Volunteer

Minnesota Conservation Corps volunteers celebrate working on a park trail with tools raised above their heads.
Minnesota Conservation Corps volunteers celebrate their trail maintenance work.

NPS

If donating your time and effort while living on a remote, roadless island surrounded by the largest freshwater lake in the world appeals to you, consider volunteering at Isle Royale National Park.

Work may require travel throughout the park's backcountry; camping, backpacking, and small boat handling experience is desirable but not mandatory. The time commitment for most positions is 12 weeks, full-time (40 hours/week).

 

General Ranger Volunteer Opportunities

Primary duties are patrolling backcountry hiking trails and campgrounds, assisting visitors in backcountry campgrounds (answering questions, helping find campsites, dealing with overcrowded evenings, regulation oversight and education) and, providing first response to medical and search and rescue situations within scope of training. The position will require a tolerance for living and working in a remote area, a high level of physical activity, experience backpacking and camping, being comfortable in and around boats, have strong communication skills, and a willingness to engage with the public. Those with strong prior boating experience will be given preference.

 
Two visitor services volunteers pose on the ground in front of Lake Superior for a photograph with a Find Your Park sign.
Could you Find Your Park as a visitor services intern?

NPS, Kelly Morrissey

Interpretation Volunteer Opportunties

Visitor Services Student Interns

This student intern position is located at Isle Royale National Park, located in northern Michigan. Primary duties are assisting with or conducting programs (i.e. orientations, hikes, boat tours, talks, evening program, and social media). Other duties are staffing the visitor center desk, providing trip-planning assistance, and disseminating information. Volunteers will receive appropriate training, guidance, and supervision from the Lead District Interpreter. If you are 18 years of age or older, you may apply. This position is primarily geared for university students looking to explore public lands opportunities.

When applications are accepted, you may apply through the volunteer.gov listing.

  • Applications for an upcoming summer will be taken September 1 to April 1 or until the positions are filled.
  • Summer 2025 applications are now being accepted.
  • Hiring is anticipated for November - December 2024 for Summer 2025.

Last updated: November 20, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

800 East Lakeshore Drive
Houghton, MI 49931

Phone:

906 482-0984

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