Discover Volunteer Roles at Montana State Parks with FWP
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) is seeking volunteers for various roles in state parks across Montana. Enthusiasts who enjoy the outdoors and meeting new people are encouraged to participate. Last year, volunteers contributed over 33,000 hours to state parks and fishing access points.
Volunteer Contributions in Montana
According to FWP’s annual volunteer service report, campground hosts delivered the majority of volunteer hours. These positions are vital for enhancing the visitor experience in Montana’s scenic locations.
Popular Volunteer Roles
- Campground hosts
- Ground maintenance crew members
- Visitor center attendants
Beth Shumate, assistant division administrator for FWP’s Parks and Outdoor Recreation division, emphasized the importance of volunteers. “Their steady presence transforms beautiful sites into welcoming spaces,” she stated.
High Demand for Campground Hosts
Campground host positions, particularly in high-traffic areas like Flathead State Park and Whitefish Lake State Park, often attract many applicants. Duane Schlabach, FWP’s AmeriCorps program manager, noted that these roles frequently have waiting lists.
Areas with Volunteer Needs
Despite the interest in popular parks, volunteer numbers in certain regions are declining. This is happening even as visitor numbers continue to rise. FWP is actively looking for volunteers for:
- Visitor center roles
- Park naturalists
- Special events and project assistance
Getting Involved
For those interested in volunteering, roles are available on FWP’s website and job boards like KamperJobs and WorKamper. Individuals can also reach out to local FWP offices for more information.
Encouraging volunteerism is essential, and Schlabach shared a powerful quote from Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
