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Overview: Abilene State Park is seeking friendly faces to assist our headquarters staff. Volunteers will be responsible for providing excellent customer service to park visitors, collecting fees, checking in campers, and selling park store merchandise. Duties also include performing light cleaning and organizational duties. Requirements: HQ volunteers are required on the weekends and must commit to volunteering for at least 6 hours a month. A criminal background check (at no cost to you) and knowledge of computers are required. Must pass a fiscal control test before being allowed to operate a cash drawer. Volunteers must also be willing to wear a provided uniform shirt and be comfortable handling money. Benefits: This is a great opportunity for those who are seeking employment with Texas State Parks, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, or just want to get out of the house. Contact the park at 325-572-3204 and ask for John Bell if you have any questions or if you would like assistance applying.
Program: Abilene State Park
Contact Person: John Bell
Contact Phone: (325) 352-6154
Click here for details or to sign up
The Friends of Abilene State Park is a 501(c)(3) non-profit volunteer group that helps support the park through fundraising and outreach. Members assist with park events, educational programs, fundraising, and community outreach. All funds raised go directly back into supporting the park. Volunteer opportunities include:* Become a Board Member* Conduct educational programs to the public* Kayak/paddle/life vest cleaning and upkeep* Table at outreach events in the community* Assist with special events in the park* Attend free trainings offered by TPWD* Help with trail maintenance Meetings are held at the Abilene Public Library - South Branch (located inside Mall of Abilene) at 6:30PM on the 3rd Tuesday of each month, except for July and August. To become a member:Click the sign up button and make your volunteer profile. A Friends Board Member will email you with more information. Annual Membership Dues:Individual - $15Family - $25Students - $10; may also be obtained through volunteer hoursSponsorship - $100Let's be Friends!
Contact Person: Candyce Johnson
Contact Phone: (325) 267-4871
If this is your first time volunteering, this position is a great way to find out what area of the park you like best. Education, maintenance, customer service, outreach, conservation, or a combination of these are potential areas for you to explore. We'll chat with you to find out what you're most interested in when it comes to your volunteer time and experience. Requirements: We will perform a criminal background check (at no cost to you). Must be able to lift at least 40 lbs. Very likely that you will need to stand for long periods of time and walk at least a mile.
Overview: Interpretive volunteers provide quality educational programs to park visitors, including families and school groups. Interpretive programs are mostly done on the weekend, except for school field trips that are held during the week. There will also be opportunities to assist with outdoor educational events such as archery, fishing, and geocaching. On-site interpretive training will be provided. Volunteers start out assisting a Park Interpreter or Master Naturalist with programs and can work their way up to designing and leading their own programs if they chose.Requirements: A criminal background check is required (at no cost to you). You must be able to walk/hike trail for 1-2 hours at a time. Benefits: This is a great opportunity for those seeking employment with Texas Parks and Wildlife, want to improve their public speaking skills, or wish to gain informal education experience. Contact the park at 325-572-3204 and ask for John Bell if you have any questions or if you would like assistance applying.
Overview: Maintenance volunteers assist Park Rangers with facilities and grounds maintenance by mowing grass, performing trail maintenance, and assisting with other park projects as needed. Due to a limited number of vehicles being available, you may be required to drive your own to complete duties.Requirements: A criminal background check is required (at no cost to you). You must be able to lift at least 40 pounds and show proficiency in operating various equipment, including weed eaters, zero-turn mowers, and leaf blowers. Position also requires standing for long periods of time, carrying, and walking.Benefits: This is a great opportunity for those seeking employment with Texas Parks and Wildlife to gain experience. It's also great for those who like to work with their hands and want to spend more time outside.
Park Hosts assist park staff with various duties that include but are not limited to: trash pickup, fire-ring maintenance, minor construction projects, vehicle repair, assisting with schools groups, special events, and interpretive programs, working the concession stand at our pool and collecting fees at our headquarters. Park Hosts work a minimum of 24 hours a week for individuals and 30 hours for couples. A Criminal Background Check is required. All of our sites are 30 & 50amp.
