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Note: The Eccles Wildlife Education Center is currently at full capacity for volunteers at this time. If you would still like to volunteer, please check back later. Thank you for your interest!
Volunteering at the Eccles Wildlife Education Center
Volunteers at the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Wildlife Education Center help with many of the center's day-to-day activities. You can choose to participate in a variety of positions when you volunteer at the center. Whatever your level of knowledge or capability, you're sure to find a niche here. Training for each position is provided, as needed.
For more information on volunteering at the Eccles Wildlife Education Center, please view the volunteer manual or contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. To apply to be a volunteer, fill out the application form. Please note: All volunteers must pass a background check before their first shift.
Volunteers play a vital role in the day to day operations at EWEC. Please only apply if you can commit to volunteering regularly.
Volunteer positions
Volunteer Naturalist (Field Trip Volunteer)
Availability: We need volunteers to lead and support our guided field trips. You can sign up for a shift on specific dates as your schedule allows. Shifts are typically Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., but may vary depending on needs.
Minimum commitment: Complete at least one shift (4 hours) per season.
Position description: Volunteer naturalists teach and help facilitate field trip activities for elementary and middle school students. You'll learn about and use techniques in non-formal education, which can differ from classroom teaching. Apply for this position if you enjoy working with children and sharing your passion for the natural world with groups of people.
Requirements: Our field trips are almost entirely outdoors. Physical requirements for this position include being able to stand for up to two hours at a time, walk on uneven ground, bend, stoop, lift up to 25 pounds and move a cart containing items weighing up to 50 pounds.
Welcome Host
Availability: Shifts for this position are available Tuesday through Saturday, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Minimum commitment: At least one (4-hour) shift per week.
Position description: Welcome visitors to the Eccles Wildlife Education Center, including sitting at the front desk. Answer visitors' questions in person or over the telephone. Provide information about the Eccles Wildlife Education Center, Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area and surrounding areas. Perform light housekeeping in the Conservation Hall. This position involves the typical physical requirements of an office setting.
Trail Maintenance Volunteer
Availability: Flexible shifts are available any time during open hours.
Minimum commitment: At least one shift per month, hours vary.
Position description: Walk the nature trail and report any significant maintenance needs to the center's staff. Help us keep the nature trail in good condition by pulling weeds, filling holes and performing other light maintenance duties. This position requires standing and walking in both indoor and outdoor settings, in all weather conditions and possibly for extended periods of time on uneven terrain. This position may also involve lifting, bending, twisting, stooping and other physical activities associated with working outdoors.
Facilities Maintenance Volunteer
Availability: Flexible shifts are available any time during open hours.
Minimum commitment: At least one shift per month, hours vary.
Position description: During our open hours, perform light facilities maintenance duties around the center. This may include window washing, spot cleaning, emptying trash cans and similar tasks. This position requires standing and walking in both indoor and outdoor settings, in all weather conditions and possibly for extended periods of time on uneven terrain. This position may also involve lifting, bending, twisting, stooping and other physical activities.
