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 and email it to Andrea Fountain: bhpf@blackhillsparks.org

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 2025 cohort open 12/2/24
  • 2025 Cohort class begins on 3/4/2025
A group of people on a guided hike. It is spring, there are ponderosa pine trees and green grass, with large puffy clouds in the sky. The instructor is a female wearing a tan hat, with a navy blue jacket

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: pressler@blackhillsparks.org

Wilderness Volunteers

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: bhpf@blackhillsparks.org