Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

Volunteers Make a Difference

Volunteers assist in many aspects of refuge operations and help connect visitors to Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge by:

• Providing information to visitors at the Richard S. Bolt Visitor Center
• Supporting education and interpretation programs
• Assisting with special events
• Performing mowing, trail clearing, and maintenance tasks
• And more!

Note: A volunteer who is under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and the parent or legal guardian must sign the parental agreement section on the Volunteer Service Agreement.

How to Apply

If you are interested in volunteering, please complete a Volunteer Service Application and send it to Joy Campbell via email at Joy_Campbell@fws.gov. Please include “Volunteer Application” in the subject line. Applications are accepted year-round.

Current volunteer opportunities are listed below, or you can view current Resident Volunteer opportunities at Volunteer.gov. 

If you have questions about volunteering, please call the Richard S. Bolt Visitor Center at 912-496-7836. 

Current Volunteer Opportunities

Visitor Center Front Desk Assistant

Volunteers help connect visitors to the refuge at the Richard S. Bolt Visitor Center. They welcome visitors, answer questions, provide maps, relay recent wildlife sightings, and help visitors learn about the refuge. They may also volunteer at the Okefenokee Wildlife League’s (Friends group) Nature Store. Assigned days of the week may vary but generally include working on weekends.

Nature Education Assistant

Do you enjoy teaching about nature? Discover the rewarding experience of volunteering as a Nature Education Assistant at the refuge! By joining our team, you'll inspire curiosity and appreciation for the natural world in visitors of all ages, while helping protect one of America's most unique ecosystems. Whether you're passionate about wildlife, education, or conservation, your enthusiasm can make a lasting impact. Volunteer with us and help foster the next generation of nature stewards! 

Maintenance Assistant

Volunteers assisting with maintenance are often outdoors clearing upland or water trails, building/repairing/maintaining visitor facilities like boardwalks and platforms, cleaning facilities throughout the refuge, and many other tasks. Carpentry skills and experience with small tools, mowers, etc. are very helpful. Duties include:

• General property maintenance to include custodial upkeep of restrooms, and grounds, trash collection, mowing grass, trimming bushes, and planting native vegetation.
• Performing upland and water trail maintenance, using hand tools pole saws, weed eaters, brush cutters.
• Assist with building/repairing/maintaining visitor facilities like boardwalks, platforms, fences, directional/informational signs and kiosks.
• Tasks may also involve metal work and wood routing.
• May perform a variety of other duties depending on skills and interest.   

Special Events

We are always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to assist with special events like National Public Lands Day and Pioneer Day. Visit our Events Page to see upcoming opportunities and learn how you can get involved.

Resident Volunteer Program 

The Resident Volunteer Program offers a unique opportunity for recreational vehicle and/or trailer volunteers to live and work at the refuge. It is only open to those volunteer candidates who own their own trailer and/or RV. Volunteers commit to work at the refuge 24 hours a week (per couple) and 32 hours a week (per person), for a minimum of three months. In exchange for volunteer service, the refuge provides a full hook-up trailer pad with water, electricity, and propane along with access to garbage and laundry facilities. 

Resident Volunteer positions are available year-round! Apply through Volunteer.gov.