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
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.
Applications for the Seattle Urban Nature Guide program are currently closed. We will be accepting applications for the 2024 Spring Training in late winter; watch this page for details then.
Contact
Penny Rose
Public Education Program Specialist
(206) 507-9675
penny.rose@seattle.gov
Office Assistant
Provide support for various projects at the Discovery Park Visitor Center. Training provided. An office assistant will work on:
- Prop development
- Database data entry
- Library management tasks
- File management tasks
- Create social media content
- Other projects as assigned
Location: Discovery Park Visitor Center, 3801 Discovery Park Blvd., Seattle
Service Days and Hours: Flexible
Contact: Discovery.Park@seattle.gov
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
Visitor Center Volunteers
On busy days, Discovery Park Visitor Center can receive hundreds of visitors. We are looking for volunteers to greet, welcome and orient new park visitors. As a Visitor Center Volunteer, you can expect to give hiking trail recommendations and directions to points of interest throughout the park; sign out beach parking passes; post program posters; and assist the front desk staff with other Visitor Center projects.
Location: Discovery Park Visitor Center, 3801 Discovery Park Blvd., Seattle, WA. 98199
Service Days and Hours: Flexible. Greatest need are Friday, Saturday and Sundays.
Contact: Discovery.Park@seattle.gov