Volunteering

Volunteer Opportunities with Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation

There are a variety of ways to volunteer with the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. Opportunities range from serving as a campground host and living on-site for a season, to helping out for a single day at a park event, to participating in larger projects as part of a volunteer group. Whether you are interested in welcoming visitors, supporting maintenance efforts, assisting with educational programs, or contributing your skills to special projects, there are options that fit many interests and schedules.

• 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. We accept applications for all volunteer positions throughout the year. After you apply, our team reviews submissions, contacts applicants, and if selected, assigns volunteers based on their preferred parks and the skills required.

Selections for Host/On‑site volunteer roles for the upcoming year begin each October.

Apply Online:

Click here to submit your application online.

Apply to Volunteer as a Group

Group Volunteer Form