Volunteer

Each year, approximately 380 volunteers contribute more than 12,500 volunteer service hours to Padre Island National Seashore! Volunteers play an important role in fulfilling the mission of the National Park Service. From campground hosting, maintaining park facilities, answering visitor questions in the visitor center, or helping biologists study and protect park resources, there are opportunities for volunteers from every background and skillset. Volunteers are essential in helping us complete some of the most important projects in the park.

Benefits of Volunteering

• Volunteers who earn 250 or more hours can receive a pass entitling them to free entry to all Federal lands for 12 months. The Volunteer Pass is honored nationwide at all National Park Service, Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service areas where standard amenity fees are charged.
• Long term volunteer opportunities are offered by the National Park Service. Full hookup RV spaces may be available.
• All volunteers receive orientation and training.
• The National Park Service is an equal opportunity employer.

Volunteering as an Individual

If you are coming to the park for a single day and want to lend a hand, beach cleanup opportunities are available. Free trash bags are available at the Malaquite Visitor Center. You can walk the beach on your own schedule and clean as you go without a time commitment or application required. Your safety is your responsibility.

For regularly scheduled reoccurring volunteer roles in the park, there are several opportunities in various park divisions. These positions are open to individuals who are 18 years and older. Check below under the Current Volunteer Opportunities section of this page to see what positions are currently available.

Volunteering as a Group

Organized groups such as scout groups, civic organizations, or business employee groups who wish to volunteer in the park can do so by organizing a beach cleanup. Before contacting the park to plan your group's beach cleanup, please review the requirements below.

• To qualify for free park admission with your volunteer group, each participant is expected to pick-up four (4) 13-gallon bags of trash.
• The park will provide trash bags to your group. Dumpsters are located next to beach entrances.
• Groups must provide their own transportation in the park. 4-wheel drive is recommended when driving on the beach.
• The group organizer must contact the park volunteer coordinator a minimum of 3-weeks prior to the group's arrival to the park to plan the beach cleanup.

Contact Us

For general inquiries about volunteer opportunities email the park Volunteer Coordinator.