Volunteer
Volunteer with Clermont County Parks! Whether you want to get outside and get your hands dirty, connect with the community through outreach and environmental education, or donate your time to organizational tasks, we have a space for you. Volunteer as an individual by registering and attending an orientation.
Questions? Email Head Naturalist Robin Green at rgreen@clermontcountyohio.gov.
Long-Term Volunteers
Interested in being a Clermont County Parks volunteer? We’d love for you to join us!
First, check out the list of volunteer opportunities below to see what volunteer role(s) appeal to you.
After that, create an account and apply at our Volunteer Impact Page (VIP) by clicking the "Get Started" button below. The VIP page is where you will find volunteer opportunities, log your hours and keep up with park news.
Lastly, wait for staff will to contact you! You'll attend an orientation (lasting 30-45 minutes) at our administrative offices. Here you’ll learn more about the park, our volunteer program and receive a volunteer t-shirt. After you attend the orientation and pass any needed background checks, you will be able to start volunteering!
Volunteer Requirements
All volunteers must fill out a application and waiver to get started. You must be 14 years of age and pass a general background check (18 and over) and must attend an information session to get started. All are expected to exhibit respect for other volunteers, employees and park guests, regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religious status, age or ability.
Recording Hours
Volunteers will be asked to record hours for any work that they do to benefit Clermont County Parks, including drive time to and from their volunteer role. This helps the park district to evaluate programming and outreach, and also helps to secure grant funding for future programming.
Volunteer Benefits
- At your volunteer orientations, recieve a free logoed park volunteer shirt.
- At 10 hours logged, you'll recieve a volunteer name tag.
- At 30 Hours logged, you’ll receive a wide brim or baseball volunteer cap.
- After 60 hours logged, you'll enjoy a voucher for a free shelter rental from Monday-Friday, from the date of voucher.
- Annual Recognition Dinner for all volunteers in January.
- Park experience for those looking to go into the field.
- A great way to get involved and to meet new people.
Available Volunteer Roles
Chilo Lock #34 and River Museum volunteers
Do you have a passion for history and educational outreach? Volunteer to be docent at the Chilo River Museum! You'll help to greet guests and share information about the museum, in addition to assisting with onsite naturalist programs. Two-hour shifts are available to allow park staff to break from the museum in order to share programming with park guests. Share your love for education and history at a beautiful setting on the Ohio River!
Hike Leaders
Lead or co-lead walks on paved trails as part of our Walk and Talks, or guide nature hikes in our parks.
As a hike leader, you’ll be the point-person for the hikes, taking them on the trails, setting the pace and encouraging conversation. Some hike volunteers may be able to lead themed hikes based on areas of expertise.
Naturalist Program Assistant
Do you enjoy connecting the community with the nature? Our naturalist team is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to be an extra set of hands at our summer camps, in-park programming and nature play days. Duties include helping to set up/take down activities, registering guests, engaging guests in nature exploration and supervision in experiential programs, such as hiking and creek play. Training provided.
Forest Stewards
Be a part of a team that has a passion for restoring and maintaining the natural areas within the park district. If you enjoy being outdoors and find satisfaction in taking action in improving local habitats, this volunteer role is for you! Opportunities include invasive plant removal, tree plantings, pollinator plot installations, trail upkeep and more. Attend twice monthly and other special conservation projects that fit your schedule. Training provided through hands-on work days.
Outreach and Events Team
Attend festivals, events and fairs and spread the good word about Clermont County Parks! Volunteers are needed that enjoy interacting with the public at events, and are comfortable engaging in dialogue to help spread the mission, opportunities available and the direction that the park is heading. These volunteers might also assist with registration, refreshments and miscellaneous duties at special volunteeer days and events, such as the annual Pancake Breakfast, Fishing Derby and more.
Adopt-a-Trail
Adopt-a-Trail volunteers are the eyes and ears on their adopted trails. Duties will include checking for downed trees or other trail obstructions, particularly after storm events, as well as cutting back branches and other obstructions. They will also clear trail drainages. Park tools can be used, or volunteer can use their own loppers, clippers and rogue hoes. Volunteers are not permitted to use personal chainsaws. Volunteers will submit a monthly trail report. Training is provided.
Bluebird Box Monitor
Join our new bluebird box monitoring program! This is an independent role done on your time. Volunteers will hike our bluebird box trails to collect nesting data for our Natural Resources department. Short training required.
