Here's how to find out about openings in the National Park Service's Volunteer in Parks Program  and how to apply for a position.

Difficulty Level: Easy      Time Required: Not applicable

1. When considering where to volunteer, be flexible. Don't necessarily limit yourself to a specific park or even necessarily in a specific state. Consider an entire region of the country or open yourself up to anywhere that you haven't visited before. Also, consider applying for several different volunteer positions.
   
   
2. Visit the National Park Service Volunteers in Parks web page at http://www.nps.gov/volunteer/opportunity.htm and take a look at the current job openings. Information for each position includes dates, duties, skills required, compensation (if any), and how to apply. 
    
3. If you don't find a park or a position that interests you on the Volunteers in Parks web page, contact the volunteer coordinator at a specific park to find out about any positions they might have available. When inquiring about the details of a position, be sure to ask about the deadline for submitting an application.
   
   
4. Before filling out an application, learn as much as you can about the place you are applying to volunteer. By demonstrating an interest and knowledge of an area, you will improve your chances of landing a position.
   
   
5. National park volunteer programs are locally managed so you will need to mail your completed application to the national park area where you wish to volunteer. You can print out an online application by clicking on http://www.nps.gov/volunteer/volunteerapp1.htm or ask the park to send it to you. All park addresses can be found on the National Park Service home page at http://www.nps.gov/parklists/byname.htm.
   
   
6. Additional information on the VIP program is available from local parks or from the National Park Service by calling 202-208-4747.
   

1. You will not receive confirmation of your application unless you are being selected for a volunteer position in the National Park System.
   
   
2. Most volunteers are during summer so competition is greater; consider volunteering during other time of year, if possible.
   
   
3. If you are not able to secure a volunteer position with NPS, consider volunteering at state parks or through other outdoor conservation programs, such as Volunteer America, Service to America, Bureau of Land Management, Student Conservation Association, Tennessee Valley Authority, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and others.
   
   
4. As a volunteer, you will not be paid by the Federal Government, but some parks do reimburse volunteers for some out-of-pocket expenses, such as local travel costs, meals, and uniforms.

Related Features:

• Volunteer Opportunities at National and State Parks
  
• National and State Park Jobs