Volunteer Positions

Mount Rainier National Park works with volunteers in positions throughout the park. Some are short-term assignments lasting only a day or two; others last for months or even years, in full-time or intermittent roles. Select the kind of position you're interested in from the following list of options:

By status: ▪ Now recruiting ▪ All active jobs ▪ All positions ▪ Under development By type of volunteer: ▪ Individuals ▪ Groups ▪ Families ▪ Youth By length of service: ▪ Short-term ▪ Long-term ▪ Intermittent ▪ Internships

By theme: ▪ Campgrounds ▪ Cultural resources ▪ Education ▪ Financial support ▪ Interpretation ▪ Maintenance ▪ Natural resources ▪ Patrol ▪ Public outreach ▪ Science ▪ Through park partners ▪ Trail maintenance ▪ Volunteer program ▪ Wilderness

By season: ▪ Spring ▪ Summer ▪ Autumn ▪ Winter Recruiting: ▪ Actors ▪ Artists ▪ Climbers ▪ College students ▪ Local residents ▪ Scientists ▪ Teachers ▪ Youth

Volunteer Program Calendar

Click on any item for details and/or online registration. Long-term and recurring opportunities are listed in the right-hand column of this page.

Volunteer Positions

Mount Rainier National Park works with volunteers in positions throughout the park. Some are short-term assignments lasting only a day or two; others last for months or even years, in full-time or intermittent roles. Select the kind of position you're interested in from the following list of options:

By status: ▪ Now recruiting ▪ All positions ▪ Under development By type of volunteer: ▪ Individuals ▪ Groups ▪ Families ▪ Youth By length of service: ▪ Short-term ▪ Long-term ▪ Intermittent ▪ Internships

By theme: ▪ Campgrounds ▪ Cultural resources ▪ Education ▪ Financial support ▪ Interpretation ▪ Maintenance ▪ Natural resources ▪ Patrol ▪ Public outreach ▪ Science ▪ Through park partners ▪ Trail maintenance ▪ Volunteer program ▪ Wilderness

By season: ▪ Spring ▪ Summer ▪ Autumn ▪ Winter Recruiting: ▪ Actors ▪ Artists ▪ Climbers ▪ College students ▪ Local residents ▪ Scientists ▪ Teachers ▪ Youth

Artists-in-Residence

Type: Medium-term individuals
Dates: To be determined
Status: Now in development

Quick summary: Mount Rainier National Park is working on developing an Artists in Residence program similar to those hosted by other national parks.
 
For further information: Details are still being worked out, but if you think you may be interested in participating, contact Volunteer and Outreach Manager Kevin Bacher at 360-569-2211 ext. 3385.
Blog entries about this opportunity

Audiovisual Specialist

Type: Long-term individuals
Dates: Winter season
Status: In development

Quick summary: Over the years, Mount Rainier has amassed an enormous collection of digital images, which are currently scattered across many hard drives in the park's computer network. Work must be done--and soon--to organize and catalogue this collection, to make it accessible and usable by all staff. This position is currently unfunded and under development.

For further information: Volunteer Program Manager Kevin Bacher, 360-569-2211 ext. 3385.

Backcountry Maintenance

Type: Short-term groups or intermittent individuals
Dates: June to October
Status: Now planning for summer projects

Quick summary: With the addition (hopefully) of a Maintenance Volunteer Coordinator this summer, there should be more opportunities than ever for backcountry maintenance projects. Possibilities for groups include wilderness cleanup (removing old telephone cables) and "sherpa projects" (delivering supplies and materials to backcountry locations). Individuals with carpentry skills may help restore or re-roof backcountry cabins, shelters, or fire lookouts, on projects lasting a single day or multiple weeks.
 
For more information, or to offer the services of yourself or your group, contact Carpenter Mitch Anderson at 360-569-2211 ext. 3347, or Volunteer Program Manager Kevin Bacher at 360-569-2211 ext. 3385.
Blog entries about this job
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Backcountry Patrol

Type: Long-term and intermittent individuals
Dates: Year-round
Status: Not currently recruiting, but open to inquiries; may hire interns this summer through the Student Conservation Association if funding permits

Quick summary: Mount Rainier's wilderness backcountry is extensive. A small team of volunteers supplements seasonal park staff to patrol the park's hundreds of miles of trails, assisting visitors, checking backcountry permits, and performing minor trail and campsite maintenance. These additional eyes and ears are especially helpful during the busy summer, and in remote parts of the park like Carbon River.

For more information: While the park is not currently recruiting additional volunteers in this area, inquiries are welcome. Direct them to West District Ranger Daniel Camiccia at 360-569-2211 ext. 3419; East District Ranger Geoff Walker at 360-569-6031; or Carbon River Ranger Jim Hull at 360-829-9639.
Photos of this job

Bookstore Clerk

Type: Long-term individuals
Dates: roughly June to September
Status: Filled for 2010

Quick summary: Mount Rainier National Park works in partnership with Discover Your Northwest to provide educational books and other materials for sale in visitor centers throughout the park. These positions receive a modest salary, but also volunteer their assistance to visitors and interpretive rangers.
 
