Each year over 150 volunteers contribute approximately 30,000 hours of service to Big Bend National Park. Some service groups come for a few days, other volunteers stay for months. Some are students, others are retirees looking for adventure during their "golden years." Some maintain and/or patrol trails while others work as campground hosts or as visitor center personnel. But regardless of age or background, these folks share a desire to make a positive contribution to the preservation and management of Big Bend National Park. Volunteers are a valuable and valued part of our operation and our community.

While we have far more applicants than positions, we are always looking for enthusiastic and energetic people. Competition for positions is highest during the winter months. Keep in mind that housing in Big Bend National Park is in short supply. Your chances of being selected as a volunteer are increased if you are able to provide your own trailer or recreational vehicle to live in.

Volunteers generally work two to three months, depending on the nature of work to be performed and the park's needs. The park may provide trailer or recreational vehicle campsites with full hookups or dormitory housing and utilities. Some funds are available to reimburse volunteers for costs such as obtaining a uniform and purchasing propane. Stipends are not available.

There are also other National Park Service areas in West Texas that may have volunteer opportunities including Amistad National Recreation Area (Del Rio, Texas), Fort Davis National Historic Site (Fort Davis, Texas), and Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Information about these and other National Park Service areas is available at www.nps.gov. A number of state parks are also located in West Texas.

Current Volunteer Positions

Chisos Basin Campground Host (June - September 2005)

Check out our Big Bend NP Volunteer Newsletter (PDF format)

Thanks for your interest in the volunteer program at Big Bend National Park!