Volunteer Program Descriptions
Native Plant Nursery Volunteer
NPS Photo
There are a wide variety of volunteer opportunities at Glacier National Park. Below are descriptions of our on-going volunteer programs. If you are interested in volunteering with one of these programs please fill out the Volunteer Application below and mail it to the Volunteer Program Coordinator. Mail your completed application to: Glacier National Park If you have any questions call the Volunteer Office at 406-888-7851 or email us at debby_mensch@nps.gov. Program: Nurturing Native Plants What: Collect seeds, propagate and care for plants, and plant native plants to restore and maintain native plant diversity in Glacier National Park. When: Tuesdays, June through September Requirements and Special Considerations: Nursery work requires ability to stretch, stand, and bend for long periods of time. Restoration work may be performed in a variety of weather conditions in possibly remote locations requiring the ability to hike with equipment and backpacks for several miles. Program: Transit Center What: Assist visitors at the Apgar Transit Center and the Logan Pass Transit Stop by providing information on the shuttle system and general information on Glacier National Park and the Going-to-the-Sun Road. When: Daily from July through Labor Day Program: Visitor Center What: Help at a visitor center by staffing the desk with NPS staff. You will help visitors by providing orientation, information, and informal interpretation on park resources, safety, etc. When: Summer - Weekdays and Weekends, Winter - Weekends only Requirements and Special Considerations: Volunteers are asked to commit to volunteering 1 day per week of 6-8 hours per day. You must enjoy working with the public in a fast-paced, high-energy environment. Knowledge of Glacier National Park is a big plus. Wearing a volunteer uniform is required. A uniform shirt, nametag, and hat will be provided. Dark colored pants and closed toed shoes are to be provided by the volunteer. Program: Interpretation What: Give interpretive walks and talks in a variety of settings. Will also staff a visitor center with NPS staff. You will help visitors by providing orientation, information, and informal interpretation on park resources, safety, etc. When: Mid-May through September Requirements and Special Considerations: Housing is provided and these positions are very competitive. Volunteers are asked to commit to volunteering 32 - 40 hours per week. You must enjoy working with the public in a fast-paced, high-energy environment and be comfortable presenting formal ranger programs to diverse audiences. Knowledge of Glacier National Park is a big plus. Wearing a volunteer uniform is required. A uniform shirt, nametag, and hat will be provided. Dark colored pants and closed toed shoes are to be provided by the volunteer. Program: Campground Host What: A campground host courteously greets and assists visitors in locating campsites, provides information, verifies compliance to park regulations, and works with park staff in a variety of campground-related duties. When: Late Spring to Early Fall depending on campground Program: Citizen Science What: Citizen Science is a way for non-scientists to learn and contribute to the overall knowledge of the resources of Glacier National Park. There are a variety of projects that fall under the Citizen Science program. They may include: Common Loon Monitoring High Country Invasive Weeds When: May through October Requirements and Special Considerations: Days and time commitments vary depending on season, project, and special circumstances. Most work is in the field and requires the volunteer to be in good physical condition and will need to provide their own transportation, backpack, appropriate footwear, and clothing for a variety of weather conditions. Program: Backcountry Patrol What: Patrol the backcountry assisting visitors, assisting with search and rescue operations, collect biological data, and perform minor trail and backcountry campground maintenance. When: June through September Requirements and Special Considerations: This is very strenuous duty and a high level of physical fitness and experience in backcountry travel is required. Volunteers will receive training in safe travel in a variety of backcountry terrain, backcountry communication protocols, and for the tasks performed. Wearing a volunteer uniform is required. A uniform shirt, nametag, and hat will be provided. Dark colored pants, backpack, hiking and camping gear, and hiking boots are to be provided by the volunteer. Attendance at the one week training in May is required. Program: Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) What: Volunteers interact with powerboat operators educating visitors on the threats of AIS to Glacier National Park waters, checking mandatory boating permits, and performing boat inspections with NPS staff. When: May through September Requirements and Special Considerations: Standing, stretching, bending, and reaching for extended periods is required. Volunteers will receive training in all duties. Wearing a volunteer uniform is required. A uniform shirt, nametag, and hat will be provided. Dark colored pants and closed toed shoes are to be provided by the volunteer. One Day of training is required. Program: Headquarters Phone Volunteers What: Volunteers assist NPS staff in answering phone inquiries and administrative tasks. When: All year Requirements and Special Considerations: A commitment of 1-3 6 hour shifts per week is requested. Program: Group Projects What: There are a variety of opportunities for groups to perform service work. Opportunities may include maintenance projects, non-native plant removal, or other projects that require a lot of hands. Please contact the Volunteer Program Coordinator at 406-888-7851 for more information. When: June through September Requirements and Special Considerations: A campsite may be available at no-cost during your volunteer work. |
Did You Know?
Did you know that male moose use almost as much energy growing their antlers yearly as female moose use being pregnant?