For more information: Bookstore Manager Sherry Paul, 360-569-2211 ext. 3320
Apply online
Blog entries about this job

Campground Host

Type: Long-term individual volunteers
Dates: Memorial Day-Columbus Day
Status: Filled for 2010

Quick summary: Campground hosts assist visitors and perform minor campground maintenance duties at both the Ohanapecosh and Cougar Rock Campgrounds. The season is often split between two individuals or couples, with one serving the first half of the season and the other finishing it. These are some of our most popular and competitive positions.

For further information: Campground Manager Debbie Hannevig, 360-569-6006
Apply online (for 2011)
Blog entries about this job
Photos of this job

Camping Adventures Assistant

Type: Long-term individuals
Dates: 12-weeks, beginning about June 7
Status: Now hiring through the Student Conservation Association

Quick summary: The "Camping Adventures with My Parents" (CAMP) program is an exciting new program offered by Mount Rainier National Park, which provides introductory camping experiences to diverse families from the Seattle and Tacoma urban areas. The Camping Adventures intern will help lead five of these intensive 3-day program over the course of the summer.

For further information: Kevin Bacher, Volunteer and Outreach Program Manager, 360-569-2211 ext. 3385
Apply online
Blog entries about this job
Photos of this job

Citizen Science Coordinator Internship

Type: long-term individuals
Dates: 12-weeks, beginning about June 28
Status: Now hiring through the Student Conservation Association

Quick summary: If you have a background in science and enjoy working with people, consider our Citizen Science Coordinator internship. Recruit, train, and lead citizen volunteers on projects in the park's wilderness, including amphibian surveys, wetland mapping, and soundscape monitoring, to help gather baseline data for park management.

For further information: Biologist Barbara Samora, 360-569-2211 ext. 3372
Apply online
Blog entries about this job
Photos of this job

Citizen Science Team

Type: Intermittent individual volunteers
Dates: late June through September
Status: Now recruiting

Quick summary: Help gather baseline data about Mount Rainier National Park's natural resources, including amphibian populations and wetland resources. Some projects require simple day-trips off park roads, while others may occur deep in the park's wilderness and involve multiple days in the backcountry. (On rare occasions, front-country projects may be suitable for organized groups.)
 
For further information: Biologist Barbara Samora, 360-569-2211 ext. 3372
Apply online
Blog entries about this job
Photos of this job

Climbing Ranger

Type: Long-term individuals
Dates: May to September
Status: Now recruiting

Quick summary: Many of the rangers who patrol the high mountain routes on Mount Rainier and staff the high camps are, in fact, dedicated and highly skilled volunteers. This is one of the most specialized duties volunteers perform at our national park.

For further information or to apply: Contact Lead Climbing Ranger Stefan Lofgren at 360-569-6010 for more information. Please note that only individuals with extensive climbing experience will be considered for this job. Also check out Mount Rainier's climbing blog.
Blog entries about this job

Conservation Leadership Corps

Type: Long-term high school-age individuals
Dates: July and August
Status: Currently recruiting through the Student Conservation Association, pending funding

Quick summary: The Student Conservation Association recruits teams of high school age students, usually from urban populations like Seattle, to participate in guided outdoor leadership-building experiences, culminating with a 15-day volunteer project at a setting like Mount Rainier. While these programs are expensive for us to work with, we consider them a priority because they provide unique opportunities for young people from diverse communities to connect with their national parks and to gain experience that often leads to careers in resource stewardship. We hope to work with three CLC crews at the park this summer. Most crews work on trail maintenance or construction projects, but others have also served on the park's restoration crew.

For more information: Volunteer Program Manager Kevin Bacher, 360-569-2211 ext. 3385, or the Student Conservation Association
To apply: Contact the Student Conservation Association
Blog entries about this opportunity
Photos of youth volunteers

Curation Assistant

Type: Long-term individuals
Dates: Summer and winter seasons
Status: Three volunteers are being sought for summer 2010.

Quick summary: Volunteers are essential for maintaining the park's massive collection of historical artifacts and documents. We are currently in the midst of a major project cataloging historical photographs. It's often tedious work, often engrossing, and essential to preserving the rich history of the national park.
 
For further information: Museum Curator Brook Childrey, 360-569-2211 ext. 2364
Apply online
Blog entries about this job
Photos of this job

Education Assistant

Type: Medium-term individuals
Dates: Spring and Fall
Status: Not currently recruiting, but individual inquiries are welcome

Quick summary: Mount Rainier's curriculum-based education program works with many school groups in the spring and fall seasons (and, to a lesser degree, through the winter). We're always open to hearing from people with educational background who would like to help out for a few weeks or months, leading school groups or developing curricula, depending on the availability of projects and housing.

For further information: Direct inquiries to Education Specialist Fawn Bauer at 360-569-6037.
Apply online
Blog entries about this job
Photos of this job

Emergency Roadside Assistance

Type: Long-term individuals
Dates: June through mid-September
Status: Now recruiting

Quick summary: At Mount Rainier's busiest locations, Paradise and Sunrise, volunteers help by patrolling parking lots and local roads and trails, assisting visitors, directing traffic, and helping with lockouts, emergencies, and jump starts. Volunteers also help to extend the season at Sunrise in the fall, when the availability of seasonal rangers is short.

