Volunteers

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Volunteers are the collective spirit and motivation that keeps the forest service functioning effectively. The types of work a volunteer can perform are many and varied. 

Volunteers donate thousands of work hours each year to our wilderness and trails maintenance programs by assisting our wilderness rangers and trail crews in the High Uintas Wilderness. There are fun and challenging volunteer opportunities available each summer. Individual interests and skills are matched to what work is needed. 

Volunteer Opportunities

There are three types of volunteer opportunities: seasonal, project, and independent. Seasonal opportunities run approximately June through August. Project opportunities require a short-term commitment to a specific agency project, such as a trail construction or rehabilitation project. Organized groups, such as the Backcountry Horsemen of America, and the Boy Scouts of America have worked on project opportunities for the Forest Service. Independent opportunities are short-term commitments to a specific project but are very limited in scope and do not require Forest Service oversight. Independent volunteer projects are volunteer-proposed for those who would like to complete service projects.

Seasonal Opportunities

• Assistant Animal Packer
• Trail Crew Member
• Wilderness Ranger
• Wilderness Info Specialist (Trailhead Host)

Project Opportunities

• Trail Construction
• Fence construction
• Recreation Maintenance
• Building Restoration Projects
• Wilderness Monitoring Projects
• Computer Data Entry
• Educational Outreach Programs
• Equipment & Material Transport (w/Stock)

Independent Opportunities

• Construct kiosks
• Other Volunteer-Proposed Service Projects

Often temporary housing, a modest daily stipend, and/or reimbursed vehicle mileage may be available to volunteers, particularly to those recruited for the field season. The Forest Service may provide equipment, supplies, and training necessary to complete projects. The Forest Service collaborates with colleges and universities to provide student internships or work experience programs.

To view and apply for advertised volunteer positions, visit Volunteer.Gov. This website is the nationwide clearinghouse for all opportunities advertised by all four federal land management agencies and federal agencies.

Work Requirements

All volunteers must sign a volunteer agreement to perform any work for the Forest Service.   

All volunteers are also required to have forest service provided training and wear the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) to perform certain types of work.  

Volunteers may be asked to pass a work capacity test, submit a doctor’s note, or provide other proof of fitness level. Heavy lifting, hiking long distances, working with stock animals, rugged terrain, high altitude, and extreme weather all present work challenges.