Environmental Education Volunteering
Make a Difference by Volunteering
Become an Environmental Learning Unit volunteer and guide the community in exploration of Seattle parklands and assist visitors at destination parks.
Volunteers, develop skills in customer service, public speaking, working with and teaching youth, guiding tours for families, and much more. In addition, we are looking for volunteers to to support the environmental education programs with related office tasks. Please scroll down to the volunteer positions that speak to you.
Please note that all volunteers must agree to a Washington State Patrol background check.
Seattle Urban Nature Guides
Spring enrollment is open NOW! Apply for the 2024 spring training program
Seattle Urban Nature Guides enhance, promote and foster appreciation of nature by connecting families and students with their Seattle parklands, and providing educational opportunities for all.
As a Seattle Urban Nature Guide, you will:
- Learn valuable job skills including communication, public speaking, teamwork, and teaching techniques.
- Receive FREE training on environmental education techniques and equity concepts to connect with a wide variety of audiences
- Lead hands on learning experiences in a variety of settings from playgrounds to beaches.
We are now accepting applications for the Seattle Urban Nature Guide Spring Training 2024! To learn more about the program, please review the Seattle Urban Nature Guide position description.
Review the training schedule to ensure you can attend ALL sessions. 2024 Spring Training Schedule
Submit your application! (Due March 15, 2024)
Questions? Please email PKSNatureFieldTrips@seattle.gov for more information.
Salmon Stewards
The Salmon Steward program occurs annually in the fall, when chum salmon return to their spawning grounds in Carkeek Park. Training occurs mid-October, with on-site volunteer shifts available on Saturdays and Sundays in November and early December. The Salmon Stewards program is a partnership between Seattle Public Utilities and Seattle Parks and Recreation.
Our volunteer application typically opens in August/September. Please check back for updates for this year's volunteer cohort.
For questions about the program, you may contact Nicole Parish-Andrews at nicole.parish-andrews@seattle.gov
Discovery Park Visitor Center Ambassador
Every year, over 40,000 people visit the Discovery Park Visitor Center. We’re a busy site! Some are locals and many are people visiting Seattle for the first time.
Volunteers are needed to:
- Give trail recommendations to visitors
- Sign out parking passes
- Help create and maintain Visitor Center displays
- Discovery Room – print/copy coloring sheets, help upkeep and tidying when center is busy
- Help front desk staff occasionally with light admin work, (paper shredding, folding brochures, data entry)
- Support gift shop by restocking, inventory, setting up displays
- Create social media content
- Other projects as assigned
Time commitment: 4 hours per month. Flexible, can be a regular schedule or as available.
Location: Discovery Park Visitor Center, 3801 Discovery Park Blvd., Seattle, WA. 98199
Service Days and Hours: Flexible. Greatest need is on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Contact: Discovery.Park@seattle.gov