For more information and to apply: Apply online at volunteer.gov. At Paradise, volunteers will be supervised by Jordan Mammel, 360-569-6073. At Sunrise, volunteers are supervised by Uwe Nehring, 360-825-6585 ext. 3608257210. New volunteers are not needed at the present time, but inquiries are welcome.

Environmental Education Internship

Type: Long-term individuals
Dates: March 22 to September 20
Status: Now hiring through the Student Conservation Association

Quick summary: This six-month position will help with visiting school groups in the spring and early fall, as well as teacher training programs and curriculum development throughout the summer.

For further information: Education Specialist Fawn Bauer, 360-569-6037
Apply online

Exotic Plant Removal

Type: Short-term groups
Dates: May to August
Status: Now recruiting groups

Quick summary: Mount Rainier is very fortunate not to have huge fields of thistle, oxeye daisy, or other exotic species to contend with. Keeping that from happening, however, requires constant vigilance. Volunteer groups can help during the growing season to "weed out" the problem. Scheduling a project requires flexibility, as the exact dates depend on many factors that influence the plants' growing season.
 
For further information: Restoration Specialist Will Arnesen, 360-569-2211 ext. 3374
To inquire about volunteering your group: contact Volunteer Program Manager Kevin Bacher at 360-569-2211 ext. 3385
Blog entries about this job
Photos of this job

Financial Support

Type: Individuals and groups
Dates: Year-round
Status: Now accepting donations

Quick summary: In addition to supporting Mount Rainier through the investment of time and energy, that is, participating in volunteer projects, both individuals and groups can also support the park through financial contributions. Contributions facilitate volunteer projects by providing for supplies, housing, uniforms, and other incidental needs that supplement the donated labor. Over the years, our program has been supported by both individual donors and donations from larger groups. REI, Boeing, and many others have been instrumental in keeping our program running strong.

For further information: Volunteer and Outreach Program Manager Kevin Bacher, 360-569-2211 ext. 3385
To contribute: While contributions can be received directly by the volunteer program, it's easier to give through Mount Rainier's partners, especially Washington's National Park Fund, which has a full list online of projects it supports. A complete list of partners that receive donations on behalf of the park is on Mount Rainier's website.
Blog entries about this opportunity

Geoscientist-in-Parks Internship

Type: Long-term individuals
Dates: May 24 to August 16
Status: Application deadline February 1

Quick summary: Every year, Mount Rainier hires interns through the Geological Society of America to work alongside other interpreters assisting visitors in the park's visitor centers, leading guided walks, and presenting programs. Our geomorphology program sometimes hires an additional intern to help with field research. These positions are specifically targeted to students or educators in the field of geology.

For more information: District interpreter Lee Snook, 360-569-6043
Apply online

Greenhouse Assistant

Type: Intermittent individual volunteers
Dates: Year-round
Status: New volunteer commitments are always welcome

Quick summary: Mount Rainier's revegetation and restoration program depends on native seeds cultivated in the park's greenhouse, located at park headquarters west of Ashford. Throughout the year, a small but dedicated team of employees and volunteers tends to the growing plants, weeding and repotting them as necessary until they are ready to be replanted. The program seeks individuals who are willing to return on a regular basis.
 
For further information: Greenhouse Manager Josh Drown, 360-569-6070
Apply online
Blog entries about this job
Photos of this job

Historic (Costumed) Interpretation Team

Type: Intermittent individual volunteers
Dates: June to September
Status: Now accepting applications

Quick summary: One of Mount Rainier's most popular interpretive programs is called "Shadows of the Past," a costumed living history presentation conducted by lantern-light after dark on the Trail of the Shadows at Longmire. Due to the costs of staff time and overtime, we are usually only able to offer this program once a year. This year, with a substantial grant from the National Park Service, we are recruiting a team of volunteers to help present the program at least four times, and to provide roving historical interpretation, in costume, in the Longmire historic district on weekends.
 
For more information: District Interpreter Lee Snook, 360-569-6043
Apply online
Blog entries about this job
Photos of this job

Historic Campground Restoration

Type: Short-term groups and individuals (appropriate for youth and families)
Dates: mid-May to early October
Status: Groups may schedule now

Quick summary: The historic Longmire Campground has been partially restored for use by volunteers and other groups. It is maintained almost entirely by volunteers, who help set up platform tents in the spring, clean up storm debris, service the bath house, and prepare the campground for winter. In addition, restoration work is ongoing, and includes recovery of historic rockwork, construction of new campsites, installation of fire circles, and construction of picnic tables. Sponsors are needed to provide or fund materials for these projects.

For further information and to schedule a project: Contact Volunteer Program Manager Kevin Bacher, 360-569-2211 ext. 3385
Blog entries about this job
Photos of this job

Historic Landscape Restoration Team

Type: Intermittent individual volunteers
Dates: June to October
Status: Now recruiting

Quick summary: Throughout the park, historic rock walls were built by WPA crews in the 1920s to line roads, trails, and viewpoints. Many of these are now crumbling, as the mortar that held them together is chipped away by roots, moss, and cycles of freezing and thawing. With the help of this summer's Maintenance Volunteer Coordinator, a team of individuals will be trained to stabilize these walls along the Westside Road, to buy time until they can be fully restored by Park Service stone masons.

