Ways to Get Involved
Employment Opportunities:
The Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex has a variety of seasonal employment opportunities on all of our refuges. From wildland firefighting, to working with visitors and school groups, there are a variety of work experiences at the Complex. Position availability may vary annually with changes in staffing and funding. Visit our Job and Volunteer Descriptions page for positions that are accepting applications.
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Volunteer Opportunities:
The Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex welcomes volunteers in a variety of areas and on all of our refuges. Individual volunteers must be at least 16 years old (with parental permission). See below for information of the different types of volunteer opportunities, and how to apply. All volunteers will be interviewed and screened to find the right fit for refuge and the volunteer. Field work opportunities for small groups/organizations may be available. Position availability may vary annually with changes in staffing and funding.
Interested in being a volunteer? Fill out a Volunteer Applicationand submit it via email to sacramentovalleyrefuges@fws.gov with the subject line: Volunteer Application. Contact Visitor Services staff for more information at sacramentovalleyrefuges@fws.gov or (530) 934-2801.
More details about each of the volunteer opportunities listed below can be found in the Volunteer Application linked above.
Visitor Services/Interpretation: Our Visitor Services programs provide information, orientation, programs, and opportunities for everyone to enjoy the wildlife and habitats of the refuges. Roles and work can include:
- Information Desk/Bookstore (year-round)
- Interpreter (October-March)
- Environmental Education/Educator (October-March)
- Outreach (year-round)
- Hunt Program Support (August-February)
- Kiosk Maintenance (year-round)
- Bird Feeders (year-round)
- Native Plant Garden
- Photography
Field/Maintenance Work can include:
- Facilities Maintenance (year-round)
- Vehicle and Heavy Equipment Maintenance (year-round)
- Heavy Equipment Operation (April-October. This requires special training/certification.)
Biology volunteer work can include:
- Wood duck nest boxes
Other Opportunities to Volunteer:
- Assist with office duties
- Maintain trails and plant trees
- Assist with bird banding, plant studies, and airboat surveys (intermittent opportunities)
- What unique interests, skills, and talents do you have to offer?
Local Groups - Have a group and want to volunteer? Learn about some of the possibilities.
Housing for interns and winter residential volunteers:
The Complex sometimes has space in the bunkhouse or RV pads (must work at least 3-4 months depending on the position). Limited housing available fall/winter. Available for internships and winter residential volunteers. RV pads have water, electric, and propane; we do not have sewage but do pay to get trailers dumped once per week. Bunkhouse has laundry, a double kitchen, wireless internet, and restrooms available for all residents.
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Friends of the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge:
The Friends of Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge was formed in early 2020 by a group of individuals passionate about the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex who recognize the importance of the Complex to the region as well as the ongoing need for additional resources. Their mission is to work in partnership with the Sacramento National Wildlife Complex and the public to maintain and expand wildlife observation, education and all forms of recreational opportunities to a broader audience in this important asset of the Central Valley of Northern California.
Find out more about how you can help on their website (www.friendsofsnwr.org), or check out their Facebook and Instagram pages.