National Park Service V.I.P. Program

National Park Service
Volunteers in Parks Program

The Volunteers in Parks (V.I.P.) program was authorized by Congress in 1970 to provide avenues for volunteers to assist the parks. Thousands of people annually volunteer their time and talent. They help the National Park Service to preserve, manage, and interpret our unique heritage.

As a VIP you will be working side by side with National Park Service employees. Whether you work behind the scenes or face-to-face with park visitors, you can and will make a real difference for the park and its visitors. As a volunteer, you will not be paid. However, there are numerous benefits to volunteering in a National Park. You will have an opportunity to spend time in an area you enjoy. You will meet people from all over the United States and the world. Volunteering will lead to an opportunity to develop new skills. And, you will make new and lifelong friendships with co-workers.

Volunteers are an important part of all facets of the operation at Arlington House, the Robert E. Lee Memorial, performing a variety of duties including visitor services/interpretation, gardening, and historical research. Most volunteers live in the local area and work a minimum of eight hours per month. All schedules are arranged with the volunteer coordinator.

If you were to become a Federal Civil Service employee, time worked as a VIP does not count toward your federal time, but the experience does. You are eligible for compensation as a VIP for any medical expenses if you are injured while performing your official volunteer duties. In the event you are injured while on duty, you must contact the volunteer coordinator, and submit a written report of the incident within 30 days of your injuries. You are protected under the Federal Tort Claims Act for any property damage and personal injuries that may occur while carrying out your duties.