Volunteer Opportunities

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Be the Change

Join the Volunteer-In-Parks (VIP) Program and help Big Cypress National Preserve meet its mission of resource protection and visitor services. The National Park Service offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups as part of the Volunteers-In-Parks program. Work behind the scenes or on the front line in positions ranging from a one-time service project/ volunteer event to a longer term position, serving alongside park employees or with one of our many partner organizations.

To find current opportunities in the park, please go to volunteer.gov and type "Big Cypress National Preserve" in the search field.

 

Helping visitors have a great experience.

NPS Photo

Who Can Volunteer?

Most anyone can volunteer!

• Individuals
• Groups
• Those who need service learning hours
• Non-U.S. citizens with legal permanent resident status
• Even participants under 18 years of age may volunteer!

What's in it for You?

Volunteers-In-Parks are given an amazing opportunity to experience the park in a hands-on way and work with park staff to meet the mission of the National Park Service!

• Volunteers are invited to an annual appreciation event
• Awards may be given for time contributions and special accomplishments
• Volunteers receive on-site training and are protected by Workers' Compensation for tort claims and injury compensation.

Feel free to email the volunteer program manager for additional information on the VIP program.

 

Ways to Volunteer

Internships

Environmental Education Internship
Big Cypress National Preserve is currently accepting applications for the Environmental Educaton Internship. This internship runs from October to end of March. Priority will be given to applicants who can commit to the full season.

Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in public speaking, computer skills, and an ability to work as part of a team. In return for 40 hour work week, interns receive a uniform, housing, and invaluable work experience in a National Park Service site.

Interested in applying? Check out which category you should apply with:

• If you are a CURRENT COLLEGE student - please apply here
• If you RECENTLY GRADUATED college or high school - please apply here
• If you are NEITHER of the things listed above - please apply here

Applications are reviewed in the late-spring and summer of the same year. We encourage you to apply as early as April to be competitive for the October season!

Seasonal RV Volunteers

Seasonal RV volunteers make up the majority of volunteers during the winter months. These volunteers often travel the country in their RV's or Travel Trailers and volunteer at different parks, and with different agencies. For volunteers looking to join us next winter, we recommend you start applying in May for November positions. For available positions, check out volunteer.gov!

Individual Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers can be found throughout the Preserve, from the visitor centers to the trails. Volunteers are crucial to the Swamp Water and Me Program (SWAMP), Backcountry Trail Patrol, the visitor experience in our Visitors Centers, and much more.

For a list of current openings, visit volunteer.gov and search for "Big Cypress National Preserve". Note that there are volunteer opportunities year-round, but there are more openings in the winter months.

Artist in Residence (AIR)

This program is currently inactive within the Preserve. 

The Artists in Residence (AIR) program offers artists, writers and composers the opportunity to live and work in this unique environment for a period of up to one month. Works completed under this program contribute to the public understanding and appreciation of Big Cypress National Preserve, characterizing this unique ecosystem for present and future generations and giving preserve visitors and the general public an opportunity to see our national treasures through the eyes and ears of contributing artists.

Group Volunteering

Group volunteer opportunities within the preserve can be requested by emailing the volunteer coordinator. Please note that group opportunities are not always available and tasks may differ depending on the needs of the preserve

 

Open Volunteer Opporunities at Big Cypress National Preserve