For more information: Carpenter Mitch Anderson, 360-569-2211 ext. 3347
Apply online

Japan Volunteers-in-Parks Association Hosts

Type: Local individuals or families
Dates: late August to early September
Status: Now seeking volunteer hosts near Ashford or Eatonville

Quick summary: Every year since 1994, the Japan Volunteers-in-Parks Association (J-VIPA) has brought a team of students to Mount Rainier from Waseda University in Japan to conduct volunteer work through the park's maintenance program. To reduce costs and facilitate visas, the students stay with host families in the community.
 
For more information, or to participate in this great international exchange opportunity by hosting a student or assisting with the group, contact J-VIPA Coordinator Mika Moore at 360-569-2211 ext. 2379
Blog entries about this opportunity
Photos of J-VIPA

Job Shadow

Type: Short-term individuals
Dates: Year-round
Status: Open to proposals

Quick summary: An uncommon but significant volunteer opportunity, "job shadow" projects allow students a chance to see what it's like to be a park ranger by following one around for a day. While some jobs are not suitable for these opportunities due to safety concerns, students have, in the past, enjoyed days in the park's visitor centers or helping with winter snow play. Other options include the park's campgrounds or entrance stations, or the maintenance, education, or volunteer programs.

For further information or to propose a job shadow experience: Contact Volunteer Program Manager Kevin Bacher, 360-569-2211 ext. 3385.

Junior Ranger Assistants

Type: Intermittent individual volunteers
Dates: June to September
Status: Not currently recruiting, but open to inquiries

Quick summary: Ohanapecosh has one of Mount Rainier's most popular campgrounds, but its visitor center staff is too small to provide Junior Ranger programs more often than a few times a week. Responsible volunteers who can make a regular commitment can extend this service considerably, to the delight of visitors.

For further information or to inquire about helping: Contact District Interpreter Christine Czazasty at 360-569-6047
Blog entries about this job

Keep Wildlife Wild

Type: Short-term groups and individuals
Dates: A date TBD in July or August
Status: Now in development for 2010

Quick summary: Last year, Mount Rainier hosted the first annual "Keep Wildlife Wild" day, intended as a day to bring focus to the problem of wildlife feeding throughout the park. Volunteers roved trails, waypoints, and campgrounds, talking to visitors and handing out brochures about the dangers of wildlife feeding, both to the animals and to individuals.

For further information: Wildlife biologist Alyssa Herr, 360-569-2211 ext. 3318
To participate: Watch for updates about this program on the blog and volunteer calendar.
Blog entries about this opportunity

Longmire Volunteer Campground Manager

Type: Long-term individual volunteers
Dates: May 10 to October 15
Status: Now accepting applications

Quick Summary: The hosts of the Longmire Campground are responsible for scheduling and coordinating use of the campground by volunteers and other visiting special groups. They maintain and clean campsites, platform tents, and a small bath house, and supervise individual and group volunteer projects (see Historic Campground Restoration above). An individual or couple may be hired for either all of the season or a portion of it.
 
For further information: Volunteer Program Manager Kevin Bacher, 360-569-2211 ext. 3385
Apply online
Blog entries about this job

Maintenance Volunteer Coordinator Internship

Type: Long-term individuals
Dates: 16 weeks beginning about May 17
Status: Now hiring through the Student Conservation Association

Quick summary: Have some skills in maintenance (especially carpentry)? Like to get out into the backcountry? Like to work with people? Then consider our new Maintenance Volunteer Coordinator internship! This individual will help recruit, train, and lead public volunteers on projects including backcountry construction, wilderness cleanup, campground opening, and historic restoration.

For further information: Carpenter Mitch Anderson, 360-569-2211 ext. 3347; or Volunteer Program Manager Kevin Bacher, 360-569-2211 ext. 3385
Apply online

Meadow Rover

Type: Intermittent individual volunteers
Dates: June through October
Status: Now recruiting

Quick summary: One of Mount Rainier's most popular--and critical--volunteer programs, Meadow Rovers patrol trails and viewpoints, mostly above Paradise and Sunrise, to educate visitors about the importance of staying on trails in those fragile environments.
 
For further information: District Interpreters Lee Snook, 360-569-6043, or Christine Czazasty, 360-569-6047; or our online Meadow Rovers resource page
Apply online
Blog entries about this job
Photos of this job

Meadow Rover Coordinator Internship

Type: Long-term individuals
Dates: April 19 to October 18
Status: Proposed through the Student Conservation Association, but unlikely to be filled due to lack of fundnig

Quick summary: The Meadow Rover program has gotten large enough to merit a full-time manager helping to coordinate and train volunteers. In addition, projects throughout the spring and fall at Paradise will be coordinated by the intern, including spring trail marking and the placement of wayside exhibits.

For more information: District Interpreter Lee Snook, 360-569-6043
Apply online
Blog entries about this job
Photos of this job

Mount Rainier National Park Associates

Type: Intermittent individual volunteers
Dates: April 24 to October 2
Status: Now recruiting volunteers

Quick summary: The Mount Rainier National Park Associates is an independent group of individuals who work in partnership with park staff to complete volunteer projects, usually in the areas of native plants or trail maintenance. They have scheduled exotics removal and planting projects for this summer on July 10 and September 11; and trail projects on April 24 May 22, June 12, August 7, and October 2.
 
