Volunteer Opportunities

Our Volunteers Make a Difference!

We would love to have you join us as a volunteer! Please review the details below regarding our requirements, and direct all questions via email to our Volunteer Coordinator at lhoma@hobesoundnaturecenter.org or call us at (772) 546-2067. Applications can be downloaded Here.

  • volunteers at HSNC

    VolunTEEN Program

    Ages 13 - 17

    Interviews are scheduled after applications are reviewed. We require a minimum 6-week commitment.

    6 hours/month during the school year

    12 hours/month during summer months

    Volunteer t-shirts and name tags provided.

    Volunteer positions available:

    Animal Care

    Greeter

    Docent

    Summer Camp Counselor

    All volunteers should expect to be involved in most of the activities listed above, though preferences will be granted to longstanding and dedicated volunteers.

  • Volunteers at HSNC

    Volunteer Program

    Ages 18+

    Interviews are scheduled after applications are reviewed. We require a minimum 3-month commitment

    12 hours/month

    Volunteer t-shirts and name tags provided

    Volunteer positions available:

    Animal Care

    Greeter

    Docent

    Turtle Walk Scout

    Summer Camp Counselor

    Wildlife Refuge Volunteer

    All volunteers should expect to be involved in most of the activities listed above, though preferences will be granted to longstanding and dedicated volunteers.

Volunteer Positions

Animal Care

Perform routine and specialized duties relevant to the care of our resident wildlife, including feeding, cleaning, handling, and maintaining displays. Must be enthusiastic, willing to follow animal care guidelines, and comfortable speaking to guests.

Greeter

Welcome all guests to the exhibit hall and answer questions about the Nature Center, Wildlife Refuge, and our resident animals. If willing, our docents may handle live animals during teaching moments with guests. Must be enthusiastic, welcoming, and comfortable speaking to guests.

Docent

Assist staff with on-site programs and special events, handle live animals, and conduct guided tours of the exhibit hall and nature trail. Perform light office work and trail maintenance, as needed and if able. Must be enthusiastic, welcoming, and comfortable speaking to guests and being outdoors.

Turtle Scout

(Ages 18+) – Assist staff with guided sea turtle walks to observe nesting females. Must be available Thursday and/or Friday nights during the summer, from 8:30 pm to ~ midnight, and able to walk on the beach in the sand for at least 1 mile.

Gift Shop

(Ages 18+) – Assist staff with inventory, displays, and sales in the Owl’s Roost gift shop. Must be enthusiastic, welcoming, and able to count and handle money.

Summer Camp Counselor

Assist staff with summer camp programs, including but not limited to animal encounters, guided trail hikes, crafts, games, and wading in the Indian River Lagoon. Must be able to commit to two weeks from June through mid-July, Monday – Friday from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm.

Nathaniel P. Reed National Hobe Sound Wildlife Refuge

(Ages 18+) – Trail maintenance, landscaping, and invasive plant removal. Must be able to work outside in hot Florida temperatures. For information and to submit an application, please email the refuge directly at: hobesound@fws.gov