Volunteer

STEWARDSHIP & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

Attention all nature lovers! Are you looking for a way to make a positive impact on the environment? Do you enjoy spending time in parks and natural areas? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you!

We are currently seeking new parks stewards to join our team. As a Park Steward, you will have the opportunity to play a vital role in the preservation and protection of our local parks and natural areas. This is a great opportunity to give back to your community and make a difference in the world.

So what exactly does a Parks Steward do? Park Stewards are responsible for monitoring and maintaining the health of local parks and natural areas. This includes tasks such as removing invasive species, picking up litter, and ensuring that trails and other recreational areas are safe and accessible to the public. Park Stewards also play a key role in educating the public about the importance of conservation and environmental stewardship.

Why is Stewardship important? Our natural areas are incredibly valuable resources that provide a wide range of benefits to our communities, including clean air and water, wildlife habitat, and recreational opportunities. However, these areas are also under threat from human activities such as pollution, development, and climate change. By becoming a Park Steward, you can help to protect and preserve these vital resources for future generations.

In addition to making a positive impact on the environment, being a Parks Steward also offers a range of personal benefits. Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress and improve mental health, and volunteering is a great way to meet new people and develop new skills.

If you're interested in becoming a Parks Steward, we encourage you to reach out to us today. No previous experience is required - we provide all the necessary training and support. Together, we can work to ensure that our local parks and natural areas remain healthy and vibrant for years to come. Email ParksNRD@Kitsap.gov.

USEFUL FORMS FOR KITSAP COUNTY PARKS VOLUNTEERS

Parks Volunteer Handbook: Please review the handbook for more information on how to serve as a volunteer in Kitsap County Parks. This is intended to inform prospective volunteers and serve as a reference when volunteering with the Kitsap County Parks Department. It provides general guidelines for volunteer and public safety, presents administrative procedures, and outlines volunteer standards and ethics. (Access the Parks Volunteer Handbook here)

Volunteer Incident Report Form: This form should be filled out by volunteers or staff when an injury, incident, or unsafe behavior occurs in the field during volunteer work. The completed form should be submitted to Natural Resources Staff for review, filing, and response. (Access the Volunteer Incident Report Form here)

Personal Equipment Use Permit: All gas or electric personal equipment used in a Kitsap County Park should be disclosed on this form, then reviewed by Kitsap County Parks before equipment is used. Please submit the completed form to Parks Department Natural Resources Coordinators or ParksNRD@kitsap.gov for review. (Access the Personal Equipment Use Permit Form here)

Volunteer Services Agreement: This is a copy of the agreement that should be signed electronically through Kitsap County Parks Volunteer Software. Please select the "Volunteer Registration" button above to sign. (Access the Individual Volunteer Form here)