For further information on how to participate, contact the group directly through their website at http://www.mount-rainier.org/.
Blog Entries about this partner
Photos of MRNPA in action

National Public Lands Day

Type: Short-term individuals or groups
Dates: Last saturday in September (September 25, 2010)
Status: Scheduled for 2010

Quick summary: Every year, Mount Rainier National Park brings its summer volunteer program to a close with a massive volunteer day, offering volunteer opportunities throughout the park. Last year, with the help of partners like the Washington Trails Association, National Parks Conservation Association, and Student Conservation Association, more than 200 people participated on projects ranging from trail maintenance to revegetation!

For further information: Volunteer Program Manager Kevin Bacher, 360-569-2211 ext. 3385
To participate: Watch this blog and the volunteer calendar for announcements about this year's Public Lands Day.
Blog entries about this opportunity
Photos of this opportunity
More photos of NPLD

National Trails Day

Type: Short-term individuals or groups
Dates: First Saturday in June (June 5, 2010)
Status: Now planning projects

Quick summary: One of the regularly-scheduled volunteer days at Mount Rainier is National Trails Day. In cooperation with the Washington Trails Association, Mount Rainier offers trail maintenance projects throughout the park, ranging from simple trail brushing to advanced trail construction.

For further information: Volunteer Program Manager Kevin Bacher, 360-569-2211 ext. 3385
To apply: Watch this volunteer blog and project calendar for the announcement of 2010's National Trails Day, or send an e-mail asking to be added to our mailing list.
Blog entries about this opportunity
Photos of National Trails Day
More Photos from National Trails Day

Nordic Patrol

Type: Intermittent individual volunteers
Dates: December to April
Status: Now accepting new members of the Washington Ski Touring Club

Quick summary: One of the few active volunteer opportunities during Mount Rainier's snowy winter season is our Nordic Patrol. These valuable volunteers assist visitors, patrol trails on skis, mark routes, and help with emergencies. Rather than working with individual volunteers, the park has partnered with the Washington Ski Touring Club to provide its members for the winter ski patrol.

For further information about ski patrol activities at Mount Rainier, contact District Ranger Daniel Camiccia at 360-569-2211 ext. 3419
To apply: Contact the Washington Ski Touring Club directly through their website.
Blog entries about this job

Photographer

Type: Intermittent individual volunteers
Dates: Year-round, but mostly summer
Status: Not recruiting but open to inquries

Quick summary: Mount Rainier's interpretive program needs high quality digital images for developing evening campfire presentations. Images of park programs, employees, and volunteers are needed to document the park's ongoing history and for publications ranging from this blog to visitor center exhibits.

For more information, or to inquire about contributing to the park's image collection: Contact Volunteer Program Manager Kevin Bacher at 360-569-2211 ext. 3385
Blog entries about this job
Photos of this job

Preventative Search and Rescue Internship

Type: Long-term individuals
Dates: 16 weeks beginning May 23
Status: Now hiring through the Student Conservation Association, conditional on funding

Quick summary: Mount Rainier's climbing program this year has proposed hiring two 16-week interns to patrol the lower portions of the route to Camp Muir. These individuals will assist visitors and make sure that they are prepared for the challenging conditions on the Muir Snowfield, and will educate hikers about ways of protecting the fragile subalpine meadows.

For further information: Lead Climbing Ranger Stefan Lofgren, 360-569-6010
Apply online

Public Outreach Volunteers

Type: Short-term or intermittent individuals
Dates: June through September
Status: Recruiting interested individuals

Quick summary: Mount Rainier's Outreach program works both with members of communities surrounding the park, and with programs that bring community members to the park. Every year, volunteers are needed to represent the park in the Eatonville 4th of July Parade, and at a booth throughout the duration of the Puyallup Fair. Volunteers may also help with five overnight "Camping Adventures with My Parents" programs during the summer. In the future, volunteers may also be trained to represent the park at meetings with community groups throughout the region.

For more information or to participate: Contact Volunteer and Outreach Program Manager Kevin Bacher at 360-569-2211 ext. 3385.
Blog entries about this opportunity
Photos of this job

Public Safety Internship

Type: Long-term individuals
Dates: June to August
Status: Under consideration for 2010

Quick summary: In 2009, an intern was hired through the Student Conservation Association to help Mount Rainier National Park review procedures and practices and improve safety. The position was so successful that it's being considered again for 2010.

For more information: Chief Ranger Chuck Young, 360-569-2211 ext. 3300
To apply: Watch for a job announcement on this blog and on the SCA website.
Blog entries about this job

Research Partnerships

Type: Intermittent or long-term individuals
Dates: Year-round
Status: Always open to proposals

Quick summary: Over the years, Mount Rainier National Park has benefited greatly from partnerships with graduate students and researchers from universities far and wide. There's no formal program for these arrangements, but if your educational or research goals run parallel to our own, they may lead to a volunteer assignment or even internship sponsored at least in part by the park. Successful partnerships in the past have included the fields of archeology, geomorphology, aquatic ecology, and interpretation.

