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Current opportunities at Denali
Current opportunities nationwide

The nature of the volunteer work
Sketches of Denali volunteers
Awards and benefits of volunteering
The Student Conservation Association
Contacts

The volunteer program at Denali

Each year, volunteers contribute more than 40,000 hours to Denali National Park and Preserve. Retired couples, individuals, school groups, scouts, clubs and organizaitons - people just like you - donate their time and efforts to provide essential services at Denali's visitor centers, offices, kennel operations, campgrounds, and even on the majestic slopes of Mount McKinley. Our volunteers also contribute long hours constructiong trails, eradicating invasive plants, gathering native seeds and assisting park researchers with a variety of projects.

Almost 400 people annually make the time to give something back to this American treasure in Alaska. Depending on the opportunity, volunteers may donate several months at a time or perhaps a few hours. If this sounds like something you may be interested in, please read further.

During the summer months, housing within the park is limited. Currently, we have three dedicated trailer pads with hook-ups in the headquarters area, and one trailer pads each at Teklanika and Wonder Lake Campgrounds. Volunteers that apply through the Student Conservation Association program often have a better chance to secure employee housing.

If experiencing Denali in the winter interests you, we have lots of housing and projects to keep a person busy. The "off" season is a great time for us to organize and prepare for the busy summer.

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Current opportunities

For current opportunities at Denali National Park, please click here.

We value our volunteers

Volunteers who donate time and services contribute to the success of Denali National Park and Preserve. Phyllis Hassinger and her late husband Harry are examples of people who have made a difference to the campers staying at Wonder Lake Campground. Phyllis and Harry, who passed away in April 2007, spent all but one of their twenty Denali volunteer seasons at Wonder Lake, located 85 miles in the heart of the park and well known for its abundant population of mosquitoes. The site has no phone service, no internet, and no electricity except for their small generator. The closest grocery store, medical service and other amenities that many of us take for granted are over four hours away via a winding, dirty and gravel road. In July of 2009, Phyllis was recognized for her extensive and exemplary volunteer service.

Learn more about Phyllis

What volunteers in Denali say

"Volunteering at Denali National Park was a once in a lifetime experience. We were fortunate enough to work at Eielson Visitor Center ... and live at Toklat in the interior of the park. Wow! The people were absolutely wonderful. They were totally accepting of us and included us in all activities as if we were park service employees. Some have become lifelong friends. Their trust in us allowed us to staff the visitor center solo, give campground talks at Wonder Lake, and lead Discovery Hikes, our favorite activity.

We experienced bears just about every day. A nearby pack of wolves with six pups provided entertainment and inspiration. The views of "the mountain" were unbelievable. Hiking in the wilderness gave us a sense of life there and a sense of ourselves. We hope we were able to give a tiny bit back for what we received from the experience."

Bill and Barbra Wellman, 2004

"Spring newborns ... rushing streams ... beautiful flowers ... rugged, snow-capped mountains ... acres of untouched wilderness ... close-up sightings of wildlife living in their natural habitat, unaffected by human interference ... spectacular colors ... places to explore ... majesty Mount McKinley ... new friends! What better place than Denali National Park and Preserve to volunteer!"

Ron and Beth Shugan
Teklanika Campground hosts, 2006 - 09

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America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Volunteer Pass


This pass is for volunteers acquiring 500 service hours on a cumulative basis. Valid for a year from the date of being awarded, it provides access to, and use of, federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per-vehicle fee areas and admits the pass holder plus three other adults at per-person fee areas. Children under 16 are admitted free.

As mentioned above, housing may be available, particularly in winter. In addition, Volunteers-in-Parks receive a daily $10 stipend.

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Student Conservation Association (SCA)

Each summer, Denali National Park recruits a limited number of young students from the non-profit Student Conservation Association. Student interns engage in activities such as trail work, interpretive duties, resource management, and working with the park sled dogs. Students who successfully complete their commitments may apply for the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award.

Learn more about the SCA

Learn more about AmeriCorps

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Contact us

If you have further questions, please contact:

Volunteer Coordinator
Denali National Park and Preserve
PO Box 9
Denali Park, AK 99755

(907) 683-2294

email us