Skip to main content

T
T
T

Volunteers

Volunteers are an important part of caring for the land and serving the people on our National Forest. Volunteering isn't just beneficial for the forest, it benefits you. Simply put, it's fun! It can give you the opportunity to pursue a special interest, such as bird watching or hiking. The types of work you may perform are many and varied; the only tasks a volunteer cannot carry out are those associated with law enforcement and firefighting. 

Upon applying, 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. Almost any U.S. citizen or permanent resident can volunteer for the Forest Service, subject to a few restrictions. Foreign nationals must qualify for the Forest Service's International Visitor Program before volunteering. 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.

What Can I Do as a Volunteer?

Some typical volunteer projects range from a single-day project to a long-term undertaking for several months. There are many types of volunteer opportunities suitable for your talents and skills. We want to match your skills with your work preference to give you an enjoyable experience and best fulfill the mission of the Forest Service. Examples of opportunities are listed below. What captures your interest?

  • Maintaining and hosting campgrounds. These volunteer positions generally require a minimum of one month.
  • Monitoring wilderness use as a Wilderness Steward/Ranger.
  • Join a group or work individually on trail maintenance and various building projects.
  • Working with specialists in wildlife, botany, and fisheries/watershed research.

If you or your organization needs a community service project, we might be able to match you with a need out there on the forest.

Campground Hosts

The Kootenai National Forest has many campground host positions available. Not all sites are available every year, many of our hosts return for many seasons. Please call the Forest Supervisor's Office and ask for the Volunteer Coordinator at (406) 293-6211 to learn which positions are available each season. Expand the following content section to learn more about our hosting sites, including position description, dates of availability and contact information.

Apply for a Volunteer Position

To apply for a volunteer position, contact the Kootenai National Forest Supervisor's Office or use the following form and submit your completed application to the Forest Service office where you'd like to volunteer.

Volunteer Application
 

More Information on Volunteering

Last updated March 28th, 2025

Return to top