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.
Volunteer opportunities within Idaho State Parks
We are still accepting applications! Apply now for 2020 volunteer hosting opportunities. Vacancies listed in the document 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 2020 updated 07/15/2020
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, 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. 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.
Volunteer Interpretive Positions
Interpretive Internships work well for college students interested in learning more about the field of interpretation in parks. The internship experience can often be used for college credit. Interns receive training in interpretive skills as well as onsite coaching on working in a state park. An interest or experience in natural or cultural interpretation or environmental education would be helpful, but is not required.
Applicants should have a strong interest in resource preservation and management, an ability to communicate ideas effectively, and enthusiasm for sharing knowledge with others. The relevant work experience can bolster the intern’s resume and make them more competitive for future positions.
We are currently looking for a variety of volunteer interpreters in the following parks (2019):
For more information, check out our informational flyer.
Volunteer opportunities within Idaho State Parks
We are still accepting applications! Apply now for 2020 volunteer hosting opportunities. Vacancies listed in the document 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 2020 updated 07/15/2020
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, 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. 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.
Volunteer Interpretive Positions
Interpretive Internships work well for college students interested in learning more about the field of interpretation in parks. The internship experience can often be used for college credit. Interns receive training in interpretive skills as well as onsite coaching on working in a state park. An interest or experience in natural or cultural interpretation or environmental education would be helpful, but is not required.
Applicants should have a strong interest in resource preservation and management, an ability to communicate ideas effectively, and enthusiasm for sharing knowledge with others. The relevant work experience can bolster the intern’s resume and make them more competitive for future positions.
We are currently looking for a variety of volunteer interpreters in the following parks (2019):
For more information, check out our informational flyer.