Volunteering With the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Volunteers are valuable to the management of our Nation's fish and wildlife resources. You can enjoy a productive and rewarding experience as a volunteer with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Volunteers determing the sex and age of Canada Geese. Photo: Nat Baker

What Do Volunteers Do?

Volunteers perform a wide variety of tasks including:

• Conducting wildlife population surveys
• Leading tours and providing information and interpretation to the visiting public
• Taking part in special projects, such as bird banding
• Assisting in habitat restoration projects, such as weed control and native plantings
• Performing clerical and administrative duties
• Working with computers and other technical equipment
• Photographing a variety of natural and cultural resources
• Assisting with maintenance projects
• And much more!

Time Commitment

The amount of time you volunteer is up to you. You may work full-time, a few hours per week or month, or during a particular season.

Who May Volunteer?

No special skills are needed to be a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service volunteer. However, on the job training is provided, if needed. While there is no age limit, anyone under 18 years of age must have written parental approval. Organized group participation is welcomed and encouraged. Individuals under 16 years of age may want to volunteer as part of a supervised group, such as a Scout troop or 4H Club. Volunteers are welcome regardless of race, religion, age, gender, nationality, or disability. U.S. citizenship is not required.

How to Apply

Contact the Refuge at (970) 365-3613 or brownspark@fws.gov to inquire about potential projects and availability.

Volunteer Status and Benefits

Before you begin your volunteer responsibilities, you will fill out a Volunteer Services Agreement. The Agreement will describe the terms of volunteer service. Volunteers are considered "employees" only for purposes of injury compensation and tort claims protection.

Housing is provided due to the remote location of the Refuge. Reimbursement of some costs may be allowed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In addition, the Internal Revenue Service allows deduction of certain expenses incurred while volunteering, such as transportation and meal costs, as a contribution on their Federal tax returns.