Volunteer Opportunities
Washoe County Parks has an established volunteer program providing hands-on opportunities to assist in keeping our parks clean, attractive, and safe for everyone to enjoy. There is something for almost everyone!
Contact Info: Denise Evans, Parks Volunteer Coordinator, devans@washoecounty.gov
Group Volunteering
Many of the larger scale projects tackled by Washoe County Parks staff could not be completed without the help of a volunteer group. Whether you are part of a neighborhood association, civic group, faith-based organization, service organization, school group, business or other community organization - we can use your help! We will do our best to work with your schedule and abilities at a location that is convenient for you. Our staff will work closely with you to provide direction and will provide all of the necessary supplies, tools, and safety equipment needed to get the job done. Already have a project in mind or would like to make a donation towards supplies? Please let us know!
Volunteer Opportunities for Individuals
- Rancho San Rafael Park - Nevada Farms and Families Area Volunteer - Opportunities vary from working with the public to general park maintenance, even helping to take care of our resident turkeys and chickens! Learn more specifics about volunteering in this somewhat hidden gem of Rancho San Rafael Park at the Nevada Farms and Families volunteer page.
- Hive Recreational Facility Volunteer - Help to supervise basketball and/or pickleball open gym and assist in opening and closing the building. These volunteers are vital to keeping the Hive open. Learn more about the Hive at Lazy 5 Regional Park.
- Lazy 5 Music Series Event Assistant - This concert series takes place every Wednesday night from mid June to mid August, and volunteers are needed to help the event run smoothly.
Park Ranger Aide - Work under the direction of a park ranger to perform general park beautification and maintenance. Tasks may include litter picking, weeding, pruning, and more. Let us know if you have a special skill that you would like to apply! Opportunities exist in many of our parks.- Trail Monitor - Work independently to monitor the condition of the trails and report your findings back to parks staff.
- Litter Picker - Work independently to pick up litter while enjoying your normal activities in Washoe County Parks. Keeping a log of your hours while doing this can help us with grant funding!
- Arboretum Volunteer - Gardening volunteers work under the direction of the Horticulturist on deadheading, weeding, pruning, planting, watering, and more. Prior gardening experience required. Learn more about this and other volunteer opportunities at the Wilbur D. May Arboretum on the Arboretum volunteer page.
- Visitor Center Hosts and Trail Guides at the Galena Creek Visitor Center.
Community Cleanups
Washoe County Parks partner with Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful (KTMB) for several community cleanups throughout the year including the Great Community Cleanup in Spring and the Truckee River Cleanup in late September. Visit KTMB.org/volunteer for dates and to sign up!
Adopt-A-Spot
Adopt-A-Spot (parks, open space, sections of the river, roadways) is a program that lets you take an active roll in the ongoing care of the particular site of your choosing. Projects can range from simple upkeep to more involved projects done in cooperation with Parks staff. The Adopt-A-Spot program is facilitated by Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful and funded by the Washoe County Health District. Find out more about Adopt-A-Spot.
Academic Requirements for Volunteer Hours
If you are a student enrolled in a class or school that requires volunteer hours, Washoe County can help you achieve your hours and will assist in filling out any needed documentation. Minors require a parent's consent, and must have an chaperone if younger than 16.
Eagle Scouts
Washoe County Park Rangers are eager to work with aspiring Eagle Scout Candidates! Check out the Eagle Scout webpage and Project Guidelines for more information.
Court Ordered Community Service
Washoe County Parks is unable to accept court ordered community service at this time. Please visit Nevada Volunteers Connect and check mark "Court Order Service Opportunities" for current alternatives.
Contact Parks Volunteer Coordinator Denise Evans at devans@washoecounty.gov with any questions! Or, get started by filling out a Volunteer Application.