Patuxent Research Refuge

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.

2024 Summer Employment Opportunities

We are currently looking for an:

Urban Crew Leader

There will be two summer programs that will operate out of John Heinz NWR at Tinicum (PA) and Patuxent Research Refuge (MD). This position is offered to people who live in Pennsylvania and Maryland or the surrounding area and will take place weekdays (Monday-Friday) during the summer. Exact dates are TBD.

Click here to apply now!

Urban Crew Member

There will be two summer programs that will operate out of John Heinz NWR at Tinicum (PA) and Patuxent Research Refuge (MD). This position is offered to youth in Pennsylvania and Maryland and will take place weekdays (Monday-Friday) during the summer. Participants receive a $350-$375/week stipend. Equipment scholarships available. Patuxent Research Refuge Summer Crew runs from June 24 - August 16, 2024.

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Click here to apply now!

Youth Conservation Corps (YCC)

This is a national program that aids refuges in habitat restoration, maintenance projects, and many other critical tasks. This program is open to high school youth living near Patuxent Research Refuge and is operated through our partnering organization Mobilize Green.

Internships

During the fall season, paid interns with Meade Natural Heritage Association learn hands-on wildlife management skills while operating the refuge’s hunt control station.

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. Current needs include: Volunteering at North Tract's front desk.

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