Great Parks for Volunteering
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As part of our team, volunteers provide essential services with a personal touch. You can make visitors' experiences more enjoyable and complete. Your volunteer efforts help preserve Idaho's natural treasures for generations to come.
Volunteering opportunities in Idaho State Parks
Apply now for 2019 volunteer hosting opportunities. Opportunities listed below.
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Campground Host
-
Interpretive Host
-
Visitor Services Host
-
Maintenance Host
-
Special Projects and other volunteer work
Click here for a list of volunteer opportunities available in 2019.updated 09/05/2018
View our Volunteer Handbook
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, less than 40 hours per week. Hosts are asked to give full attention to their volunteer effort by not accepting employment outside the park during their stay as hosts. We ask for at least a 30 day commitment, however some assignments can also be extended for the entire camping season if desired. Click here to 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. See 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. See 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. See 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.
Volunteer application
To volunteer your services and share your knowledge and expertise, please fill out a volunteer application form. There are two ways to complete a form.
You can apply and submit your application online, or
Print and mail a paper application, found here.
If you use the paper application, please mail the completed form to:
If you encounter problems submitting this application please contact our Volunteer Services Coordinator 208-514-2493 to receive an application packet by mail.
Volunteering opportunities in Idaho State Parks
Apply now for 2019 volunteer hosting opportunities. Opportunities listed below.
-
Campground Host
-
Interpretive Host
-
Visitor Services Host
-
Maintenance Host
-
Special Projects and other volunteer work
Click here for a list of volunteer opportunities available in 2019.updated 09/05/2018
View our Volunteer Handbook
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, less than 40 hours per week. Hosts are asked to give full attention to their volunteer effort by not accepting employment outside the park during their stay as hosts. We ask for at least a 30 day commitment, however some assignments can also be extended for the entire camping season if desired. Click here to 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. See 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. See 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. See 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.
Volunteer application
To volunteer your services and share your knowledge and expertise, please fill out a volunteer application form. There are two ways to complete a form.
You can apply and submit your application online, or
Print and mail a paper application, found here.
If you use the paper application, please mail the completed form to:
If you encounter problems submitting this application please contact our Volunteer Services Coordinator 208-514-2493 to receive an application packet by mail.