Volunteer

Current Volunteer Opportunities

All active volunteer anouncements can be found on www.volunteer.gov. Search for "Cape Hatteras National Seashore" to see all announcements for the park. These change frequently, so check back often.

 

Cape Hatteras National Seashore has many exciting volunteer opportunities!

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Adpot a Beach Program

Launched in 2023, the Adopt a Beach Program recruits local organizatons and groups to adopt sections of the seashore for routine litter cleanup and conidition monitoring.

How to Become a Park Volunteer

Join our team! Volunteers-In-Parks (VIPs) are Very Important People! Explore, learn, and share your time and talent while helping us protect this special place. From assisting with lighthouse climbs, to serving as campground hosts, to helping with the sea turtle nesting program... and everything in between, the work our volunteers do makes a difference!

Individuals, families, and organized groups are welcome to volunteer. Opportunities are available both for highly skilled professionals and for beginners with little or no experience in land management. The time commitment for volunteer work varies from one-day projects to continuous work extending over months.

Below you can view the Seashore’s current volunteer opportunities.

Still have questions? Browse our frequently asked questions below or email us.

 

Volunteers at the seashore help educate visitors of all ages about the significance of its natural and cultural resources.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find out what is available?
All current openings are listed on www.volunteer.gov. Please read the information for each volunteer opportunity, determine which position(s) you are interested in, and then fill out the application. It is best to select volunteer positions for which you not only have an interest, but also those that match your skills and experiences. Some of our positions are recruited for more than five months prior to their start date. For example, we begin recruiting for the spring/summer in November, so it's extremely beneficial to start looking and applying early.

How can I sign up to be a volunteer?
First, review the available volunteer positions. If you find a position that interests you, you can select it to explore the full position description on www.volunteer.gov. There, you will find an "apply now" button for that position. Please apply to any position that you're interested in, available for, and have the proper qualifications for. Please be as thorough as possible on your application with regards to your experience and qualifications. Keep in mind that some of our volunteer opportunities are competitive. Please provide two references with your application.

What happens with my application after it is complete?
After completing the application, Volunteer.gov will send an email to the person responsible for supervising the volunteer position to let him/her know an application has been submitted. The supervisor is responsible for selecting volunteers for that specific position. Some supervisors will interview for the volunteer opportunities much like a job, and most will request to speak with references, so please provide two references when applying. For some volunteer positions, a background check is required.

 

Is there a minimum amount of time I have to volunteer?
Time commitments vary for each position. Normally, the minimum hours will be posted on the opportunity announcement. For positions that come with housing, including an RV site, volunteers must commit a minimum of 32 hours/week for at least six weeks. Each volunteer opportunity will list whether housing is available and the amount of time commitment we are looking for.

Is housing (RV site or house) available?
Not all volunteer opportunities come with free housing or a free full-time RV site. It will state explicitly on the Volunteer.gov announcement whether housing or an RV site is available for each position.

Do the RV sites have full hookups?
The amenities at the RV sites include water, electricity, and sewer.

Is there a specific uniform for volunteers?
Depending on the position, you may either be required to wear a uniform or allowed to wear your regular clothing. If required, the volunteer uniform consists of tan or khaki pants, a tan shirt (provided), and a ball cap (provided). Sweaters and/or jackets will also be provided to those volunteers that are required to wear the volunteer uniform. All volunteers must be clean and look professional. The volunteer supervisor will discuss the uniform requirements during the application process.

Can my group volunteer for a project?
We welcome groups of volunteers at Cape Hatteras! Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator to express your interest in volunteering, and we'll chat to see if there is an opportunity available. Please contact us at least a month in advance to request a project. We'll do our best to meet your needs, and we appreciate your flexibility!

I am a current volunteer, how can I apply for a new opportunity?
Simply email us and indicate you are interested in a listed position. The Volunteer Coordinator will then forward the message to the supervisor responsible for selecting volunteers.