Join us in starting 2026 strong
“Your support helps assure our partners there will be no gaps in education funding.”
– Patty Ressler, Executive Director
Volunteer Opportunities
Help us support education and conservation with our public land partners, volunteer today! There are a number of different ways to volunteer, we would like to work with you to find something that matches, your skills and availability. If you are interested in donating your time please fill out the application. Questions contact our volunteer manager: Andrea Fountain: [email protected]
Black Hills National Forest Recreation Support
Pactola Visitor Center Host
The position supports an array of visitor services and related duties at the Pactola Visitor Center, serving as a front-line volunteer to engage the public with meaningful conversations and create memorable visitor experiences. Routine operations include the staffing of an information desk, answering visitor questions, providing directions and orientation of surrounding public lands and private attractions, and responding to calls and information requests.
Recreation and Campground Maintenance
The Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands and the Black Hills National Forest are combining forces in search of volunteers (individual or couple) to provide recreation-related services within Fall River Ranger District, Hot Springs, SD and Hell Canyon Ranger District, Custer, SD. Selection preference will be given to those volunteers who can commit to the whole season or for a longer stay between May 1st to September 30th – with the possibility of staying into October. Selected volunteers will be provided a full-service site at Fall River Ranger District with water, electric, and septic hookup, for the duration of their services. Our preferred days are Thursday through Monday from 8am to 4:30pm with Tuesday and Wednesday off. Selectees will be able to negotiate Days and Hours for example: 8 hours/day for 5 days or 10 hours/day for 4 days a week. Communication and supervision of the volunteer(s) will be with the district staff for the designated services
Program & Event Support
Volunteers will support BHPFA instructors at programs and events
Job Duties:
- Welcoming attendees at sign in table
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- Talking to the public about BHPFA’s mission and programs
- Taking registration/donation funds
- Helping with the waiver process
- Talking to the public about BHPFA’s mission and programs
- Supporting instructors with crowd management
- Support safety on guided hikes
- Help answer participant questions during the program
Requirements:
- Attend Volunteer Training
- Wear nametag and BHPFA logo gear while on duty
Wind Cave National Park Ambassador
Location: Wind Cave National Park
Job Duties:
- Provide a presence on select trails at Wind Cave National Park
- Gather data on trail conditions and use
- Provide information to the public that helps build awareness around responsible public land use, Wind Cave National Park’s trail rules, and the importance of wildlife habitat.
- Provide useful information to visitors about trail access, trail routes, and directions and any other questions about visiting area public lands.
Requirements:
- Attend Wind Cave National Park staff training in May (dates TBD)
- Minimum volunteer hour requirements 8 hours per month from June- September
- Uniform is provided and must be worn when on duty
Wind Cave National Park Front Desk Greeter
Location: Wind Cave National Park
Job Duties:
- Assist Wind Cave National Park staff in providing customer service to visitors at the visitor center
- Provide information to the public that helps build awareness around responsible public land use, Wind Cave National Park’s trail rules, and the importance of wildlife habitat.
- Provide information about cave tours, trail access, trail routes, and directions and any other questions about visiting area public lands.
Requirements:
- Attend Wind Cave National Park staff training in May (dates TBD)
- Minimum volunteer hour requirements 8 hours per month from June- September
- Uniform is provided and must be worn when on duty
South Dakota Volunteer Naturalist Training
BHPFA serves on the executive planning committee for the South Dakota Volunteer Naturalist Program (SDVN). SDVN is an adult conservation and environmental education program that combines indoor presentations and hands-on field experiences to teach conservation volunteers about South Dakota’s natural resources. Volunteer Naturalists are dedicated natural resource conservation volunteers who provide service through a variety of skill sets.
- Applications for the 2026 cohort are now open! Click here!
- 2026 Cohort class begins on 3/3/2026
Other opportunities
BHPFA Board Members and Committee Members
We are always looking for enthusiastic and passionate people who share our values to serve on our board of directors or to support the education and finance committees. If you are interested in learning more please contact Patty Ressler: [email protected]
Wilderness Volunteers has been providing affordable and meaningful volunteer service opportunities that conserve and protect America’s wild lands since 1997. In 2024 they will be conducting a project with our partner Nebraska National Forest to rebuild a polliantor garden. Learn more here!
Opportunities are updated regularly, if you if you have a way that you would like to volunteer that is not listed please reach out to Andrea: [email protected]
