GOVERNMENT VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS

There is always pressure on government programs to control expenditures. As a result, many agencies rely on volunteers to provide service and work. Usually the only jobs not available to volunteers are those dealing with law enforcement. In addition to hands-on field work, volunteers typically act as "goodwill ambassadors," spreading the word about all the good work being done by that particular agency. This in turn helps to further shape the quality of the services provided by the agency's programs.

There are other benefits too. As Joe Mantione, who works full-time for the National Park Service, recalls, "Most of my peers started out as either volunteers or interns and then came on as seasonal rangers, or worked temporary paid positions of various types."

Volunteer work can be found in both large and small federal and state agencies. As you work side-by-side with full-time employees, you can learn new skills as well as sharpen your old ones. Take advantage of this as a way in the door.

The governmental volunteer programs included in our guide are as follows:

• U.S. Forest Service Volunteer Program
• National Park Service Volunteer Program
• Bureau of Land Management Volunteer Program
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Volunteer Program

National Forest Volunteer Jobs >>>