Ways to Get Involved
National wildlife refuges partner with volunteers, youth groups, landowners, neighbors, and residents of urban and rural communities to make a lasting difference. Join our staff to help make American lands healthier and communities stronger while gaining new skills and rewarding experiences. We have a wide range of opportunities, from habitat management to biological monitoring to visitor services; and you are likely to have skills that we can learn from. Get involved and join the team!
We have two AmeriCorps positions typically open annually. Both are Education Coordinator positions, one serving primarily at Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR and the other at Grays Harbor NWR. Work begins September 1 and runs until July 15. These positions offer high quality, supported experience delivering experiential programming to grad school and college students. Contact us for more information: 360-753-9467.
Volunteering
Discover for yourself what tens of thousands of volunteers have learned: volunteering for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is fun and rewarding in many ways. Master new skills. Meet new friends. Enjoy a sense of accomplishment from doing your part to further wildlife conservation for the benefit of all.
Check out our refuge's volunteer opportunities, listed below... but bear in mind that we are not always recruiting for each of these volunteer roles. As of spring 2025, openings include: Green Guardians habitat restoration team; assisting with the Grays Harbor Shorebird Festival April 25-27; and helping at the Nisqually Watershed Festival September 27. For all other roles, volunteers are required to attend orientation and subsequent trainings. We aim to offer orientations at least once a year and when there is a need for additional help. We accept applications on a rolling basis, and will contact applicants when the next volunteer orientation is scheduled. Please contact nisqually@fws.gov to get an application or information.
What do volunteers do?
We have a variety of ways for volunteer to gain valuable and rewarding experience and help us fulfill our mission.
Interpretation
At Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, volunteers staff the Norm Dicks Visitor Center, provide information on recreational and educational opportunities, and operate the Nature Shop as members of the Friends of Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Complex. They assist in planning and participate in special events like the Summer Lecture Series and annual festivals. Through nature walks and public programs, volunteers help visitors understand and appreciate both the natural and human history of the refuges. Volunteer Trail Rovers also walk refuge trails to connect with visitors, report issues, and identify maintenance needs.
Environmental Education
Volunteers assist environmental educational program staff to provide hands-on learning experiences, guide small groups on refuge trails, assist with teacher orientation workshops, and help with special projects.
Resource Management
Qualified volunteers assist refuge biologists with wildlife surveys, habitat restoration, and invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.
Learn more about invasive species management.
Maintenance
Volunteers assist refuge employees and the Washington Conservation Corps crew with a diversity of maintenance needs, including: sign installation, fence repairs, painting, equipment repair, woodwork, and small construction projects. There may also be opportunities in more specialized areas for those with skills such as plumbing and carpentry.
Special Projects
Volunteers may work independently or under general supervision on individual projects, including photography, journalism, organizing photo and specimen collections, as a librarian, and other administrative work.
Where Do Volunteers Work?
While most volunteers work at Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge east of Olympia, volunteers are also needed at Grays Harbor NWR in Hoquiam and the Black River Unit, located about 5 miles southwest of Olympia.
When Do Volunteers Work?
The refuge needs volunteers every day! Working hours are typically during daylight hours when staff are present, but some evening meetings, training, and orientation may be required.
Why Become a Volunteer?
Volunteers have all kinds of reasons for signing up! But every volunteer who joins us helps us protect wildlife and make this place welcoming to visitors. Volunteering is an essential part of American culture. Join our team and you'll find friends who also care about this place. We organize training for volunteers to learn more about the wildlife and habitats we care for, as well as social events.
Who May Apply?
Our volunteer program is open to everyone. Those under 18 years of age need a signature on their volunteer agreement from a parent or guardian.
How Do You Become a Refuge Volunteer?
To become a refuge volunteer, start by filling out a volunteer application. We review applications and will contact you with information about training. You may volunteer for special projects or longer commitments, or for single special events like the Nisqually Watershed Festival or the Grays Harbor Shorebird and Nature Festival. To get an application form, please contact us by email or phone. We're excited to hear from you!
