Volunteer

NPS VIP logo with NPS arrowhead in the middle on a blue circle surrounded by a green circle with yellow borders.
National Park Service Volunteer logo

Volunteers In Parks (VIP)

Throughout the history of the national parks, volunteers have carried on a proud tradition. From the establishment of the first national park, Yellowstone, in 1872, to the establishment of the National Park Service itself, in 1916, and continuing on today, private citizens have played a vital role in the development of the national park system. Interestingly, it was not until passage of the Volunteers in the Parks Act of 1969, that this long-term, informal association turned into a formal partnership. Each year, hundreds of thousands of Volunteers-In-Parks (VIPs) willingly offer their time and skills to help protect and maintain the national parks. Volunteers are involved in every aspect of park operations and management.

Director’s Order 7 (DO-7) is the NPS guide to its employees regarding the Volunteers-In-Parks program. DO-7 is one of many policies and director’s orders that can be found on the NPS Policy page.

 

Current Volunteer Opportunities

Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historic Park is seeking Visitor Services and Interpretation Volunteers. Individuals will be trained to work at one of three visitor centers: Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center, Huffman Prairie Flying Field Interpretive Center and Paul Laurence Dunbar House Historic Site, where they will provide information and orientation to visitors as well as assist with park store operations and sales. Volunteers will also develop and deliver interpretive talks and programs, lead guided walks and tours, and represent the park at off-site events.

The National Park welcomes a diverse cross section of the public to apply for one of our many positions. These positions are well suited for teens, age 16 and older, college students, seniors, lovers of history, and aviation enthusiasts. If you are interested in the park volunteer program, please contact the park's VIP Coordinator, Ryan Qualls at 937-225-7705, by e-mail or by writing to Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, 16 S. Williams Street, Dayton, Ohio 45402. Help us preserve and interpret the history of this great land so that we can tell these stories to a broader audience.


(VIPs) show their support by donating valuable time that allows park staff to run a number of programs that would be impractical or impossible without volunteer assistance.

Last updated: January 30, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

16 South Williams Street
Dayton, OH 45402

Phone:

937 225-7705

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