Volunteer Opportunity

Volunteer Ranger Corps

Application or Registration Deadline: 05/17/2024
Opportunity Type: Ongoing Volunteer Opportunity
Department: Parks & Open Space
Category: Open Space, Environment, and Gardening
Time Commitment & Minimum Age: Volunteers are required to patrol 24 hours annually and commit to participate in program for at least two consecutive years. Must be 18 years or older.
Location:

Location varies based on activity. Visit boco.org/trails for a complete list of trails that volunteers are asked to visit.

Program Summary:

The Volunteer Ranger Corps (VRC) is a volunteer program designed for individuals with an interest in giving back to the community while enjoying time in the beautiful parks and on the trails of Boulder County, as well as those considering careers as a community educator, park ranger, or other natural resource related fields.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Park Patrol

  • Hike, bike, run, or ride a horse at Boulder County’s scenic open spaces and provide park visitors with information about a park’s history, plants, wildlife, recreational opportunities, facilities, and regulations.
  • Hike the trails with your dog and share information with other dog owners on the trail about proper dog etiquette and safety (additional training required).
  • Report any trail, resource, visitor, and wildlife issues identified in the field.
  • Collect visitor data (observational).

Special Assignments

  • Assist with public outreach such as festivals, special events, and trailhead displays.
  • Help with visitor studies.
  • Participate in role playing trainings such as search and rescue, emergency response, visitor contacts, and law enforcement scenarios.
  • Assist staff with natural resource monitoring, park closures, and work projects.
Qualifications and Requirements:
  • Patrol at least 24 hours annually
  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Ability to work outdoors hiking, mountain biking, running, or horseback riding on trails
  • Comfortable initiating conversations
  • Attend required training
  • Web access required for scheduling and to record volunteer hours
  • Commit to participate in program for at least two consecutive years
  • Abide by all open space rules and regulations, and set an example for other park visitors
  • Must have personal transportation
  • Pass background check

Benefits

  • Opportunity to participate in advanced training sessions and field trips
  • Opportunity to meet and work with people with similar interests
  • Network with land management professionals
Training Dates and Information:

Training will take place on Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

If you cannot attend this required two-day training, please sign up for our monthly newsletter to receive information about other upcoming volunteer opportunities.

Contact:

For more information, contact Michelle Marotti at mmarotti@bouldercounty.gov or 303-678-6219.

Application Process:

Apply Now

Applications are accepted through Discover Boulder County, Parks & Open Space’s volunteer management system. If you’re new to the system, you’ll need to create an account. But it’s easy and we only use your contact information to communicate about events you register for. We will never sell or give your information to a third party.

If you are an existing Parks & Open Space volunteer, please contact Michelle Marotti and let her know you would like to apply for the volunteer opportunity.