Volunteering Information

Volunteers play vital roles in the operations and management of the Nature Center, from greeting visitors, producing educational materials, creating activities, and landscaping our 25-acre campus. Our active volunteer corps includes nearly 70 individuals of all ages and skills. We also encourage service organizations and retailers to offer their assistance.

The descriptions for our two most common volunteer opportunities are good starting points to consider how you can get involved with efforts to make the Ankeny Hill Nature Center a great place. If you have questions about about how to join our efforts, please contact our Volunteer Manager at volunteer_manager@ankenyhillnaturecenter.org.

Ankeny Hill Nature Center

Volunteer Position Title:
Education, Interpretive or Outreach Volunteer

  • nterest in environmental education, local plant and wildlife species, ecosystems and habitats, and/or cultural history. Ability to effectively communicate knowledge to refuge visitors, and program and/or event participants. Multi-lingual highly desired

    • Set-up and prepare for programs and events

    • Present scheduled programs to refuge visitors

    • Assist with educational programs scheduled by schools and community groups

    • Answer questions and talk with visitors as encountered along trails or at events

    • Attend and table outreach events in local communities

  • Volunteer Manager:
    Ricardo Rodriguez (he,him/his)
    Bilingual Park Ranger, Nature Center Volunteer Manager
    Refuge Staff Supervisor:
    Samantha Bartling
    USF&WS Visitor Services Manager

    The volunteer's achievements will be reviewed periodically by the Volunteer Coordinator and/or potentially the Visitor Services Manager.

  • New volunteer orientation training will be provided and scheduled for groups or individuals as needed. Additional training, both self-training and on the job experience, will be provided to learn the specific responsibilities and procedures of this position.

  • Some uniform components will be provided, such as a vest with logo. Additional protective attire may be required needed to successfully complete some types of work must be worn by volunteer.

    Materials needed to perform any of the job responsibilities will be provided by the refuge.   

  • The days of volunteering will depend on scheduled programs and types of events as arranged between the Volunteer and the Volunteer Coordinator(s). It may include weeknights and weekends. Volunteers should plan to commit to agreed-upon, scheduled program dates except in case of illness or emergency.

    At least 8 hours per month on-site, for a minimum of 3 months. Travel time counts toward volunteer hours.

  • Volunteering usually involves outdoor assignments, in potentially inclement weather conditions. Depending on program needs, that may include extended walking on trails, up and down hills, or stairs, and transporting 25+ pounds of materials (using backpacks, wagons, or assistance from others).

    On-duty volunteers are provided separate parking near the non-public “Volunteer Base Camp” building.

Ankeny Hill Nature Center

Volunteer Position Title:
Habitat Steward Volunteer

  • Interest in local plant and wildlife species, gardening, ecosystems and habitats, and/or cultural history. Ability to walk up to 1+ miles along refuge trails, using tools and materials to pick-up trash, remove weeds, and perform other general habitat maintenance as needed.

    • Set-up and prepare for programs and events

    • Present scheduled programs to refuge visitors

    • Assist with educational programs scheduled by schools and community groups

    • Answer questions and talk with visitors as encountered along trails or at events

    • Attend and table outreach events in local communities

  • Volunteer Manager:
    Ricardo Rodriguez (he,him/his)
    Bilingual Park Ranger, Nature Center Volunteer Manager
    Refuge Staff Supervisor:
    Samantha Bartling
    USF&WS Visitor Services Manager

    The volunteer's achievements will be reviewed periodically by the Volunteer Coordinator and/or potentially the Visitor Services Manager.

  • New volunteer orientation training will be provided and scheduled for groups or individuals as needed. Additional training, both self-training and on the job experience, will be provided to learn the specific responsibilities and procedures of this position.

  • Some uniform components will be provided, such as a vest with logo. Additional protective attire may be required needed to successfully complete some types of work must be worn by volunteer.

    Materials needed to perform any of the job responsibilities will be provided by the refuge.   

  • The days of volunteering will depend on scheduled programs and types of events as arranged between the Volunteer and the Volunteer Coordinator(s). It may include weeknights and weekends. Volunteers should plan to commit to agreed-upon, scheduled program dates except in case of illness or emergency.

    At least 8 hours per month on-site, for a minimum of 3 months. Travel time counts toward volunteer hours.

  • Volunteering usually involves outdoor assignments, in potentially inclement weather conditions. Depending on program needs, that may include extended walking on trails, up and down hills, or stairs, and transporting 25+ pounds of materials (using backpacks, wagons, or assistance from others).

    On-duty volunteers are provided separate parking near the non-public “Volunteer Base Camp” building.