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![]() ![]() What Is The Volunteer Program? The volunteer program within the FWS was formally initiated in 1982, and began receiving congressionally appropriated funding in 1991. The program is as diverse as the individuals who comprise it. Whether volunteers are working at national wildlife refuges, fish hatcheries, wetland management districts, regional offices, or ecological service offices, each one helps the National Wildlife Refuge System and other FWS programs reach their full potential. The volunteer program provides people with hands-on opportunities to engage in wildlife conservation and be involved on lands that belong to them. What Authorizes the Service to Accept Volunteers? The Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 (16 U.S.C. 742), as amended by the Fish and Wildlife Improvement Act of 1978 (Pub. L. 95616) and the National Wildlife Refuge System Volunteer and Community Partnership Enhancement Act of 1998 (Pub. L. 105242), authorizes us to accept volunteer services. ![]() Our volunteers are individuals who want to give back to their communities, parents who want to be good stewards of the land and set examples for their children, retired people willing to share their wealth of knowledge, concerned citizens of all ages who want to learn more about conservation, and passionate people who enjoy the outdoors and want to spread the word about America's greatest natural treasures. What Do Our Volunteers Do? Volunteers perform a wide variety of tasks. Some volunteers work full time, some a few hours a week or month or during a particular season or special event. Some typical volunteer opportunities may involve: Generally, no special skills are required to be a volunteer. Any on the job training will be provided if needed. Individual talents and skills are matched with volunteer interests and work opportunities. ![]() Volunteer opportunities with the FWS can be found at www.Volunteer.gov/gov, an interagency Web site of national volunteer opportunities. At this site, prospective volunteers can also apply to opportunities of interest by using the application link at the bottom of each volunteer position description. Should you be unable to find a volunteer opportunity of interest or at a location where you would like to volunteer, contact us directly at volunteers@fws.gov to see what other opportunities may be available. ![]() Page last updated: September 2003 |
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