Volunteering

Welcome to Idaho State Parks and Recreation: Where Your Time Makes a Lasting Impact

“Give a little time. Leave a legacy. Idaho State Parks & Recreation.”

What type of volunteer opportunity are you looking for?

There are three ways to volunteer with Idaho State Parks and Recreation: as a park host or on-site volunteer, an individual volunteer, or as part of a group. Learn more about each opportunity below.

1. Park Host/On-site Volunteer Opportunities- Ongoing opportunities include Campground, Visitor Services, Interpretive, Maintenance, and Office Assistant roles. Volunteers live onsite during their service, making these positions ideal for individuals or couples seeking longer-term experience. Schedules vary, with volunteers serving at least 20 hours per week. A minimum commitment of 30 days is required, with opportunities to extend through the camping season from May through October.
2. Individual Volunteer Opportunities- Flexible volunteer opportunities support park operations through events, special projects, and general assistance. These roles offer a variety of ways to get involved, whether for a single day or on an ongoing basis.
3. Group Opportunities- Group volunteer opportunities include one-day projects, short-term assignments, and special events. Volunteer groups can support trails, park programs, habitat projects, and other park needs while making a meaningful impact in Idaho’s parks.

Apply Online to be a Park Host/On-site Volunteer

Thank you for your interest in volunteering. Applications are accepted year-round. Park Host and On-site Volunteer selections for the following May-October season typically begin each October, so early applications are encouraged.

Follow the steps listed to begin your volunteer journey with Idaho State Parks & Recreation.

1. Find Your Idaho State Park- Consider taking some time to research our state parks before applying to ensure you choose locations and environments best suited to your volunteering interests. Click here to learn more.

2. Service- Decide what service opportunities you would like to apply for. Schedules vary, with volunteers serving at least 20 hours per week. A minimum commitment of 30 days is required, with opportunities to extend through the camping season from May through October. Some parks also offer positions during off-peak months.

Following are descriptions:

Campground Host – Welcome campers, provide information, and help ensure a safe and enjoyable stay. Campground Host Sample Job Description

Interpretive Host – Lead programs, share stories, and connect visitors to Idaho’s natural and cultural history. Interpretive Host Sample Job Description

Visitor Services Host – Assist guests with directions, information, and general support to enhance their visit. Visitor Services Host Sample Job Description

Maintenance Host – Help care for park facilities, trails, and grounds to keep parks clean and accessible. Maintenance Host Sample Job Description

Office Assistant Host – Help with basic office tasks, phones, filing, mail, and simple computer work. Basic computer skills required. Office Assistant Host Sample Job Description

3. Apply- Click here to apply to be a Park Host/On-site volunteer with Idaho Department of Parks & Recreation.

Next Steps:

• Application Forwarded- Your application will be sent to the parks you requested.
• Offer and Accept- After the application review and interview process, selected volunteers are matched with opportunities by the park Volunteer Coordinator based on your interests and needs of the volunteer program.
• Agreement- Volunteers then sign an agreement with assigned volunteer position, dates of service and acknowledgement of receiving the Volunteer Handbook, Workplace Expectations and Respectful Workplace
• Background Check- Once the agreement has been received, the Volunteer & Workforce Programs Specialist will initiate the background check and send the applicant a secure link through Verified First. After the background check has been reviewed and approved, the applicant will receive a confirmation email. Volunteers cannot begin service until the background check is complete.
• Final Onboarding- Additional information, orientation details, and next steps will be provided after placement.

Benefits of Volunteering with IDRP

Volunteering with Idaho Department of Parks & Recreation comes with meaningful rewards and support during your service:

• State Park Pass- Earn entry to all Idaho State Parks after completing 100 hours of volunteer service.
• Complimentary Campsite- Stay in a designated volunteer campsite with full or partial hookups, depending on the park.
• Volunteer Orientation- Feel prepared and learn about Idaho State Parks and your role as a volunteer.
• Volunteer Uniform- Receive a cap, vest, and name tag to identify your role.
• Training & Support- Gain skills and guidance alongside experienced park staff.
• Recognition & Rewards- Our parks appreciate the time and dedication you share. In 2027, we are excited to launch a new volunteer recognition program to celebrate your contributions.

