Long-Term Volunteering

Are you looking for opportunities to get outside, learn something new and have a positive impact on the environment?

Great Parks offers diverse service opportunities that connect you to the outdoors and accommodate a busy schedule. From animal care and environmental education to gardening and golf courses, whatever your passions might be, you can find your home at Great Parks!

Next Steps

• Submit an Adult Volunteer Application
• Complete an orientation session – upcoming dates will be emailed to you after your application is submitted.
• Successfully pass a background check (Great Parks covers associated costs)
• Honor all time commitments (commitments vary based on volunteer role)
• Complete online training modules
• Record all service hours
• Support Great Parks’ mission and vision

Join our team and apply today. Questions about our volunteer program? Contact us via email.

Are you someone who is passionate about the outdoors and wants to make a difference in your community? The Great Parks teen volunteer program is perfect for students (ages 14–17) who are looking to give back, gain valuable skills, complete school service requirements and build college resumes, all while having lots of fun doing so!

Great Parks offers a variety of opportunities to make a positive difference in your community while building lifelong friendships along the way. From animal care and environmental education to gardening and golf courses, whatever your interests might be, you can find your home at Great Parks!

Next Steps

• Submit a Teen Volunteer Application
• Complete an orientation session – upcoming dates will be emailed to you after your application is submitted.
• Complete online training modules
• Honor all time commitments (commitments will vary based on volunteer role)
• Record all service hours
• Support Great Parks’ mission and vision

Join our team of passionate young leaders and apply today. Questions about our volunteer program? Contact us via email.

Click below to see our volunteer opportunities:

Volunteer opportunities

• Up to two Motor Vehicle Permits annually.
• 10% discount on nature programs and many items at Nature’s Niche Gift and Book Shops (some exceptions apply).
• Monthly Volunteer Newsletter.
• Great Parks of Hamilton County volunteer shirt and baseball cap.
• Bi-monthly volunteer meetings featuring special guest speakers.
• Invitation to the Annual Volunteer Appreciation Event.
• Receive a recreation pass when you dedicate 50+ volunteer hours. A recreation pass includes 25 free or discounted activities such as golf, bicycling, boating, fishing and camping (some exceptions apply).
• Learn new skills and build your resume.
• Meet lots of great like-minded people!
• Make a positive difference in the environment and your community!

Do I have to know exactly where I want to volunteer before I apply? 
It helps to know which parks you are interested in and how you would like to contribute. However, if you don’t know, we’ll be happy to work with you to find a place you can call home. Submitting an application does not commit you to volunteering, it is just a first step to find out more!

How much time do I need to contribute?
We appreciate any amount of time you can give. We work with all types of schedules. If you have concerns about fulfilling a long-term obligation, don’t forget we have quick, fun One-Day Volunteering projects.

What do I wear? 
Great Parks will provide you with a branded uniform shirt, name tag and a hat. Attire is dependent on your role (tan pants, tan shorts or blue jeans). You’ll learn more about this at orientation.

Do I need to track my time? 
Yes! You must record your service hours. This data helps us tell our community partners and potential funders about who we are and what we do.

Can I volunteer with a friend? 
Sure! As long as both of you are park volunteers, you can request to volunteer at the same location. Schedules depend on the needs of the location in which you volunteer, so although there may be many times that you are able to volunteer together, it is not always guaranteed.

If I volunteer at Parky's Farm, will I be able to ride the horses? 
Although it has been described as rewarding and relaxing, volunteering at Parky's Farm is hard work and does not involve riding the horses. Opportunities include caring for the horses, taking care of the stables where they live and assisting with horse shows. If you are interested in learning to ride horses, we welcome you to sign up for upcoming lessons at the Winton Woods Riding Center.