Volunteers
Volunteers are the heartbeat of the Forest Service
Since the Volunteers in the National Forests Act of 1972, around 3 million volunteers haven given an estimated 120 million volunteer hours to the USDA Forest Service!
For more than 100 years, the Forest Service has brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Through campground hosting, trail maintenance, visitor services, research and more, volunteers make significant contributions to the legacy of conservation for future generations.
Volunteers are individuals and groups with varying levels of skills and abilities. They work outdoors, help scientists conduct research or work with people at our many visitor centers. There's something for everyone.
Becoming a volunteer on the PSICC
To get started with volunteering on the PSICC, please use the contact information below to connect with your local volunteer coordinator and learn about partner organizations that already work on forests or grasslands. Joining one of these partners is the quickest way to start volunteering. If you have already contacted the district where you would like to volunteer, or you are participating in an upcoming organized event, downloadable and fillable forms are available below.
Volunteer forms & volunteer pass information
How and when to use the OF-301a form
- OF-301a is used for both individual and group agreements.
- Group contacts/liaisons can fill out this form on behalf of volunteers and are required to ensure all paperwork is completed for their group and all minors have parental consent.
- A Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) is a required attachment to the OF-301a for all tasks of the project. The JHA clearly defines practices and procedures, including required safety equipment, and is designed to promote the safety and well-being of volunteers.
- Provide a copy of the completed agreement to the Forest Service volunteer point of contact and one to the volunteer or volunteer group leader.
A signed volunteer agreement form (OF-301a) authorizes the individual or group to volunteer and specifies service expectations, requirements and any reimbursements. A well-written agreement provides for the safety of the volunteer while clearly describing the service project, requirements, locations, schedules and other information pertinent to the volunteer service.
Downloads
- Individual volunteer agreement (OF-301a) (PDF, 242 KB)
- More info on the OF-301a (PDF, 522 KB)
How and when to use the OF-301b form
- You are engaging an organized volunteer group or holding a group or public volunteer event.
- Parent or guardian consent is required for all minors. If an organized group does not have records of guardian permissions, each minor must be engaged through the OF-301a. Same requirements for guardian permissions apply for walk-in, one-day events, such as National Public Lands Day.
- The OF-301b form must be used with a group agreement (OF-301a), and applicable project details may be attached as needed.
Downloads
- Group volunteer sign-up form (OF-301b) (PDF, 350 KB)
- More information on the OF-301b (PDF, 107 KB)
America the Beautiful Volunteer Pass
Paullette DonnellonYou can receive an America the Beautiful Volunteer Pass in recognition of your efforts by accruing 250 hours of volunteer service on participating federal public lands.
Visit the USGS Store Frequently Asked Questions webpage to learn more.
Volunteer.gov
Apply today through volunteer.gov for a volunteer position on the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. Positions include:
- Trail maintenance
- Visitor information
- Campground hosts
- Bike Patrol on the Virginia Creeper Trail
- ...and much more!