NOTE: ABKSNA does not have Park Host opportunities at this time.Position: Volunteer Site AssistantsResponsibilities: Various plant and animal surveys, fence repair, brush clearing, site cleanup, program development, outreach events, grounds maintenance, preparations for future public opening of site.Requirements: Attend required orientation training and safety training, and pass criminal background check.Desired Qualifications: Commitment to conserving and managing natural/cultural resources, use of various tools and equipment, comfortable speaking with public, natural/cultural history knowledge, support for TPWD's mission.Time Required: Open
Program: Albert and Bessie Kronkosky State Natural Area
Contact Person: Amanda Zumwalt
Contact Phone: (830) 398-2354
In exchange for 24-32 hours per week, Park Hosts are provided with a 50 amp sewer, water and electric campsite. Duties include campground and day use maintenance, restrooms, special projects, trail maintenance and customer service. Duties dependant upon the current park needs and skills of the volunteer. Background Check Required.
Program: Atlanta State Park
Contact Person: Kayla Williams
Contact Phone: (903) 796-6476
Pool/Spring cleaning will be on April 27th to May 1st, 2026. Volunteers will assist with scraping, shoveling, and power washing algae out of the pool. Will help paint areas/stain fence that need to be painted/stained, clean bath houses, trash removal, netting fish, weed eating, cutting reeds, and replace picnic tables. Will be working outdoors, even if there is inclement weather. The hours may vary.Required:Applicant must be at least 18 yrs. and must be able to pass a criminal back ground check.Thank You for your interest in volunteering for Texas State Parks!!
Program: Balmorhea State Park
Contact Person: Michelle Hernandez
Contact Phone: (432) 375-2370
Volunteer will remove dead plants, water, trim, and make sure that the park plants are healthy and groomed. Must have experience in gardening and/or landscaping. Must also have adequate knowledge of desert plants that are native to and non-native to the Chihuahuan Desert.Required:-Applicant must be at least 18 yrs. -Must be able to pass a criminal background check
Basic duties may include: campground checks, janitorial duties, roving patrol in pool area, light maintenance, customer service, supporting office staff, assisting after-hours check-ins, etc. 32 hrs/week/couple, 24 hrs/week/individual. Work days/shifts may vary but can usually be tailored to park host's schedules.Help our team steward and protect this unique Texas State Park for use today and by future generations. You can spend time in a beautiful place while assisting the park with critical operations. Volunteers are our greatest natural resource!To meet our business needs, we are looking for park hosts who can go beyond basic campground duties to contribute in one of the following areas:- carpentry skills- masonry skills- front desk duties- interpretation (leading engaging walks and talks and tours)Requirements: Must be 18 or over. Pass a Criminal Background Check, provided references, and examples of carpentry/masonry work. Important Notes: Balmorhea State park is located in a remote area. Cellular coverage can be limited however, Verizon wireless works well in the park. Park hours are from 8AM till 7:30PM, most of the Park Host shifts will take place in the later hours of the afternoon through the evening. The park will offer laundry facilities for Park Hosts to use in the near future.
Volunteer will assist in interpretive programs such as school groups, public programs, or special events that occur within the park. Sharing information of the State Park's history, plants, and wildlife while interacting with the public.
Tasks will vary. Hosts will assist with day-to-day operations including visitor services, maintenance, facility clean-up, special events and other duties as needed. Tasks will be tailored to suit the skills and interests of each volunteer.
Program: Barton Warnock Visitor Center
Contact Person: Omar Udave
Contact Phone: (432) 424-3327
Under the direction of park staff, the volunteer performs general facilities maintenance and assists with special events. Housing is not provided.
