Frequently Asked Questions

A volunteer is a private citizen or other non-Forest Service individual who freely donates their time and talent in support of the Forest Service mission and receives no payment from the Forest Service.

The Forest Service welcomes interested individuals of all ages, races, ethnicities, national origins, genders, physical abilities, belief systems, backgrounds, and experience levels to volunteer on our public lands!

Anyone can apply for a volunteer position, regardless of citizenship status or employment-related factors. Volunteers under the age of 18 require written consent of parent or legal guardian. Non-citizens and non-permanent residents (of the U.S.) can volunteer if they meet visa requirements. The Forest Service welcomes individuals seeking or required to perform court-ordered community service, as well as students seeking to complete an internship or earn credit hours for school. The eligibility for completing community service or internship requirements from schools, courts, or other outside institutions is not determined by the Forest Service. 

The Forest Service official who negotiates and approves volunteer agreements determines the qualifications and eligibility for each volunteer assignment. These criteria establish the nondiscriminatory basic functions and abilities required for volunteer service in the individual position or project. To be selected for and retained in the position or project, you must be able to meet all of the elements within the job description/essential eligibility criteria for that position or project. 

You may apply to volunteer online, in person, or by mail. To apply online, visit Volunteer.gov, search for opportunities that might interest you, and apply directly through those listings. You will need to set up a free account on Volunteer.gov in order to complete your application. To apply in-person, simply visit a nearby Forest Service office and inquire about volunteer opportunities. They may ask you to complete a Volunteer Service Application, which you can find here.  Similarly, you can apply to volunteer by mailing a VSA to the Forest Service. Visit the Contact page to find information about the region nearest you.

Please note that no matter which method you choose, it may take several weeks for a Forest Service representative to respond to your application. You may only serve as a volunteer if a Forest Service representative confirms that you have been selected. 

Volunteers receive basic training and orientation that includes, but isn’t limited to Forest Service history, mission, programs, safety procedures, and any specific skills training required to perform the duties and responsibilities identified in the volunteer agreement. 

Your responsibility is to perform the work as described and agreed to in the volunteer agreement. The Forest Service’s responsibility is to provide adequate supervision. A Forest Service supervisor should always be appointed for volunteers even if the supervisor can’t provide supervision every day. If the daily supervisor cannot be a Forest Service official, a qualified individual within the volunteer group or under the partnership agreement may provide daily supervision. Supervisors must be fully trained in all aspects of the project work and be familiar with Forest Service policies and procedures.

It’s not often that a volunteer is required to wear a Forest Service uniform. You may need to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), such as steel-toed boots or a helmet, depending on the safety requirements of your role. You may need to wear other specific attire, such as a branded hat or badge, if you have significant, frequent, or recurring contact with the public or when the uniform is important to establish your authority or to identify you as an agency representative. In either case, you’ll be informed of the requirements by your Forest Service contact.

Volunteers do not receive a salary from the Forest Service, but may be eligible to be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses related to transportation, food, lodging, and certain miscellaneous expenses that are “necessary, reasonable, and arise as a result of the voluntary work.” If your role includes eligibility for reimbursements, that will be outlined in advance by a Forest Service official in your Volunteer Service Agreement.