Electronically
Mail or Drop Off:
Volunteer Program Coordinator
Nisqually NWR Complex
100 Brown Farm Road
Olympia, WA 98516
Our Partners
The National Wildlife Refuge System is committed to building partnerships which encourage conservation and preservation of our natural and cultural resources. Partnerships with the refuge system bring innovative approaches to solving land management and water disputes in the most environmentally protective manner. Scientifically-informed and technologically-based stewardship of our public lands, waters, wildlife, and special places must be collaborative efforts between the refuge system, other government agencies, and private organizations if conservation efforts are to succeed.
Education Programs
We are hiring an Education Specialist! This position is fully funded by the Friends of Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Complex. This position serves as the lead education specialist based at Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR (BFJN). Works side by side with an AmeriCorps education coordinator to carry out the goals of the BFJN education program, under the supervision of the Visitor Services Manager. Supports the work of a second AmeriCorps education coordinator serving the Grays Harbor NWR. 10% of time is for support of the Friends of Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Complex.
Salary: $41,610
Delta Dental, Delta Vision, and Premera Health medical insurance provided
33 days paid time off annually
To apply, send a resume and letter to Julia_Pinnix@fws.gov before April 27, 2026.
Expectations:
- The Education Specialist position is supported with annual funding from both the refuge complex and the Friends. It is not a permanent government position. Every effort will be made to sustain funding; but there may be times when a break in service is necessary.
- This position is not supervisory. But the incumbent will model effective, professional, collaborative action, and serve as a mentor for the AmeriCorps members, interns, and volunteers.
- The incumbent will work as part of an inclusive, mutually supportive visitor services team. Duties and responsibilities may shift as the needs and focus of the team shift.
- In order to work on federal computer systems, in federal buildings, and with children, a background check is required. Required training will be assigned annually. A federal identification and access (PIV) card is essential and requires passing a background check and taking online training.
- Although marijuana use is legal in Washington, it is not legal for federal employees or contractors. A drug test may be administered at any time.
- Uniforms are available for volunteers and staff; but this position is contracted. The incumbent will work with the supervisor to determine an appropriate dress code.
This position requires the use of federal vehicles from time to time. A legal driver’s license is required, and additional required training will be assigned.
Duties for refuge:
• Assists the BFJN AmeriCorps member in coordinating education activities.
• Serves as a point of contact for inquiries about the education program.
• Prepares and conducts on- and off-site environmental education programs for a variety of audiences.
• Delivers age-appropriate presentations that meet the needs of the group and communicate Service messages.
• Helps to recruit, train, schedule, and support volunteers for both Grays Harbor and BFJN education programs.
• Answers the telephone, greets visitors to the office, and sells passes along with other staff in a team approach to customer service.
• In coordination with supervisor, meets with partners for planning and feedback.
• Participates in education program planning and improvement.
• Supports the Grays Harbor AmeriCorps member in carrying out their education program.
• Develops and revises educational materials.
• Organizes and conducts teacher training and orientation programs in concert with the BFJN AmeriCorps member.
• Inventories and maintains stock of environmental education materials, equipment, and supplies. This includes sending binoculars and scopes for repair.
• Tracks all educational items under permit, updates permits, monitors condition of items, and arranges for taxidermied specimens to be cleaned annually.
• Disseminates information via established outreach products to peers, partners, and stakeholders regarding educational activities.
• Provides performance feedback (in close coordination with supervisor) to AmeriCorps members.
• Supports preparation for and carrying out special events, including the Grays Harbor Shorebird and Nature Festival and the Nisqually Watershed Festival.
• Represents the refuge’s educational programs at community and partner meetings and events.
Duties for Friends:
• Assists in the Nature Store by greeting and supporting volunteers scheduled to work, assisting with handling money and processing sales, and being prepared to fill in or troubleshoot when needed.
• Tracks purchases to support programming and events.
• Processes incoming mail including invoices, memberships, and other correspondence.
• Keeps The Flyway newsletter mailing list up-to-date.
• Posts The Flyway newsletter electronically.
• Monitors Friends email account and responds to inquiries as needed.
• Attends board meetings, takes minutes, and provides copies of the minutes to board members.
• Supports the administration of the Rides to the Refuge program.
To apply, send a resume and letter to Julia_Pinnix@fws.gov before April 27, 2026.