Looking for regular volunteer opportunities at Bastrop and Buescher State Parks? Want to be a part of something meaningful and become a steward of some of the most beautiful land Texas has to offer? Join the Lost Pines Liaisons!As part of the Lost Pines Liaisons (LPL), you'll have access to an abundance of volunteer opportunities, such as interpretive education programs, visitor center staffing, trail maintenance, natural resource projects and much more. We'll also hold uniform graduations, distribute service pins, and host volunteer appreciation parties.Perfect for high school and college students looking for experience and volunteering hours, adults looking for opportunities to get outside, or anyone with a passion for Texas State Parks and a desire to give back. The Lost Pines Liaisons requires a commitment of 48 hours of volunteer service annually.LPL orientation will take place on Saturday February 21st (mandatory) with specialized interpretive and natural resource trainings taking place the following weekends. Orientation and trainings count toward volunteer hours. This is a brand-new club; become a founding member and be a part of something great!
Program: Bastrop State Park
Contact Person: Jacob Wallace
Contact Phone: (737) 352-7839
Looking for regular volunteer opportunities at Bastrop and Buescher State Parks? Want to be a part of something meaningful and become a steward some of the most beautiful land Texas has to offer? Join the Lost Pines Liaisons!As part of the Lost Pines Liaisons (LPL), you'll have access to volunteer opportunities not available to the general public, such as interpretive education programs, visitor center staffing, trail maintenance, natural resource projects and much more. We'll also hold uniform graduations, distribute exclusive service pins, have LPL appreciation parties and other perks.Perfect for high school and college students looking for experience and volunteering hours, adults looking for opportunities to get outside, or anyone with a passion for Texas State Parks and desire to give back.The Lost Pines Liaisons is a membership-based volunteer club; the only thing we ask for you to maintain membership is for you to serve 48 hours annually.LPL orientation will take place on Saturday February 21st (mandatory) with specialized interpretive and natural resource trainings taking place the following weekends. Orientation and trainings count toward volunteer hours.This is a brand-new club; become a founding member and be a part of something great!
Program: Buescher State Park
Interpretive Center Docents Needed! The Historic Golf Shelter finally has it's exhibits in place and is open for visitors to enjoy! As an Interpretive Center Docent, you will be the friendly face that greets visitors as they come in the door, briefly explain the lay out of the interpretive center, be there to answer any questions they may have and guide their park visit by suggesting trails and sites to visit. Do not sign up for a shift until you have gone through the Interpretive Center Training.After you've received training, you can sign up for a shift. Each shift is 2 hrs in length. If you'd like to sign up for multiple shifts in a row, feel free to! If you miss the training date and would still like to volunteer, please email madalyn.miller@tpwd.texas.govYou will shadow a trained volunteer for three shifts; one opening shift, one middle shift, and one closing shift. If you feel comfortable with the duties after the three shadowing shifts, you can sign up for a shift on your own.
Contact Person: Madalyn Miller
Contact Phone: (512) 718-0211
2025/2026 - Openings for months of October 2025 through December 2026. (minimum 3, maximum 6 month stay).
Come join our team and experience life beneath the pines at Bastrop State Park! Spend a season in the scenic Lost Pines of Bastrop and help contribute to your Texas State Parks. Willing and eager with a can-do attitude? Then we want you! Bastrop State Park is looking for motivated couples or individuals to come enjoy the wonderful smell of loblolly pines while helping our superior park staff with daily park needs. Park Hosts assist in many aspects of park operations from maintenance, cleaning, visitor assistance, and interpretive programming.Ideal team members will have a positive and friendly attitude, a willingness to interact with visitors, good communication skills, and be capable of being flexible. The host position is for 3 to 6 months and requires at least 25 hours of volunteer work per week. In exchange for those hours we will provide you with a full hookup site (50 amp) at no charge! We also provide access to a washer and dryer facility. Also enjoy wonderful shopping and dining experiences in historic downtown Bastrop, which is only a five minute drive away from the park. Nearby cities of Austin, Houston and San Antonio provide additional day off opportunities! Duties of the Park Host Required:
