If you do not see a position that interests you or you have trouble filling applications online, you may submit an application that describes your interests. Please download the Form 301, Application for Natural Resources Agencies [300 kb PDF]. Please be specific about your interest and housing needs so we can match you with positions that may open. Mail applications to: Yosemite Volunteer Office, PO Box 700, El Portal, CA 95318.

Yosemite's volunteer handbook [700 kb PDF] provides more details about working in Yosemite to prospective and current volunteers.

Other Volunteer Opportunities

• Group Volunteering
  Your group-whether it's a scout troop, a family, a church, a school, or a group of coworkers-can come to volunteer together! Most of our group work takes place between May and October, with some work in March and April, and more limited options in fall and winter. Work projects vary depending upon the time of year, age of the participants, and group size. Past projects have included:
  • Vegetation restoration: planting and watering native plants, removing invasive plant species, building fences to protect meadows…
  • Wildlife protection: harvesting apples, installing bear boxes…
  • Campground maintenance: cleaning out fire pits, picking up litter, installing signs, repairing and installing picnic tables…
  • Building and trail maintenance: painting, carpentry work, trail construction, fuel reduction, firewood stacking, building boardwalks and ramps…
  • And more!
    

Each winter, the volunteer office puts together a catalog of planned projects which groups may request. We can also design custom projects for your group if the catalog options do not fit your schedule. The 2011 catalog is now available:

• 2012 Group Volunteer Project Catalog [316 kb PDF] Contents include introductory letter and instructions, project descriptions, calendar of projects, and application.
  
• 2012 Group Volunteer Project Request Form [29 kb PDF] or [51 kb DOC].
  

• Yosemite Search and Rescue (YOSAR)
  YOSAR hires volunteers each summer to assist with preventative search and rescue and technical rescues.
  
  
• Little Yosemite Valley Backcountry Ranger Internships
  The Valley District will recruit our backcountry ranger interns through the Student Conservation Association to assist rangers with day-to-day summer operations in Little Yosemite Valley (LYV).
  

Yosemite Conservancy
Would you like to help preserve and enjoy a national treasure while camping in one of America's most beautiful places? The non-profit Yosemite Conservancy recruits both week-long and month-long volunteers to assist with programs and operations in the park. For more information send an email or call 209/379-2317.

Habitat Protectors of Yosemite 

Help keep Yosemite Valley beautiful--become a volunteer!

Join the Habitat Protectors of Yosemite (HaPY) at our weekly drop-in program! Volunteers assist Resources Management and Science staff with removing invasive plants, restoring native habitat and much more. This is a family-friendly activity that qualifies participants for a junior ranger badge (when completed as part of a junior ranger program). Generally, the program is offered once each week from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Learn about the park’s natural history and native vegetation from Yosemite National Park staff, and help keep Yosemite healthy and intact for native plants and animals.

Please see the Habitat Protectors of Yosemite webpage for list of dates and other information.

To find out more about the drop-in program or to schedule a work session for your group, call 209/379-1850 or email the volunteer office.

More volunteer opportunities available! Groups & families of 10 or more people can book a private work session and get free park entrance and a group campsite. Contact the volunteer office at 209/379-1850 or email us for more information and to schedule a group work session.

Yosemite Facelift, September 21-25, 2011

The Yosemite Facelift is sponsored by the Yosemite Climbing Association and is the park's biggest volunteer event of the year. Volunteers come from all over the world to help clean up Yosemite near the end of the busy season, removing tens of thousands of pounds of debris each year. Visit the Yosemite Climbing Association website for more information.

Internships

Most of our internships are filled through the Student Conservation Association, while a few volunteer or intern positions are advertised directly by the park. Additional opportunities could be added at any time, so keep checking. Most, but not all, positions are for the summer months.