Volunteer

 

Volunteers work on projects big and small.

NPS Photo/ Kelly Taylor

Each year, approximately 380 volunteers contribute more than 12,500 volunteer service hours to Padre Island National Seashore! Volunteers play an important role in fulfilling the mission of the National Park Service. From campground hosting, maintaining park facilities, answering visitor questions in the visitor center, or helping biologists study and protect park resources, there are opportunities for volunteers from every background and skillset. Volunteers are essential in helping us complete some of the most important projects in the park.

 

During sea turtle nesting season, volunteers assist NPS biologists with examining nesting turtles.

NPS Photo

Benefits of Volunteering

• Volunteers who earn 250 or more hours can receive a pass entitling them to free entry to all Federal lands for 12 months. The Volunteer Pass is honored nationwide at all National Park Service, Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service areas where standard amenity fees are charged.
• Long term volunteer opportunities are offered by the National Park Service. Full hookup RV spaces may be available.
• All volunteers receive orientation and training.
• The National Park Service is an equal opportunity employer.

Volunteering as an Individual

If you are coming to the park for a single day and want to lend a hand, beach cleanup opportunities are available. Free trash bags are available at the Malaquite Visitor Center. You can walk the beach on your own schedule and clean as you go without a time commitment or application required. Your safety is your responsibility.

For regularly scheduled reoccurring volunteer roles in the park, there are several opportunities in various park divisions. These positions are open to individuals who are 18 years and older. Check below under the Current Volunteer Opportunities section of this page to see what positions are currently available.

 

Every year, volunteer groups help keep our beaches clean.

NPS Photo/ Sue Wolfe

Volunteering as a Group

Organized groups such as scout groups, civic organizations, or business employee groups who wish to volunteer in the park can do so by organizing a beach cleanup. If your group wants to schedule a beach cleanup, please review the information below before contacting the park volunteer coordinator.

Important Information for Scheduling a Volunteer Group Beach Cleanup

• Duration: Cleanups last a maximum of 3 hours due to elevated temperatures.
• Location: All groups meet at the Malaquite Visitor Center before the cleanup.
• Physical Ability: Participants must be able to walk the length of the beach cleanup.
• Weather Preparedness: Dress appropriately for the weather; Closed-toe shoes are recommended.
• Heat Safety: It’s recommended to drink water every 15-20 minutes when in elevated temperatures to prevent heat illness. Water filling stations are available in the Malaquite visitor center – if you do not bring your own water, bottled water is available for purchase.
• Supplies Provided: Safety vests, gloves, and trash bags will be supplied.

If you would like to schedule a group volunteer cleanup event, please have the group organizer contact the park volunteer coordinator a minimum of 3-weeks prior to the group's arrival to the park.

When contacting the volunteer coordinator please provide the following information:

• What is your preferred date for the clean up? Do you have an alternative date?
• We will do our best to schedule your group on the preferred date, however due to scheduling conflicts and staff availability, an alternate date may be needed.
• What is the approximate number of participants in the group?
• Are any of the participants under the age of 18?

After the park volunteer coordinator confirms your scheduled event, please create a free volunteer.gov account to sign up for your event.

 

Current Volunteer Opportunities

Select the open positions below to be taken to the application page.

 

Contact Us

For general inquiries about volunteer opportunities email the park Volunteer Coordinator.

 

 

NPS Volunteer Homepage

Volunteers-In-Parks