For further information: If you have a proposal, contact Volunteer Program Manager Kevin Bacher at 360-569-2211 ext. 3385.
Blog entries about this job

Restoration Internship

Type: Long-term individuals
Dates: June 7 to August 30
Status: Now hiring through the Student Conservation Association (conditional on funding)

Quick summary: Mount Rainier employs a combination of seasonal employees and interns to serve on its restoration team. This group plants native vegetation in areas that have been disturbed by construction, flooding, or people hiking off trail, especially in the park's fragile subalpine environments.

For further information: Restoration Specialist Will Arnesen, 360-569-2211 ext. 3374
Apply Online
Blog entries about this job
Photos of this job

Revegetation Projects

Type: Short-term groups and sometimes individuals; suitable for youth
Dates: summer; mostly September
Status: Now recruiting groups

Volunteers are critical to complete restoration projects around the park, planting native vegetation in areas disturbed by construction or other human activity. Last fall, volunteers helped plant 130,000 plants in one month at Paradise! The work is usually done by groups, but once scheduled, individual volunteers can usually join in; and there are often "drop-in" days scheduled as well.
 
For more information: Restoration Specialist Will Arnesen, 360-569-2211 ext. 3374
To apply: Watch this blog and the volunteer calendar for these opportunities, or call Volunteer Program Manager Kevin Bacher at 360-569-2211 ext. 3385 to set up a visit by your group.
Blog entries about this job
Photos of this job

Roadside Cleanup

Type: Long-term individuals
Dates: June to early September
Status: No current openings

Quick summary: As you drive along the park roads during the summer, you may see a few volunteers in safety vests along the side, collecting the bits of trash that accumulate there over time. These faithful volunteers keep the park looking like a park, and protect it from the effects of non-biodegradable trash. Over the years they've found amazing things in the ditches and ravines along the roads: even a washing machine once!

For further information: Maintenance Foreman Dale Harvard, 360-569-2211 ext. 3388
To apply: At present, the park does not have a need for additional volunteers.
Photos of this job

Search and Rescue

Type: Intermittent group volunteers
Dates: Year-round
Status: Not recruiting beyond existing partnerships

Quick summary: Mount Rainier National Park's initial response to emergencies is with its own employees. However, larger or longer incidents often require help from outside, and in these cases, we call on a wide range of existing partners, including local Search and Rescue teams like Tacoma Mountain Rescue, volunteer search dogs, and Fort Lewis.

For more information: Chief Ranger Chuck Young, 360-569-2211 ext. 3300
To apply: Mount Rainier does not work with individual search and rescue volunteers. If you'd like to help out in the event of emergencies, contact your local Search and Rescue unit and volunteer your services there.
Blog entries about this opportunity
Photos of SAR volunteers

Seed Collection

Type: Intermittent individuals or small groups
Dates: mid to late Summer
Status: Now recruiting interested individuals and groups

Quick summary: All of the plants planted by restoration crews in Mount Rainier National Park were either salvaged from another location in the park or grown from seeds collected near the site of the restoration. Volunteers play an important role in gathering these valuable seeds. Due to the sensitivity of subalpine meadows, groups must be kept small; and because seeds must be collected when they are mature, but before they are scattered by natural processes, volunteers must be flexible in the dates they are available.
 
For further information or to apply: If you'd like to participate as an individual, contact Restoration Specialist Will Arnesen at 360-569-2211 ext. 3374. If you represent a small group, contact Volunteer Program Manager Kevin Bacher at 360-569-2211 ext. 3385.
Blog entries about this job
Photos of this job

Sherpa Projects

Type: Short-term groups
Dates: Spring and summer
Status: Now accepting proposals from volunteer groups

Quick summary: "Sherpa Projects" are one of Mount Rainier's more unique volunteer opportunities. "Sherpa" volunteers pack supplies into backcountry settings for use by trail maintenance, wilderness patrol, revegetation, or backcountry maintenance crews. They can save the Park Service thousands of dollars in helicopter fees, while enjoying a strenuous physical workout in a beautiful wilderness setting!

For further information: Good contacts for answering questions are Trails Foreman Carl Fabiani, 360-569-2211 ext. 3351, or Carpenter Mitch Anderson, 360-569-2211 ext. 3347
To schedule your group: Contact Volunteer Program Manager Kevin Bacher, 360-569-2211 ext. 3385
Blog entries about this job

Speaker Series Presenter

Type: Short-term individuals
Dates: late June through Labor Day
Status: Not currently recruiting

Quick summary: Throughout the summer, subject matter experts present special programs at Paradise and Ohanapecosh on diverse topics, such as geology, climbing, scientific research, climate change, and history.
 
For more information, or to participate: If you're an expert on a topic related to Mount Rainier National Park and would like to contribute, contact Volunteer and Outreach Manager Kevin Bacher at 360-569-2211 ext. 3385.

Spring Campground Opening

Type: Short-term groups (appropriate for youth)
Dates: mid to late May
Status: Now accepting proposals for group projects

Quick summary: Getting Mount Rainier's three public campgrounds ready to open in the spring is a huge project. Groups can help by cleaning up storm debris, shoveling snow away from critical facilities, and performing minor maintenance.

