Apply To Volunteer

There are several ways in which you can apply to volunteer with the Forest Service, including online through the Volunteer.gov website, in person at your nearest Forest Service office, and by mailing in an application. 

Applying Online

One of the best ways to both find and apply for potential volunteer positions is through Volunteer.gov, a website that lists volunteer opportunities available on public lands across the United States. To apply for opportunities directly through the website, you will first need to set up a free Volunteer.gov account using your name, birthdate, and email address. After entering this information, you will receive an email that prompts you to set up a password to complete your registration.

Once you’ve found a specific volunteer opportunity that you’re interested in, click the “Apply Now” button on that listing. This will begin the application process, which you will complete on your computer. During this simple and quick process, you will share your basic contact information, availability, and educational background, along with any skills, abilities, or interests that may be relevant to your potential volunteer work.

Applying In-Person

If you do not wish to use Volunteer.gov, you can also apply in-person at your nearest Forest Service office during business hours, which will be listed on the regional or district website. Because the application process can differ from region to region, district to district, you may want to call or email for details before visiting. You can find a list of regional Forest Service contacts in the About Us section of this website.

In some regions, you may be asked to submit a Volunteer Application, sharing your contact information, availability, and educational background, along with any skills, abilities, or interests that may be relevant to your potential volunteer work. You can view and download the Volunteer  Application here:

Applying By Mail

The Forest Service also welcomes volunteer applications by mail. You can download and complete the Volunteer Application directly from Volunteer.gov.  You may want to call or email your district or regional office before sending off your Volunteer Application to confirm the correct mailing address and to ask whether any other materials should be included with your application.

The Approval Process

Once submitted, your application is reviewed by a Forest Service official. This process can take several weeks and may require a background check or interview. 

If you are approved as a volunteer, a Forest Service official will contact you to discuss the role and complete a Volunteer Service Agreement (VSA), which will outline your service expectations, requirements, and important safety information. Your volunteer service is not official until a Forest Service representative signs this form. Here is an example of a VSA.

Many volunteer opportunities receive far more applications than there are spots available. If you are not selected for an opportunity, consider searching for another—new opportunities are added to Volunteer.gov all the time, and your regional or district office may be able to share others that are not listed online!