What You Provide

Your Own Housing- A contained camping unit is a camping vehicle or setup that has its own built-in facilities for basic living needs, such as sleeping, cooking, and sanitation, without relying heavily on campground facilities.

If you experience any difficulty submitting this application, our Volunteer & Workforce Programs Specialist is happy to help. Please contact Connie Bartich via e-mail at connie.bartich@idpr.idaho.gov or by phone at 208‑514‑2493.

Apply online to be an Individual Volunteer

Follow the steps listed to begin your volunteer journey with Idaho State Parks & Recreation.

1. Find Your Idaho State Park- Consider taking some time to research our state parks before applying to ensure you choose locations and environments best suited to your volunteering interests. Click here to learn more.

2. Service-Select a volunteer opportunity that interests you. Most positions require at least 20 hours per week and a 30-day commitment.

3. Apply- Click here to apply to be a volunteer with Idaho Department of Parks & Recreation.

Next Steps:

• • Application Forwarded- Your application will be sent to the parks you requested.
  • Offer and Acceptance- After the application review and interview process, selected volunteers are matched with opportunities by the park Volunteer Coordinator based on your interests and needs of the volunteer program.
  • Agreement- Volunteers then sign an agreement with assigned volunteer position, dates of service and acknowledgement of receiving the Volunteer Handbook, Workplace Expectations and Respectful Workplace
  • Background Check- Once the agreement has been received, the Volunteer & Workforce Programs Specialist will initiate the background check and send the applicant a secure link through Verified First. After the background check has been reviewed and approved, the applicant will receive a confirmation email. Volunteers cannot begin service until the background check is complete.
  • Final Onboarding- Additional information, orientation details, and next steps will be provided after placement.

If you experience any difficulty submitting this application, our Volunteer & Workforce Programs Specialist is happy to help. Please contact Connie Bartich via e-mail at connie.bartich@idpr.idaho.gov or by phone at 208‑514‑2493.

Organize a Group to Volunteer

Thank you for your interest in volunteering as a group with the Idaho Department of Parks & Recreation. Group volunteer projects provide valuable support to our parks and offer a meaningful way for teams, organizations, and community groups to make a positive impact.

Following are some ideas:

• One-Day Projects- Perfect for team building, community service or school projects.
• Short-Term Projects- Multi-day opportunities supporting park needs.
• Special Project or Events- Volunteer groups can assist with park events, educational programs, and visitor outreach. Groups may also support boating safety education, non-motorized trails, and off-road vehicle programs. Special projects can be developed to align with a group's interests, skills, and service goals.

Please complete the form below so we can learn more about your group, your interests, and the type of project you would like to participate in.

Group Volunteer Application

If you experience any difficulty submitting this application, our Volunteer & Workforce Programs Specialist is happy to help. Please contact Connie Bartich via e-mail at connie.bartich@idpr.idaho.gov or by phone at 208‑514‑2493.

Park Host/On-site Volunteer Application

Individual Volunteer Application

Group Volunteer Application

Online Volunteer Resources

Find volunteer resources, forms, guides, and helpful information all in one place. Whether you are just getting started or already volunteering, these resources are here to answer your questions and support your experience.

Social Media:

IDPR Facebook Page

IDPR Volunteer Facebook Page

IDPR Instagram

Rules and Requirements:

IDPR Volunteer Handbook- Will be updated for the 2027 Season

IDPR Workplace Expectations

IDPR Respectful Workplace

Quick Links:

IDPR Volunteer Page

IDPR Park Information

Project Ideas

Have an idea for an Idaho State Park? Whether it involves education, recreation, conservation, or community service, your project could make a positive impact. Tell us about your idea, and we can work together to explore ways to bring it to life. Please complete the form below.

IDPR Volunteer Project Idea Request Form

Internships

Additional Seasonal Employment Information

Volunteer Services

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Idaho Department of Parks & Recreation. We look forward to welcoming you and are happy to answer any questions you may have.

Connie Bartich

Volunteer & Workforce Programs Specialist

Address:

Idaho Department of Parks & Recreation
5657 E Warm Springs Ave. Boise, ID 83720-0065

E-mail:

connie.bartich@idpr.idaho.gov

Phone:

208-514-2493

“Give a little time. Leave a legacy. Idaho State Parks & Recreation.”