http://www.vtstateparks.com/htm/volunteering.htm

Have you ever considered volunteering your time in a beautiful setting? If so, then the Vermont State Parks Volunteer Program may be for you. Volunteering is a rewarding way to give back to the community and become involved with stewarding our state’s natural resources. Vermont State Parks offer ample opportunities for volunteer service for short term projects to season-long assignments.

Volunteers are a valuable asset to our park system, and assist with many areas of park operation and maintenance. While enjoying many benefits, volunteers enhance the quality of our parks. Most importantly, volunteers assist us in our mission:

...to conserve and interpret on behalf of the people of Vermont their natural, cultural, historic, and scenic heritage and while doing so, provide recreational opportunities and economic benefit...

Volunteering may include visitor registration, fee collection, customer service, leading interpretive programs, cleaning restrooms, cleaning campsites, lawn mowing, landscaping and beautification, park clean up at opening or closing or staffing special events.

Short Term Volunteers

Vermont State Parks welcome short term volunteers. We get many requests from long-time residents looking to give back to their communities, and newcomers to the area looking for a way to meet new people in an exciting and scenic setting. Individuals help out at park opening, closing, with special events or donate services to our interpretive programs. These range from a few hours at one time, to regular engagements throughout the operating season.

For more information contact:

Rick Hedding (802) 786-3854 rick.hedding@vermont.gov

Season-long Camping Volunteering

Camping volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum 6 week stay. Volunteers work 30 hours per week, per site (for instance, a couple staying on one site works a total of 30 hours between the two) and receive free use of a campsite with hookups (most have water, electric and sewer), propane refills, free admission to State Parks, and discounted or free admission to many Vermont tourist attractions. Volunteers provide their own self-contained camping equipment. All staff with pets abide by Park Pet Regulations and set an example for our guests. Camping Volunteers are provided with identification and staff uniforms. When necessary, volunteers can be reimbursed for mileage when incurred on official business. Duties and schedules vary and are set by the Park Ranger (manager) at a specific park depending on the needs of the park, staff, and volunteers. Generally, volunteers work between 3-5 days per week and receive consecutive days off. Recruiting for the season is underway. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.

We currently have opportunities in the southwest state parks at: Lake Shaftsbury Woodford

See attached documents for volunteer amenities. For more information contact:

Rick Hedding (802) 786-3854 rick.hedding@vermont.gov