Volunteer

Volunteer with us!


Each day, volunteers at Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory contribute generously of their time and talents helping us to fulfill our mission of inspiring and educating others about the natural world.

Recurring Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are at the core of what we do and play a role in many different facets of our organization. Recurring volunteer opportunities are available within our animal care, education, grounds and landscaping, visitor services, thrift shop and administration departments.

 

Join Us!

Submit a volunteer application today.

Animal Care

Are you interested in helping care for the animals that call Sunriver Nature Center home? Come volunteer with our birds, reptiles, and amphibians. In this role you will be working alongside our animal care staff, learning to provide the best care for our ambassador animals. Learn about basic husbandry tactics, safe animal handling practices, and educating our guests on the importance of wildlife. This position requires a minimum commitment for 4 hours once a week, with flexibility for vacation, illness, etc.

Education Assistant

Want to help educate future wildlife defenders (conservationists)? Come join our education staff as they provide engaging programs, nature camps, and space adventures for the young minds who visit Sunriver.

Observatory Assistant

If you are more of a night owl and enjoy looking at the stars, join the Observatory staff. Learn to operate telescopes and interpret the night sky during our nighttime programming by the light of the Milky Way.

Project Ponderosa

Are you passionate about forest restoration? Join the award winning educational and environmental program that aims to reestablish the Ponderosa Pine Tree to Central Oregon. Help pot seedlings, plant trees, inspire, and educate.

Nature Guide

Do you enjoy wildlife interpretation? Educate our visitors on our paths or within our building as you tell facts and stories about the wildlife and ambassador animals that call the Nature Center home.

Grounds/Gardener Assistant

Do you have a green thumb? Our Botanic Garden is always in need of love and affection. Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory works very hard to create an exciting and engaging ecosystem for our visitors. From helping with plant sales, to planting new wildflowers, this volunteer position will keep you on your toes.

Visitor Services

Do you enjoy meeting new people at Sunriver Nature Center, as well as inspire them about wildlife? Join our volunteer team at the nature centers front desk and check in our visitors, answer questions, and talk about the exhibits within the building.

Special Projects

Are you interested in doing a various of special projects around Sunriver Nature Center? Join our volunteer team where you will be assigned a multitude of different tasks assist our staff. Bring on your creative side and build enrichment for our animals, help build enclosures, help plant new seedlings, help with our annual events, help check bird boxes, there are so many opportunities!

Second Tern Thrift Shop

Volunteer opportunities are available year-round at the Second Tern Thrift Store. All proceeds of the Second Tern benefit Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory. Departments include: Art, Books, Cashiering, Clothing, Crafts, Decor, Furniture, Kitchen, Linens, Receiving, Sporting Goods, and Tools & Hardware. 

Apply Now!

Eligibility
Most positions require volunteers to be at least 16 years of age. Animal Care volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. We welcome volunteers ages 12 – 16 years old if volunteering along with a parent/guardian.  A successful background check is required of all prospective volunteers prior to volunteering. Volunteer positions are not eligible for court-ordered community service.

Volunteer Benefits

Our volunteers receive as much as they give! In addition to contributing their time and skills in a beautiful setting and contributing to our mission, our volunteers are life-long learners – gaining knowledge and expertise in wildlife and plant ecology and conservation. Volunteers also receive special access and discounts to educational opportunities, discounts in the gift shop, and an instant network of visitors, staff, and other volunteers that share an interest and passion in the natural world!

Application Process

Volunteer applications are welcome year-round. However, many positions are seasonal in nature, beginning in April and wrapping up in October.  Upon receiving your application, a volunteer coordinator will contact you to set up an in-person meeting to learn more about your interests.