- Clean and maintain bathrooms - Oversee and maintain assigned campground loop, including but not limited to, trash pick-up of entire loop, clean out fire rings, mow/weed-eat entire camping loop, remove weeds from tent pads - Assist with historic CCC cabin cleaning - Assist visitorsOther duties include but are not limited to:- Assist with park grounds maintenance - Assist with Interpretive tours/hikes and programs- Assist with miscellaneous tasks, projects and programs.Minimum 25 hours a week with days off mainly on days other than weekends as assigned by park management needs. Must be willing and capable of cleaning bathrooms and occasionally helping with cabins. Applicants need to be available at least 3 consecutive months and will have the option to stay up to 6 months.Must be at least 18 years old and must pass a criminal background check
New Volunteers must sign up for the Tree Inventory Training on April 15 and April 25th, 2026. You cannot sign up for Tree Inventory shifts until you go to the Tree Inventory Training Event. Scroll down to April 15th and April 25th and click the blue "sign up" button. Participants will learn how to collect data for our Forest Inventory as part of our Forest Management plan. There will be a classroom portion with background, instructions, tree ID, and how the information is used. Then we will go into the field and do a few plots to familiarize everyone with the process. Volunteer Tree Inventory events will consist of a crew of 3 to 4 volunteers at a time for 4 hours shifts.Training Day - What to Expect: April 15th 6:30-8:30 PM: Power point instruction/lecture inside the Meeting Room at Bastrop State Park.April 25th 9-11 AM: Field training. Be prepared to be outdoors hiking through areas of the forest that have thick vegetation with no trails. At the training volunteers will learn the history of forest management in the park. They'll learn why tree inventory is important, what we learn from the data and how to gather the data. In the field we will learn to navigate to inventory areas with GPS and conduct an hour or two of tree inventories so that everyone gets good hands on training. After this training volunteers should be able to conduct Tree Inventories with out a staff member present. After the training volunteers are expected to sign up for 2 or more inventory events a month.Bring: Sack lunch, snacks, bottled water, note pad and writing utensil, sun and bug protection. Wear weather appropriate clothing, close toed shoes, pants, long sleeve recommended. *Recommended for able bodied persons as inventory takes place in thick vegetation, off trails, and can require miles of hiking through very uneven terrain with lots of tripping hazards.Field Duties Include: Conditions during field training and during all other tree inventory volunteer events: Outdoors, off trail, through forest vegetation/thick vegetation, uneven terrain, hazardous plants in some areas. Volunteers need to be able to hike 4 to 5 miles off trail, hiking over downed tree logs, through thick brush, up hills, possibly down ravines, watching for stump holes/vines/hazardous vegetation and other hazards.Required Qualifications: Must have gone to the Tree Inventory Classroom Training on Wednesday April 15th as well as the Tree Inventory Field Training on April 25th before signing up for shifts.Time Commitment: Minimum of signing up for two shifts a month. One shift is 4 hours long. These tree inventories will be going on all year. Time slots every Saturday and Sunday morning/afternoons. Shifts will be 4 hours in the morning and 4 hours in the afternoon.
Do you love wildlife viewing? Are you curious about local wildlife? Ever wanted to be a scientist? If you said yes to any of these questions, this opportunity may be perfect for you!Major Duties:·Assist the park with the gathering and/or processing of data for various citizen science projects such as: Hawk Watch, Christmas Bird Count, or other organized projects. ·Represent TPWD State Parks in a positive manner and supplement the work of park staff.·Provide general information and assistance to park visitors.Requirements:·Must be able to learn and follow project protocols.·Must be able to work both in and outdoors.·Must be willing to greet and interact with the public in a professional manner.·Knowledge and/or interest in park's natural and cultural resources and/or willingness to continue learning.Time Commitment: Varies by project (Hawk Watch: Minimum of one 2-3 hour shift per week during March / April and/or Sep./ Oct.)Benefits:·Contribution to scientific research.·Knowledge that you are stewarding and protecting Texas State Parks for use today and by future generations.·Training in interpretation and access to resources and tools to continue to learn about the dynamic natural and cultural resources of the park.Contact: Volunteer Coordinator T.C. Riddle, (956) 584-9156, thomas.riddle@tpwd.texas.gov
Program: Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park
Contact Person: Thomas Riddle
Contact Phone: (956) 584-9156
