Volunteering and Internships

The Warm Springs Fish Health Center is always seeking qualified volunteers and interns to help with daily operations and projects. Our volunteers are individuals who want to give back to their communities, parents who want to be good stewards of the land and set examples for their children, retired people willing to share their wealth of knowledge, concerned citizens of all ages who want to learn more about conservation, and passionate people who enjoy the outdoors and want to spread the word about America's greatest natural treasures.

Anyone may apply to volunteer with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service by completing a Volunteer Services Agreement (426 KB). Volunteers must be at least 16 years old; however, for some tasks, 12 – 15 year olds can be permitted to volunteer if accompanied by a trained parent or guardian. Anyone under the age of 18 must have parental approval. Organized group participation is welcomed and encouraged.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also has a working relationship with the Student Conservation Association, which is a nationwide force of high school and college-age volunteers who are committed to protecting and preserving the environment.

What Do Our Volunteers and Interns Do?

Past volunteers and interns have worked on a wide variety of projects including fish population surveys, fish hatchery inspections, and wild fish health surveys. We have employed undergraduate and graduate students working on senior projects and research dissertations. Generally, no special skills are required to be a volunteer. Any on-the-job training is provided if needed. A few positions may require certain physical abilities or areas of technical expertise; these will be mentioned in the position descriptions. Individual talents and skills are matched with volunteer interests and work opportunities.

Volunteer opportunities include:

• conducting fish and wildlife health surveys,
• leading tours and providing information to school groups and other visitors,
• assisting with laboratory research,
• performing clerical and administrative duties,
• working with computers and other technical equipment, and
• photographing a variety of natural and cultural resources

For further information regarding internships or volunteer work at Warm Springs Fish Health Center, please contact Norm Heil at norm_heil@fws.gov or (706) 655-3382 ext 1233. Detailed position descriptions and the application process for internships are provided by the Student Conservation Association. Please visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Volunteer page for more information on volunteer opportunities.