Ways to Get Involved

Interested in getting involved with Patuxent Research Refuge? Opportunities include volunteering, internships, summer employment, and becoming a member of the Friends of Patuxent. 

Employment Opportunities 

AmeriCorps Vista Position at Patuxent Research Refuge

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) works to protect and conserve fish, wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations. As part of this mission, the Patuxent Research Refuge engages surrounding communities through outdoor recreation, education, and conservation programming. Located between Washington, DC and Baltimore, the Refuge offers over 13,000 acres of protected woodlands, providing a rare opportunity for visitors, especially those new to nature to connect with the natural world. 

The Community Outreach and Engagement VISTA will build capacity for staff to expand public access to wildlife-dependent recreation, including fishing, hunting, and other traditional outdoor activities. The member will build systems for staff to engage in outreach and community engagement, create a strategic plan focused on coalition building and create curriculum for environmental education and interpretation programs that foster long-term connections to conservation. We are seeking a motivated, flexible, and community-oriented individual with strong communication and organizational skills, and an interest in environmental education and public service. The position follows a Tuesday–Saturday schedule, with flexibility to attend outreach events. This is a great opportunity for someone interested in gaining hands-on experience in conservation and community engagement while living near two major cities with access to diverse cultural and outdoor amenities. 

For more information, please see the listing on the AmeriCorps website: https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?fromSearch=true&id=129382 

Friends of Patuxent, Inc.

This is a volunteer led, tax-exempt non-profit organization that was formed in 1992 to support the missions and programs of the Patuxent Research Refuge and the Eastern Ecological Science Center. Click here to learn more about the Friends of Patuxent. 

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 pleasure of generations to follow.

Volunteers at the refuge currently help with education programs, trail monitoring, grounds keeping and hosting visitors at the visitor center. Other short-term projects, such as invasive plant removal, are ongoing.

To find out more about how you can be involved complete our volunteer application or contact sasha_azeez@fws.gov

Our Partners

Bowie State University- https://www.bowiestate.edu

Maryland City at Russet Library - Maryland City at Russett | Anne Arundel County Public Library

Masonville Cove- https://www.masonvillecove.org/ 

Prince Georges County Police Department - Police Department | Prince George's County

Prince George's County School System - Prince George's County Public Schools

William S. Schmidt Outdoor Education Center - William S. Schmidt Outdoor Education Center