For further information or to volunteer your group: Contact Volunteer Program Manager Kevin Bacher at 360-569-2211 ext. 3385
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Spring Opening (a.k.a. Snow Shoveling)

Type: Short-term volunteer groups
Dates: late May (depending on weather)
Status: Now recruiting groups

Quick summary: Volunteers are a major asset in helping us to open the high elevation facilities at Sunrise in the spring. While snow plows and other heavy equipment do most of the work, the final job of shoveling out walkways, fire hydrants, WPA-era rock walls, and other delicate features of the landscape can most effectively by done by hand. It makes a great spring work party, usually before the general public has access to the area. The exact dates are difficult to predict well in advance, since they are dependent on winter snowfall and spring meltout.
 
For more information, or to volunteer your group for this opportunity, contact Volunteer Program Manager Kevin Bacher at 360-569-2211 ext. 3385
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Spring Trail Opening

Type: Short-term and intermittent individuals and groups
Dates: May to early July
Status: Now recruiting

Quick summary: In Mount Rainier's high elevations, deep snow lingers, in most years, well into July. Long before then, crowds of visitors arrive to hike the trails, and wander across the snow at random, uncertain where the trails are hidden underneath. When they do find a bare patch, it may be yards away from where the trail should be, and the resultant trampling causes major damage to the fragile subalpine meadows. The solution: mark the trail trail routes with wands, ropes, and shoveled steps, and keep these routes updated so that as the snow melts visitors find themselves on the trails where they should be. These are great volunteer opportunities for both groups and individuals.

For more information and to apply: Contact Volunteer Program Manager Kevin Bacher, 360-569-2211 ext. 3385, to arrange a project day for your group; or contact West District Interpreter Lee Snook, 360-569-6043, or East District Interpreter Christine Czazasty, 360-569-6047, to participate as an individual.
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Student Internships

Type: Long-term individuals, primarily but not exclusively youth
Dates: Year-round, but mostly summer
Status: Now hiring!

Quick summary: Mount Rainier National Park offers many, many opportunities for student internships. The majority are through the Student Conservation Association, which recruits primarily but not exclusively for high school and college age youth. A few interns every year are also hired through the Geologic Society of America's Geoscientist-in-Parks program. Interns have also been hired occassionally through partnerships with local universities such as Evergreen State College.

For further information: Volunteer Program Manager Kevin Bacher, 360-569-2211 ext. 3385.
To apply: Review a complete list of current internships, and follow the links to apply to the one(s) you're interested in. Application procedures vary according to the sponsor of the position.
Blog entries about these positions
Photos of youth volunteer programs

Teacher-Ranger-Teacher

Type: Medium-term assignments for teachers
Dates: Summer
Status: 2010 application deadline has passed

Quick summary: Are you a classroom teacher looking for a unique experience during the summer? How about helping with Mount Rainier's education or interpretation programs for a few weeks or months? The application deadline has passed for 2010, but we expect to continue this program in 2011.
 
For further information: Education Specialist Fawn Bauer, 360-569-6037; Chief of Interpretation and Education Lee Taylor, 360-569-6041; or online at Mount Rainier National Park's education website.

Trail Maintenance

Type: Short-term individuals and groups
Dates: May through September
Status: Now recruiting groups and individuals

Quick summary: There are few volunteer opportunities more critical to Mount Rainier National Park than trail maintenance. The park has a large trail crew of its own, of course; but in 2007, after the previous winter's devastating storms, more than half of the park's trail work was completed by volunteers. Much of the park's volunteer trail work is also accomplished in partnership with the Washington Trails Association.

For further information: Trails Foreman Carl Fabiani, 360-569-2211 ext. 3351
To apply: Contact Volunteer Program Manager Kevin Bacher, 360-569-2211 ext. 3385, or Carl Fabiani (above) to arrange a group project. For individual opportunities, watch the Washington Trails Association's project calendar for projects beginning in June.
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Trails Volunteer Coordinator Internship

Type: Long-term individual volunteers
Dates: May 17 to September 6
Status: Now hiring through the Student Conservation Association

Quick summary: Work with the park's trail crew to repair and rebuild trails all over the park, and help recruit, train, and lead volunteer groups to help. Past volunteer work crews have included employee organizations, church groups, Boy Scouts, and environmental clubs.

For further information: Trails Foreman Carl Fabiani, 360-569-2211 ext. 3351
Apply online
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Unique Opportunities

Type: Short-term and long-term individuals and groups
Dates: Year-round, but mostly summer
Status: Not currently hiring

Quick summary: The list of positions on this website is never all-inclusive of all of the possibilities. In fact, there have been many volunteer positions over the years that have existed for a time, and then gone away when the need was met; or whose jobs are currently being performed by paid staff. Sometimes the need is ephemeral, lasting only a single instance, but these volunteers are no less important. Here's a list of examples:

• Accessibility assessment
• Administrative assistant
• Carbon River property cleanup
• Climate change intern
• CPR/First aid trainer
• Culvert clearing
• Engineering design
• Exhibit installation
• Flood documentation
• Gardener
• GIS specialist
• Historical research
• Japanese interpreter
• Lakes/Aquatics/Fish crew
• Librarian
• Management planning
• Moving assistance (e.g. between the old and new visitor centers)
• Natural resources field office assistant
• Oral history interviews
• Painter
• Poster mailing
• Snow play ranger
• Stream surveys

