Volunteer

Opportunities in the San Francisco East Bay

The Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial is a unique site which is part of an active military base. There is no official visitor center for the park but we do work with our network park, the John Muir National Historic Site, as a base of operations for visitor pick-up and park films.

We occasionally have outreach programs which do involve park service volunteers, as well as park partners. Our official park partner, the "Friends of Port Chicago National Memorial" has a website, where you can learn more about how they work with us to help support the park.

Volunteering with our East Bay Parks

Here is a list of our four East Bay national park sites, which are managed as a group. If you are interested in volunteering at any of these parks, you can contact the park directly.

John Muir National Historic Site
Rosie the Riveter WWII/Home Front National Historical Park
Eugene O'Neill National Historical Park
Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial (minimal opportunities)

Learn more about being a National Park Service Volunteer

Learn More About Volunteering with the National Park Service

The National Park Service (NPS) offers various volunteer opportunities for individuals to contribute to the preservation and conservation of national parks and historic sites. Here are some ways to get involved:

1. Volunteer Program: The NPS has a formal volunteer program that allows individuals to contribute their time and skills to park projects. Volunteers can assist with activities such as trail maintenance, wildlife monitoring, and cultural resource preservation.
2. Citizen Science: The NPS offers opportunities for citizens to participate in scientific research and data collection in national parks. This can include projects such as monitoring wildlife populations, tracking water quality, and studying geology.
3. Adopt-a-Park: The Adopt-a-Park program allows individuals or groups to adopt a specific park or area within a park for a year. Adopters are responsible for completing a set of tasks, such as cleaning up trash, removing invasive species, and performing maintenance tasks.
4. Volunteer Ambassador: The NPS has a Volunteer Ambassador program that allows individuals to serve as ambassadors for the park, helping to promote the park's mission and values.
5. Special Events: Many national parks host special events throughout the year, such as festivals, concerts, and educational programs. Volunteers can help with event planning and execution.
6. Interpretation and Education: Volunteers can assist with park interpretation and education programs, such as leading nature walks, providing guided tours, and developing educational materials.
7. Historic Preservation: The NPS offers opportunities for volunteers to assist with historic preservation projects, such as restoring historic buildings, clearing vegetation from historic sites, and conducting historical research.

Benefits of volunteering with the National Park Service:

1. Personal fulfillment: Volunteering can be a rewarding way to give back to the community and contribute to the preservation of national parks.
2. New skills: Volunteers can gain new skills and knowledge in areas such as conservation, historic preservation, and environmental education.
3. Networking opportunities: Volunteering with the NPS can provide opportunities to network with other volunteers, park staff, and other conservation professionals.
4. Free or reduced-cost access: In some cases, volunteers may receive free or reduced-cost access to national parks and facilities.
5. Sense of community: Volunteering with the NPS can provide a sense of community and connection with others who share similar values and interests.

How to get started:

1. Visit the National Park Service website: www.nps.gov
2. Search for national parks in your area: Use the "Find a Park" tool on the NPS website to find national parks near you.
3. Contact the park directly: Reach out to the park's volunteer coordinator or visitor center to learn more about volunteer opportunities.
4. Sign up: Once you've identified an opportunity that interests you, sign up through the park's volunteer program or online application.

Remember to always follow safety guidelines and regulations when volunteering with the National Park Service.