Volunteers
The Forest Service Volunteer Program has something for almost everyone: retirees, professionals, homemakers, students, as well as service clubs and organizations. If you like people and care about our country's natural resources, the Forest Service needs your time and talents.
Volunteers are an important part of caring for the land and serving the people on our national forest. Volunteering isn't just beneficial for the forest, it benefits you. The type of work you may perform are many and varied. Upon applying, your talents and skills are matched with your work preference to obtain a role that satisfies you and best fulfills the mission of the Forest Service.
Some volunteers work full-time for several months, while others donate a few hours a day each week, or contribute a one-time service. The commitment you make is up to you. Training may be provided to you if your job requires it.
What Can I Do as a Volunteer?
Some typical volunteer projects range from a single-day project to a long-term undertaking for several months. There are many types of volunteer opportunities suitable for your talents and skills. We want to match your skills with your work preference to give you an enjoyable experience and best fulfill the mission of the Forest Service. Examples of opportunities are listed below. What captures your interest?
- Volunteer Management. We need managers to lead volunteer projects.
- Maintaining and hosting campgrounds. These volunteer positions generally require a minimum of two weeks.
- Answering phones, greeting visitors, and answering mail at Forest Service visitor centers and ranger stations.
- Monitoring wilderness use as a Wilderness Steward/Ranger.
- Join a group or work individually on trail maintenance and various building projects.
- Working with specialists in wildlife, botany, and fisheries/watershed research.
If you or your organization needs a community service project, we might be able to match you with a need out there on the forest.
Current Volunteer Positions
| Title | Location | Date Range |
| Front Desk Support | Plains, MT | Open year-round |
Volunteer Application
Submit your completed interest application in-person to the Forest Service office where you’d like to volunteer or send to: sm.fs.r1lolopao@usda.gov
The application can be mailed to:
Lolo National Forest
Visitor Information
Bldg. 24A Fort Missoula
Missoula, MT 59804
More Information
- Call the Lolo National Forest for more information: (406) 329-3750
- To learn more about volunteering with the Forest Service, visit our national website.
- To find available positions, visit volunteer.gov and enter the region you are interested in volunteering.
- Learn about AmeriCorps service and volunteer opportunities.
- Learn about opportunities by visiting the U.S. National Forest Campground Guide.