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Volunteering at the Eccles Wildlife Education Center
Volunteers at the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Wildlife Education Center will get to help with many of the center's day-to-day activities. You can choose to participate in a variety of positions as you volunteer at the center. Whatever your level of knowledge or capability, you'll surely find a niche here. Training for each position will be provided, as needed.
All volunteers will need to pass a background check before their first shift. 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.
Volunteer positions
Volunteer Naturalist (new)
Availability: We need volunteers to lead and support our guided field trips, which we host on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the fall and spring. You can sign up for shifts on specific dates as your schedule allows. Shifts last from approximately 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Minimum commitment: Attend a required two-day training prior to your first field trip season and complete at least one shift (5–7 hours) per season.
Position description: Volunteer naturalists teach and help facilitate field trip activities for elementary and middle school students. You'll learn 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. You may need to teach in inclement weather or extreme temperatures. 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. You must also receive a criminal background check before you can begin volunteering in this position.
Applications: This special volunteer position involves an informal application process. To apply, email a short self-introduction to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. that explains why you're interested in the position. Attaching a resume is helpful but not required. We review applications on a rolling basis in July and August as well as March and April of each year. We will contact you by email if we're able to bring you into the program.
Morning Welcome Host
Availability: Shifts for this position are available Tuesday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. as well as on Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Minimum commitment: At least one (3 or 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.
Afternoon Welcome Host
Availability: Shifts for this position are available Tuesday through Friday from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. as well as on Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Minimum commitment: At least one shift (3.5 or 4 hours) 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.
Field Trip Education Volunteer
Availability: Volunteers are needed to help with school field trip programs. Shifts for this position will be available on Wednesdays or Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. or from noon to 1:30 p.m.
Minimum commitment: At least two shifts (3 hours) per week.
Position description: Directly assist the Programs Specialist by acting as an on-site point of contact for school groups who have made reservations to conduct self-guided field trips. Welcome groups to the center by giving them an overview of the facility and an introduction to their activities. Explain expectations to students. Check out and check in materials for school groups. This position involves the typical physical requirements of an office setting, along with occasional lifting and standing. Some outdoor activities might also be necessary.
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 could also involve lifting, bending, twisting, stooping and other physical activities associated with working in the 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 could 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 could also involve lifting, bending, twisting, stooping and other physical activities.
