Volunteer

Official National Park Service Volunteer logo.

National Park Service.

Making a Difference: Share Your Time and Skills

The John Muir National Historic Site has various volunteer positions available, including interpretive, conservation, and natural resources roles. Interpretive volunteers answer visitor questions and present public interpretive and educational programs. These positions are available in our Visitor Center, as well as at the historic Muir House. Commitments to these volunteer positions are for one year.

Garden and landscape volunteers assist with manual labor in the park's fruit/nut orchards and the Mt. Wanda open space areas. Duties include pruning fruit trees and ornamental shrubs; digging, planting and weeding around historic structures; hauling brush & debris to compost piles; spreading mulch; picking ripe fruits/nuts. These positions are ongoing and there is no minimum commitment requirement. Volunteers with back, heart, allergies or other medical conditions are advised that this is physically demanding work in the outdoors. Biological Interns support the natural resources management program. Interns assist the park biologist in natural resource management projects and inventory and monitoring activities. They help collect field data, remove non-native and invasive plant species and assist with native plant restoration efforts. Interns are required to work at least 10 hours per month for a minimum of 4 months.

Signing Up

Please fill out the Volunteer Application.

If you are interested in being part of our Volunteers In Parks (VIP) corps, please contact us at 925-228-8860.

 

Learn More About Volunteering with the National Park Service

The National Park Service (NPS) offers various volunteer opportunities for individuals to contribute to the preservation and conservation of national parks and historic sites. Here are some ways to get involved:

1. Volunteer Program: The NPS has a formal volunteer program that allows individuals to contribute their time and skills to park projects. Volunteers can assist with activities such as trail maintenance, wildlife monitoring, and cultural resource preservation.
2. Citizen Science: The NPS offers opportunities for citizens to participate in scientific research and data collection in national parks. This can include projects such as monitoring wildlife populations, tracking water quality, and studying geology.
3. Adopt-a-Park: The Adopt-a-Park program allows individuals or groups to adopt a specific park or area within a park for a year. Adopters are responsible for completing a set of tasks, such as cleaning up trash, removing invasive species, and performing maintenance tasks.
4. Volunteer Ambassador: The NPS has a Volunteer Ambassador program that allows individuals to serve as ambassadors for the park, helping to promote the park's mission and values.
5. Special Events: Many national parks host special events throughout the year, such as festivals, concerts, and educational programs. Volunteers can help with event planning and execution.
6. Interpretation and Education: Volunteers can assist with park interpretation and education programs, such as leading nature walks, providing guided tours, and developing educational materials.
7. Historic Preservation: The NPS offers opportunities for volunteers to assist with historic preservation projects, such as restoring historic buildings, clearing vegetation from historic sites, and conducting historical research.

Benefits of volunteering with the National Park Service:

1. Personal fulfillment: Volunteering can be a rewarding way to give back to the community and contribute to the preservation of national parks.
2. New skills: Volunteers can gain new skills and knowledge in areas such as conservation, historic preservation, and environmental education.
3. Networking opportunities: Volunteering with the NPS can provide opportunities to network with other volunteers, park staff, and other conservation professionals.
4. Free or reduced-cost access: In some cases, volunteers may receive free or reduced-cost access to national parks and facilities.
5. Sense of community: Volunteering with the NPS can provide a sense of community and connection with others who share similar values and interests.

How to get started:

1. Visit the National Park Service website: www.nps.gov
2. Search for national parks in your area: Use the "Find a Park" tool on the NPS website to find national parks near you.
3. Contact the park directly: Reach out to the park's volunteer coordinator or visitor center to learn more about volunteer opportunities.
4. Sign up: Once you've identified an opportunity that interests you, sign up through the park's volunteer program or online application.

Remember to always follow safety guidelines and regulations when volunteering with the National Park Service.