Ways to Get Involved

We're excited you want to be part of our team!

Scroll down to find information about:  Employment Opportunities, Volunteer Opportunities, and the Friends of the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Group.

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Employment Opportunities

The Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex has a variety of seasonal employment opportunities on all of our refuges. From wildland firefighting, to working with visitors and school groups, there are a variety of work experiences at the Complex. Position availability may vary annually with changes in staffing and funding.

Currently Accepting Applications:

ACE (American Conservation Experience) Visitor Services Support Member (we strongly encouraged you to apply before Friday June 28, 2024)

American Conservation Experience (ACE), a non-profit conservation corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking one Visitor Services Support Member to contribute to a variety of visitor services projects alongside Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex Staff. 

  • Start date: September 2024. 
  • Estimated end date: May 2025 (a 34-week minimum commitment is required). 
  • Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $850/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.
  • Housing: ACE members will be accommodated in provided FWS housing at no cost for the duration of the term.
  • Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Fellows serving under this agreement may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service and 640 hours of service (more details in the full position description linked below!).

Click on this link to read the full position overview and duties, including position benefits and qualifications. If you meet 70% or more of the desired qualifications listed, you should apply!

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Volunteer Opportunities

7 volunteers facing camera with sac visitor center in background
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The Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex welcomes volunteers in a variety of areas and on all of our refuges. Individual volunteers must be at least 16 years old (with parental permission). See below for information of the different types of volunteer opportunities, and how to apply. All volunteers will be interviewed and screened to find the right fit for refuge and the volunteer. Field work opportunities for small groups/organizations may be available. Position availability may vary annually with changes in staffing and funding.  

How do I become a volunteer?

  1. Fill out our Volunteer Application  
  2. Submit via email to sacramentovalleyrefuges@fws.gov with the subject line: Volunteer Application. 
  3. More details about volunteer opportunities (listed below) can be found in the Volunteer Application.  Contact Visitor Services staff for more information at sacramentovalleyrefuges@fws.gov or (530) 934-2801

What kinds of things do Volunteers do?

Visitor Services/Interpretation: Our Visitor Services programs provide information, orientation, programs, and opportunities for everyone to enjoy the wildlife and habitats of the refuges. Roles and work can include:

  • Volunteer releases a monarch that is perched on his extended arm
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  • Information Desk/Bookstore (year-round)
  • Interpreter (October-March)
  • Environmental Education/Educator (October-March)
  • Outreach (year-round)
  • Hunt Program Support (August-February)
  • Kiosk Maintenance (year-round)
  • Bird Feeders (year-round)
  • Native Plant Garden
  • Photography

Field/Maintenance Work can include:

  • Facilities Maintenance (year-round)
  • Vehicle and Heavy Equipment Maintenance (year-round)
  • Heavy Equipment Operation (April-October. This requires special training/certification.)

Biology volunteer work can include:

  • Wood duck nest boxes


Other Opportunities to Volunteer:

  • Assist with office duties
  • Maintain trails and plant trees
  • Assist with bird banding, plant studies, and airboat surveys (intermittent opportunities)
  • What unique interests, skills, and talents do you have to offer?

HOUSING for interns and winter residential volunteers

The Complex sometimes has space in the bunkhouse or RV pads (must work at least 3-4 months depending on the position). Limited housing available fall/winter. Available for internships and winter residential volunteers. RV pads have water, electric, and propane; we do not have sewage but do pay to get trailers dumped once per week. Bunkhouse has laundry, a double kitchen, wireless internet, and restrooms available for all residents.

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Friends of the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge

Logo for Friends of the Sacramento NWR showing an illustration of snow geese flying about a marsh and a bald eagle perched in a tree
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The Friends of Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge was formed in early 2020 by a group of individuals passionate about the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex who recognize the importance of the Complex to the region as well as the ongoing need for additional resources. Their mission is to work in partnership with the Sacramento National Wildlife Complex and the public to maintain and expand wildlife observation, education and all forms of recreational opportunities to a broader audience in this important asset of the Central Valley of Northern California.

Find out more about how you can help on their website (www.friendsofsnwr.org), or check out their Facebook and Instagram pages.