Ways to Get Involved

Volunteer Opportunities at the Sacramento NWR Complex:

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 are available.  Position availability may vary annually with changes in staffing and funding.

  • RV Residential Visitor Services (volunteer) - Assist the visitor services staff in providing opportunities for visitors to visit and understand the mission/goals of the Complex and USFWS. A wide range of activities including interacting with visitors, presenting programs, roving the auto tours, working the visitor center and more!! October - March. **Applications accepted March - July for following winter.
    To Apply: read the position description and find application information on our Job and Volunteer Descriptions page.
  • Grounds/Maintenance Assistant (volunteer) - Maintain the grounds and facilities around the visitor center, trails, kiosks, and platforms on the Complex. Work 3 - 4 days a week late February - early June.To Apply: read the position description and find application information on our Job and Volunteer Descriptions page.  **Submit application between August - November. 
  • Local Groups - Have a group and want to volunteer? Learn about some of the possibilities

Employment Opportunities at the Sacramento NWR Complex:

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. See below for descriptions of our seasonal employment opportunities, and how to apply.  Position availability may vary annually with changes in staffing and funding.

  • Visitor Services Assistant (paid internship) - Intern with the visitor services program and assist visitors, lead environmental education programs, and more. Work 40 hours per week from mid-September - end of March. 
    To Apply: read the position description and find application information on our Job and Volunteer Descriptions page.
  • Hunt Program Assistant (paid internship) - Intern with our hunt program that receives over 20,000 hunters per year. Work approximately 3 days per week. 
    To Apply: read the position description and find application information on our Job and Volunteer Descriptions page.**Applications accepted March - June/July.
  • Turkey Hunt Program Assistant (volunteer/paid internship) - Volunteer for the Complex and work for National Wild Turkey Federation. Assistant is responsible for maintaining hunt area and staff the check station during spring turkey season. Work 4 - 5 days per week from March - May.
    To Apply: read the position description and find application information on our Job and Volunteer Descriptions page. **Applications accepted December - January. 
  • Youth Conservation Corps Crew Leader (paid position) - Position for 11 weeks from Memorial Day - mid-August; Monday - Friday, 40 hrs/week; GS-4 or GS-5. Lead a crew of 5 high school students doing field work at the Sacramento NWRC. Work projects include painting, fence installation/removal, weeding, and much more. Also lead crew in planned environmental educational activities. Must be comfortable working outside in the heat and be motivational to high schoolers. Need at least two years of college.
    To Apply: Submit a cover letter and resume between February 15 - April 1. Contact sacramentovalleyrefuges@fws.gov or (530) 934-2801 for more information.
  • Youth Conservation Corps Member (paid position) - Position for 8 weeks June - early August; Monday - Friday, 40 hrs/week, open to select local high school students who are 15-18 years old during the work period (minimum wage). Work outside doing field work at the Sacramento NWR Complex. Work projects include painting, fence installation/ removal, weeding, and much more. Learn about the wildlife, habitat management, and how the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works. 
    To Apply: Select high schools in the local area will receive applications and information. Contact your guidance counselor in March or April for information.
  • Wildland Firefighter (Range/Forestry Aid/Technician) (paid position) - Position from April - August/September (not to exceed 6 months); 40+ hrs/week; GS-4 - GS-5 Serve as a member of a wildland firefighting crew. Assist with fire prevention, suppression, and prescribed burns. Must be able to pass a pre-employment physical examination and must be able to pass the work capacity fitness test (carry a 45 lb. pack for 3 miles within 45 minutes). May work on fires around the country. 
    To Apply: Go to USA Jobs online. Positions typically posted December - January. Contact sacramentovalleyrefuges@fws.gov or (530) 934-2801 for more information.

Housing  

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.

Other Opportunities to Volunteer include:

  • Rove the auto tour routes, platforms, and trails on several refuges
  • Greet visitors and provide information
  • Lead a tour on our trails or auto tour
  • Take part in education programs and special events
  • Operate the visitor center and bookstore
  • Assist with office duties
  • Maintain trails and plant trees
  • Assist with bird banding, plant studies, and airboat surveys
  • Assist with the hunting program and youth hunting events
  • Assist with habitat management by mowing and disking
  • Assist maintenance staff in painting, grounds keeping, etc
  • Assist with servicing automotive equipment
  • What unique interests, skills, and talents do you have to offer?

Live in the Local Area?

  • Contact the Refuge to see what you can help do!
  • Assist with the visitor center, weekend programs, auto tour, trails, special events, field maintenance, or more!
  • Flexible schedule and can vary by your interest, skills, and talents.

Benefits Of Volunteering Include:

  • Orientation and training by refuge staff
  • Flexible schedule
  • Educating people of all ages
  • Knowing that you are valuable to the management of our Nation's fish and wildlife resources
  • Being part of a great team and having lots of fun!
Help protect wetlands and wildlife on your refuges!

How to Apply:

To apply to become a volunteer, please fill out the following: Sacramento NWR Complex's Volunteer Application(pdf). Contact the volunteer coordinator for more information at (530) 934-2801 or sacramentovalleyrefuges@fws.gov.