- What's in it for me?
Volunteers will be able to meet a variety of people and help educate them, experience the Apostle Islands, and share talents & experiences with staff and visitors. Volunteers will gain work experience that can count toward future employment. Those who volunteer 250 hours or more at a federal land agency will receive a free America the Beautiful Interagency Pass.
- How can I sign up to be a volunteer?
Generally, when volunteer positions are needed, they will be posted on the www.volunteer.gov website. These positions are for the following summer unless otherwise listed on the website. Those interested in the positions can apply online for each position they are interested in.
The length of time it will be on the site will vary depending on how many applications are received. The park receives numerous applications during the application period and unfortunately cannot accommodate everyone. Please be as thorough as possible on your application with regards to your experience and qualifications. Please be sure to include references.
- Are there any physical requirements?
Physical requirements will vary based on the volunteer position. For instance, a lighthouse keeper is required to climb up and down steps to get to the light station and when conducting tours or assisting the ranger with tours of the lighthouse tower.
A Maintenance Assistant may be required to lift at a minimum, 50 pounds. Volunteers may also be required to haul gear and drinking water from the boat landing to the residence.
- What types of volunteer positions are there?
There are a couple of recurring positions. These are lighthouse keepers, campground hosts, and information desk volunteers.
- What lighthouses are cared for by volunteers?
Each year it depends on the needs of the park. Currently volunteers are at Sand and Michigan Islands. In previous years, volunteers have been at Devils Islands. Volunteers at Raspberry Island assists the staff with the duties.
- What islands need campground hosts?
Campground host positions are on Oak, Rocky, and Stockton Islands.
- What is the time commitment?
Positions vary from year to year. The minimum tour of duty for Lighthouse Keepers is 3 weeks that work 8-hour days. Hours per day could be longer depending upon needs.
Campground host positions vary from 2 weeks or longer depending on the location & supervisor.
Volunteers that have 3-week commitments will be on the island the entire time. Volunteers that have a time commitment of 4 weeks or longer will be given a resupply day in the middle of their tour of duty where they can restock on their food supplies.
Preference is generally given to those who can volunteer for longer periods of time.
Mainland accommodations for island volunteers are not provided.
- What does the park provide?
All reoccurring volunteer positions will receive volunteer shirts, a windbreaker, sweater, and baseball cap.
Some mainland volunteer positions may offer an RV pad for volunteers if they volunteer a minimum of 32 hours a week.
Island volunteers are provided transportation to and from the island duty stations, a two-way radio for communication with staff on the mainland, housing on the island, cooking/eating utensils, cleaning supplies, training, orientation to the park.
- Can my family or friends stay in the quarters with me while I volunteer?
Only volunteers can stay in government housing. A minimum of 32 hours per week is required to stay in government housing. All volunteers must be signed up with the volunteer supervisor prior to starting their duties.
- Will I be in the quarters by myself during my tour of duty?
There may be times when others will share the quarters, such as contractors, maintenance workers, rangers, or researchers. You will be notified in advance of their arrival and the dates they are expected to be there.
- Can I bring my pet with me?
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed in park housing.
- Does the park provide food or any subsistence allowance?
Volunteers are responsible for providing their own food and bedding during their stay. Volunteers may use their own personal items while volunteering but the park will not be responsible for any lost or damaged items.
There is no reimbursement for volunteer activities or personal items.
- Are there any age requirements?
This depends on the volunteer position. All island volunteers must be 18 years of age or older. One day event volunteers may be youth and adults.
- When can I expect to be notified if I’m selected or not?
The park receives numerous applications. Typically, supervisors begin reviewing applications in January for the upcoming summer season and have selections made by March 31st. Applicants that want to know the status of their application should email the volunteer coordinator.
- May I use my boat or canoe to go to/from the island?
The park does not encourage the use of personal boats due to the temperamental nature of Lake Superior and the lack of safe mooring facilities on the islands. Use of personal craft of any kind during work hours is not permitted. Dock space should be available to visitors.
Volunteers that choose to bring their own personal watercraft are to use it after their shift. The park is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged personal items. Volunteers should use strict caution and be prepared if they do take their own watercraft.
- Is there a place for me to park my RV? My boat?
The park has 3 RV pad sites with electrical hook-up. These sites are reserved for the mainland information desk volunteers and for staff. It is recommended that the island volunteers should not bring their RVs. Parking spaces are limited from the mainland launch locations. There is no dock space dedicated for use by park employees or volunteers for personal boats.
- Are internships available and how can I apply or obtain additional information?
Some of the volunteer positions may be linked to internships. Housing may be available but is not guaranteed. Requests for information about internships would be forwarded to a supervisor who is responsible for areas where interest is expressed. I.e., requests for information about history internships would be forwarded to the Cultural Resources Management Specialist.
- 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 brown, tan, gray, khaki, or black pants, a tan volunteer shirt, a green volunteer windbreaker, and a khaki volunteer hat. Volunteers should check with their supervisors to see if they are required to wear a specific color. Shirts, hats, and wind breakers are provided by the park and must be returned on the last day of volunteer duties. All volunteers must be clean and look professional.
As a National Park Service representative, it is imperative that volunteers maintain a neat, clean appearance. Personal cleanliness and good grooming are essential to good job performance, and we expect everyone to promote a good National Park Service image.
