Volunteering

Volunteer Opportunities with Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation

Thank you for considering volunteering with Idaho State Parks!  The opportunities vary widely throughout our beautiful state. Are you looking for a “hosting” opportunity and want to have the lasting experience of living in one of our breathtaking State Parks?  Apply at the link above!  Looking for something more spur-of-the-moment?  Check out our social media pages for upcoming volunteer events.  Live near a park and want to contribute meaningfully to your local area?  We would be grateful!  Select Contact Volunteer Services, and our Volunteer Coordinator would be happy to respond to your inquiry!

There are many ways to volunteer your time with Idaho State Parks and Recreation. You may volunteer as an individual or as a part of a group on short term projects of one day or less, or on a long term project in specialized programs. The following are some of the most popular volunteer programs:

• Campground Host
• Interpretive Host
• Visitor Services Host
• Maintenance Host
• Special Projects and other volunteer work

• Volunteer Handbook
• 2040 Workplace Expectations
• 2050 Respectful Workplace

Campground Host

What you give:

Campground Hosts are park ambassadors. They perform a variety of tasks such as greeting visitors and handing out information, replacing restroom supplies, cleaning campsites, picking up litter, and informing the rangers about potential problems. Hosts serve as official greeters and must like people, be courteous, outgoing, and helpful to all park visitors. Host volunteers need to be physically capable of performing these duties. You will be scheduled to work varied days and hours, usually 24-30 hours per week. We ask for at least a 30 day commitment; however, some assignments can also be extended for the entire camping season (May-October) if desired. View a sample job description.

What you get:

• An all-access state park pass (for entry to all Idaho state parks) in return for 100 hours of donated time
• Free camping with full or partial hookups (depending on the park) and a sign for your campsite
• A Volunteer Orientation Guidebook about Idaho State Parks
• A uniform designating your status as volunteer – consisting of a cap, vest, patch, and name tag
• Training by state park personnel
• Insurance for job-related medical costs
• All you need to provide is your own housing–park housing available at some parks

Interpretive Host

Interpretive hosts are trained volunteers who interpret the cultural, natural and recreational resources of Idaho State Parks to visitors. They receive continued training to which they can add their own unique approach and experiences. Interpretive hosts can either be on-site campers or come in on a day-to-day basis from the local community. Interpretive hosts provide guided tours about the natural features of the area, historical and cultural information specific to the area, especially at historic parks, assist with research and development of programs, perform clerical tasks, greet visitors and other public oriented services. View a sample job description.

Visitor Services Host

Visitor Service volunteers answer questions and provide information to park visitors at park entrances or visitor centers. They volunteer as clerks in the parks’ retail stores and help with clerical and front desk receptionist duties. Computer and secretarial skills can also be used to help park personnel do various reporting procedures. Click here to view a sample job description for the History and Education Center Gift Shop Clerk. View a sample job description.

Maintenance Host

Maintenance Hosts assist in the minor repair and maintenance of park facilities. Existing buildings and other structures need cleaning, painting, repairing, and improvements. Skills sought include: electrical, carpentry, painting, masonry, landscaping, small motor repair. Maintenance hosts can also help park staff on new construction projects. Click here to view a sample job description for Maintenance Host. View a sample job description.

Special Projects and Other Volunteer Work

Volunteers can also help in our Boating Safety Education programs, non-motorized trails programs and off road vehicle programs. Special projects can be developed for both groups or individuals.

Apply to Be A Volunteer

Thank you for your interest in volunteering. Applications for all volunteer positions are accepted year-round, with Host/On-site selections for the upcoming year beginning each October.

Once you apply, our team reviews submissions, contacts applicants, and places volunteers based on their requested parks and the skills needed. Please complete the application thoroughly, filling in all required fields marked with an asterisk, and click “Submit” when finished.

Apply Online:

Click here to submit your application online.

Apply Via Mail:

For more information to volunteer as a group, please contact volunteer services directly.