For further information: Volunteer Program Manager Kevin Bacher, 360-569-2211 ext. 3385
To apply: Why include a list of obsolete positions? To make the point that there are always new opportunities cropping up, often with little notice. Watch this blog for announcements of new opportunities, or write to have your name added to our mailing list.
Blog entries about volunteer opportunities
Photos of unique volunteer opportunties

Urban Outreach Internship

Type: Long-term individuals
Dates: early March through late September
Status: Hiring has been completed for 2010

Quick summary: Mount Rainier's Outreach program seeks to improve opportunities for ethnically and economically diverse urban audiences to visit and connect with their national parks. The Urban Outreach intern will work with the Student Conservation Association to recruit participants for the new "Camping Adventures with My Parents" program, and to organize and lead five overnight visits to the park over the course of the summer. They will also assist other outreach programs, including presentations in the community and the development of new partnerships.

For further information: Kevin Bacher, Volunteer and Outreach Program Manager, 360-569-2211 ext. 3385
Apply online
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Visitor Services Interns and Volunteers

Type: Long-term individuals
Dates: May 24 to August 16 (or longer)
Status: Now hiring through the Student Conservation Association

Quick summary: Twelve-week summer interns work alongside other interpretive rangers at both Paradise and Ohanapecosh, assisting visitors in the visitor centers and presenting programs on the trails. We also hire volunteers (not through SCA) for summer-long positions at Paradise, Ohanapecosh, and Sunrise, though none of these positions are currently vacant.
 
For further information: District Interpreters Lee Snook (Paradise), 360-569-6043; or Christine Czazasty (Ohanapecosh and Sunrise), 360-569-6047
Apply online: Paradise or Ohanapecosh
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Volunteer Coordinator Internship

Type: Long-term individuals
Dates: May 3 to October 31
Status: Hiring has been completed for 2010

Quick summary: Assist in managing Mount Rainier's exciting and rapidly growing volunteer program! Recruit volunteers, schedule and coordinate projects, assist supervisors, write blog entries, lead volunteer groups, plan and manage events, and help process all of the paperwork that goes along with 1800 volunteers.

For further information: Volunteer Program Manager Kevin Bacher, 360-569-2211 ext. 3385
Apply online
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Washington Trails Association

Type: Short-term individuals and groups
Dates: June to Labor Day
Status: Now planning projects for 2010

Quick summary: Following the great floods of November 2006, Mount Rainier National Park formed a partnership with the Washington Trails Association to recruit and lead volunteer trail projects, especially on the Glacier Basin Trail. Since then, hundreds of volunteers have almost completely rebuilt that trail, which had been almost entirely destroyed by the flood. In additional to individual project days, WTA also schedules wonderful week-long "volunteer vacations" at locations throughout Washington state, including Mount Rainier.

For further information: Contact Trails Foreman Carl Fabiani, 360-569-2211 ext. 3351, and visit the website of the Washington Trails Association
To apply: Watch for work days to be announced on WTA's online project calendar, starting in June. WTA's "Volunteer Vacation" schedule will be announced online February 8, and these fill very rapidly.
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White River Campground Host

Type: Long-term individual volunteers
Dates: late June to Labor Day
Status: Not currently recruiting, but open to individual inquiries

Quick summary: The White River Campground stands out among Mount Rainier's three public camps as the only one without hookups for a campground host. However, it can be a unique and rewarding opportunity for the right individual who's willing and able to work independently and without electricity, water, or waste disposal facilities readily available.

For further information: Contact Campground Manager Debbie Hannevig at 360-569-6006 to inquire about this position.

Wilderness and Climber Information Centers

Type: Long-term individual volunteers
Dates: May to September
Status: Not currently recruiting

Quick summary: Several volunteers assist seasonal rangers in the park's Wilderness Information Centers and Climber Information Centers throughout the park. These volunteers assist visitors in planning their backcountry trips and issuing permits, and must have extensive knowledge and experience about the park's network of wilderness trails, especially the Wonderland Trail.

For further information: West District Ranger Daniel Camiccia, 360-569-2211 ext. 3419; East District Ranger Geoff Walker, 360-569-6031; or Lead Climbing Ranger Stefan Lofgren, 360-569-6010.
To apply: Additional volunteers are not currently needed for this position.

Wildlife Surveys

Type: Intermittent individuals
Dates: Mostly in the spring
Status: Not currently recruiting, but open to serious inquiries

Quick summary: Mount Rainier National Park surveys and monitors many different species throughout the park, including various species of owl and waterfowl, mountain goats, and elk. A small number of volunteers help with these projects.
 
Further information and to apply: While there are no current needs for additional volunteers, inquiries about future assistance can be directed to Wildlife Biologist Mason Reid at 360-569-2211 ext. 3373.
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Winter Interpreters

Type: Intermittent individual volunteers
Dates: mid-December to early April
Status: Recruitment currently closed

Quick Summary: Mount Rainier's interpretive program keeps the Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise staffed on weekends and school holidays throughout the winter. Managing this effectively, especially during the busy period of Christmas break, is only possible with the help of volunteers, who are trained in mid-December to help at the information desk and lead snowshoe walks.
 
For more information, or to inquire about helping next winter, contact District Interpreter Lee Snook at 360-569-6043
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