Volunteers play a vital role in helping the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service fulfill its mission of conserving, protecting and enhancing America’s fish and wildlife and their habitats.
Online Signups
Existing volunteers who have been trained can now sign up for shifts online!
Become a Refuge Volunteer
There are a variety of volunteer opportunities at Great Swamp NWR. Please note that a commitment of at least 36 hours of volunteer time is required per year. Volunteers 17 years old or younger must be accompanied by a parent/guardian during orientation and while volunteering.
This video explains many of the available volunteer activities.
- Please visit the refuge webpage located here for information on how to apply to be a volunteer
- Jared Green, Visitor Services Manager, will contact you shortly. You will be invited to an informational session held quarterly at the Refuge.
The Refuge needs your help…
come and join us!
Seasonal (March-October)
Invasive Plant Control: Join a crew for manual and chemical control of invasive plant species. Weekdays only.
GardenKeepers: Help maintain display gardens at the visitor center. Weekdays only.
Year Round
Construction Crew: Various carpentry projects. Weekdays only. Year-round.
Group Tours: Assist with guided walks for school groups and community organizations. Weekdays and weekends.
Outreach: Staff an information table at partner events or present topical programs to civic groups. Weekdays and weekends.
Publicity, social media, writer, editor: Help with communications.
Trail Maintenance: Help maintain Refuge trails, including Wilderness Area trails. Weekdays and weekends.
Visitor Center Host: Greet visitors and provide Refuge orientation. Handle sales in Friends Nature Shop. A minimum of at least one 3-hour shift per month is required. Weekdays and weekends.
Wildlife Observation Center Staffing: Greet visitors and introduce them to the refuge and the boardwalk area. Outdoors. Weekdays and weekends.