‘Tis the season….to apply for 2026 seasonal jobs & volunteer opportunities in the outdoors
Sure, with all of the winter rains, summer feels far away, but many Lower Columbia Nature Network partners and regional colleagues are planning ahead. And they would like you to join them! Many regional and statewide partners are starting to post summer and seasonal jobs for 2026 for internships, youth employment and career / skills training, as well as volunteer opportunities. We would like to connect you to your next experience outdoors!
The LCNN started compiling listings for upcoming opportunities on our Service Skills and Internship web page. Check out this page all-year round for one-time opportunities or seasonal roles. Many of our cities, county, and non-profit partners are pulling together a wide variety of positions to introduce you to “green,” environmental and outdoor positions. Listed here are just some of the roles, but keep tabs on our web page, for more as they become available:
Volunteer opportunities - want to learn more about WTA before applying for a crew? Join a work party and talk with the crew leads. There are a wide range of opportunities HERE.
Trail Crew Leader - to lead single and multiday volunteer trail work parties in various locations around the state. The Trail Crew Leader will work in both frontcountry and backcountry locations and will focus on a broad range of trail projects including annual maintenance, new trail construction, logout and construction of trail structures.
USDA U.S. Forest Service
There are so many opportunities to support the USDA Forest Service for youth and young adults. Visit their career page (shown to the right) HERE.
The Forest Service also accepts support from volunteers, both within the Service and with many of their partner non-profit agencies. Visit this WEB PAGE for more information and connections for volunteer opportunities (volunteer.gov).
National Park Service
There are a wide range of volunteer opportunities to get hands-on experience working in our national parks and historical sites, both locally and regionally, including:
Fort Vancouver NHS gardener - Garden volunteers will help to plant and maintain the interpretive garden, as well as the beds in front of the Chief Factors House inside of the reconstructed fort.
Visitor Services and Interpretation - support operations and public programming at all of the park’s visitor contact stations including the reconstructed Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) fort, Pearson Air Museum, and the park Visitor Center in Vancouver, WA (other living history volunteers are needed, as well, visit their website for specific listings)
Campground Hosts - there are several campgrounds across Washington (and the country) that need campground hosts and volunteer visitor services hosts this coming summer. Check out specific locations for more information.
Mt. St. Helen’s Institute
Volcano Naturalist Program - The 2026 program will run from February 3rd - April 28th. The program will be held virtually on Zoom, along with three optional in-person field trips.
Volunteer Opportunities - Do you want to volunteer on Mt. St. Helen’s? Mt. St. Helen’s Institute supports:
Clark County Public Works
Master Composter Recycler training 2026 - Wednesdays 1/28/2026 – 3/18/2026 from 6:00–8:00pm. Inspiring a greener future by sharing knowledge: Join others with a passion for sustainability and help make a difference in our community as a Certified Composter Recycler volunteer! Learn about composting, green cleaning and sustainable living during this no-cost training course. Help educate others at community events and workshops.
