Volunteers perform a wide variety of
tasks, including:
n conducting fish and wildlife
population surveys;
n leading tours and providing
information and interpretation to the
visiting public;
n assisting in biological monitoring;
taking part in special projects, such
as bird banding;
n assisting in habitat modification
projects, such as developing
freshwater impoundments;
n performing clerical and
administrative duties;
n working with computers and other
technical equipment;
n photographing a variety of natural
and cultural resources.
The amount of time you volunteer
is up to you. You may work full-time,
a few hours per week or month,
or during a particular season.
What Do
Volunteers Do?
No special skills are needed to
be a U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
volunteer. However, on the job
training is provided, if needed.
While there is no age limit, anyone
under 18 years must have written
parental approval. Organized group
participation is welcomed and
encouraged. Individuals under
16 years of age may want to volunteer
as part of a supervised group, such as
a Scout Troop or 4H Club.
Volunteers are welcome regardless of
race, religion, age, gender, nationality,
or disability. U.S. citizenship is not
required.
Write to the appropriate Regional
Volunteer Coordinator listed at the
end of this brochure for a list of field
stations and offices in that Region and
volunteer application form. Mail the
completed form to the manager of the
field station or office in which you are
interested. You will then be contacted
regarding available volunteer
opportunities.
Who May
Volunteer?
How to Apply
Before you begin your volunteer
responsibilities, you will be given
the opportunity to help develop a
volunteer position description and fill
out a Volunteer Services Agreement.
The Agreement and position
description will describe your duties
and the terms of volunteer service.
Volunteers are considered
“employees” only for purposes of
injury compensation and tort claims
protection. Volunteer time with the
Service does not count as Civil
Service time. Reimbursement of some
costs may be allowed by the Service.
The Internal Revenue Service
allows deduction of certain expenses
incurred while volunteering, such as
transportation and meal costs, as a
contribution on their Federal tax
returns.
Volunteers are valuable to the
management of our Nation’s fish and
wildlife resources. You can enjoy a
productive and rewarding experience
as a volunteer with the U.S. Fish &
Wildlife Service.
Your Wild
Experience
Volunteer Status
and Benefits
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service is the principle
agency through which the
Federal Government carries
out its responsibilities to
conserve, protect, and
enhance the Nation’s fish
and wildlife and their
habitats for the continuing
benefit of people.
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
1 800/344 WILD
http://www.fws.gov
July 1998
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Volunteers
HelpingUs
HelpWildlife
Imagine banding birds at a national
wildlife refuge, raising fish at a
national fish hatchery, conducting
wildlife surveys, leading a tour, or
restoring fragile habitat. You can do
this by volunteering at national
wildlife refuges, national fish
hatcheries, Ecological Services
offices, and regional offices. We have
field stations and offices in every
state—there may be one near you.
Volunteers play a vital role in helping
the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service fulfill
its mission of conserving, protecting
and enhancing America’s fish and
wildlife and their habitats.
Share a Wild
Experience
