diaspora Project

Come on out to the Malheur National Forest this summer as we once again immerse ourselves in the past (and present) of this nation’s Chinese Diaspora! The Oregon Chinese Diaspora Project (OCDP) is a research partnership among the Malheur National Forest, Southern Oregon Laboratory of Anthropology (SOULA), and the Kam Wah Chung State Heritage Site, among other partners. The partnership promotes the study and public interpretation of the history of immigrant Chinese gold miners in Oregon.
Number of openings: 12 (6 volunteers per session)
Special skills: Volunteers must be able to hike for several hours each day, over potentially difficult terrain, and in a variety of weather conditions; previous metal-detecting, archaeological survey, mapping, photography experience, and/or knowledge of Chinese history in the region helpful, but not required
Minimum age: 16 years old; under 18 with a responsible adult