Volunteer Program

MISSION: To enhance the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's mission to manage fish and wildlife resources, through volunteerism

Welcome! We are delighted you are considering volunteering for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The FWC has a variety of opportunities available which would benefit from your interest, skills, experience and time. We hope that you will have a fulfilling experience, should you decide to pursue volunteering with the FWC.

University of Florida doctorial student Stuart Carlton conducted a study of the partnership between volunteers and the FWC.  Read the news release to learn the results.

Below are the main programs available for citizens to contribute to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Each description has a link for you to view more information and to complete a brief application. Some programs may require additional information and/or a background check.

Volunteer Opportunities

Program: Chinsegut Nature Center - 901 Location: Hernando County - 23212 Lake Lindsey Road Brooksville, FL 34601 Program Description: The nature center is located on the 828-acre Chinsegut Wildlife and Environmental area and hosts four major events and scores of other natural resource conservation and recreation programs throughout the year.  A 36-hour volunteer training and orientation occurs typically once per year preparing volunteers for opportunities in trail management, invasive exotic plant removal, conducting environmental education programs, and other work. Request for Volunteer Information
Program: Derelict, Abandoned and Trap Debris Removal Program Location: Statewide Program Description: The Trap Retrieval Program was originally established in 1985 to remove traps, primarily in the Florida Keys, that were left in the water at the end of each lobster and stone crab season.  With the addition of the 6 regional blue crab closures issues and concerns about the cumulative effect of lost or abandoned traps and debris may have on important fishery habitat and species populations (any species that could access the traps) have led to the expansion of the trap retrieval program. With prior Commission approval and adhering to guidelines, interested groups may retrieve trap debris or derelict traps (during open or closed season) at any time deemed appropriate by the Commission. Without proper Commission authorization, penalties may apply for tampering with traps that do not belong to you.
Program: Florida Bass Center Location: Sumter County - Richloam State Fish Hatchery- 3583 CR 788 Webster, FL 33597 Program Description: The Florida Bass Conservation Center and Richloam State Fish Hatchery is one of the largest freshwater fish hatcheries in the Southeast, and is the primary game fish hatchery in Florida. The hatchery is the focal point to research and production of Florida's premier freshwater game fish, the unique Florida largemouth bass, in addition to eight other freshwater game species cultured and distributed statewide. Volunteers can assist biological staff in all aspects of fish culture and center management, including: daily feeding and tank cleaning, stocking activities throughout the state, collecting nutrition or genetic data, grounds and building maintenance, weekend kids fishing events, and mechanical maintenance. Request for Volunteer information
Program: Freshwater Fisheries Volunteers Location: Regional Offices Program Description: The FWC actively manages aquatic habitat, enhances fishing access, monitors fish populations and angler use of our fisheries and strives to introduce youths and reintroduce adults to the pleasure of outdoor recreational activities. For all of these activities and many more the Division of Fresh Water Fisheries needs volunteers who are willing to share their time, energy and knowledge to help conserve our fisheries resources and to teach others to fish. Volunteering is a great way to help others enjoy Florida fishing and to find a little extra fulfillment and sense of accomplishment in your own life.  Contact your local regional biologist for more information.
Program: Hunter Safety - 421 Location: Statewide Program Description: Florida's hunting heritage depends heavily on thousands of volunteer hours each year. Hunter Safety volunteers teach a variety of courses statewide to the public. Courses include basic hunter safety, advanced archery, and Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW). Request for Volunteer Information
Program: Kids Fishing Clinics - 902 Location: Statewide Program Description: A fishing clinic designed just for children, Kids' Fishing Clinics are one-day educational events designed to create responsible marine resource stewards by teaching children fundamental saltwater fishing skills and educating them on the vulnerability of Florida's marine ecosystems. Children are taken through five skill stations, and after approximately one hours of instruction the participants are provided with a free rod and reel so they can have the opportunity to fish and try out their new skills. Request for Volunteer Information
Program: Marine Fisheries Stock Enhancement Research  - 904 Location: Port Manatee Program Description: The Marine Fisheries Stock Enhancement program breeds and rears game fish and mollusks for release into marine waters and evaluates the use of hatchery-reared animals in restoring and managing Florida's coastal fisheries. Request for Volunteer Information
Program: North American Amphibian Monitoring Program Location: Statewide Program Description: The North American Amphibian Monitoring Program (NAAMP) is an international effort by the U.S. Geological Survey to track changes in frog populations over time.  This program is currently seeking volunteers to monitor routes throughout Florida.  To find a route near you, please visit the program website, or contact Anna Farmer, state coordinator.
Program: Project WILD - K-12 Education Programs - 897 Location: Statewide Program Description: Project WILD is an interdisciplinary conservation and environmental education program emphasizing wildlife. The program is designed for educators of kindergarten through 12th grade students. Request for Volunteer Information
Program: Red Tide Offshore Monitoring Volunteer Program - 906 Location: Florida Gulf Coast Program Description: Volunteer boat captains sample offshore waters to monitor for potential red tide blooms, as well as track on-going blooms to aid FWC/FWRI researchers in determining red tide levels. Volunteer captains sample at offshore distances of 1, 5, 10, 20, and 30 miles approximately twice a month. Request for Volunteer Information
Program: Reserve Officer - 168 Location: Statewide Program Description: Reserve officers supplement the full time officers patrol activities and assist with community relations and other events. Request for Volunteer Information
Program: Ridge Rangers - 903 Location: Highlands and Polk Counties Program Description: Ridge Rangers are a group of dedicated volunteers helping to preserve the last remaining fragments of the Lake Wales Ridge. Request for Volunteer Information
Program: Sport Fishing Education Location: Statewide Program Description: Pass on the fishing tradition and offer the next generation an opportunity to enjoy healthy sport fish populations. The Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management offers two volunteer instructor training programs that allow you to be a part of handing down the fishing tradition.
Program: Youth Hunting Program of Florida - 896 Location: Statewide Program Description: Through the combined efforts of resourceful volunteers, the Youth Hunting Program of Florida can provide thousands of safe, educational and memorable hunting experiences. The program is based on volunteer landowners who graciously open their property for youth hunting, and volunteer Huntmasters who plan and facilitate the hunts. Request for Volunteer Information

Other Volunteer Opportunities

The Nature Conservancy's Jay Watch program needs your help! Jay Watch citizen science volunteers assist with monitoring populations of the endemic scrub-jay and scrub vegetation conditions. This data helps land managers determine where prescribed fire is needed for the survival of fire-dependent species like the scrub-jay. Visit the Jay Watch Web site for more information.

The Painted Bunting Observer Team (PBOT) Project at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) needs your assistance! Read the news release to find out more about this volunteer opportunity.

The Florida Shorebird Alliance (FSA) is a statewide partnership of government and non-government organizations committed to advancing shorebird and seabird conservation in Florida through coordinated and collaborative work that helps identify and address important needs with regard to research, management, education, outreach, and public policy. Visit the FSA Web site to learn more.

The Florida Bird Conservation Initiative is a voluntary public-private partnership that seeks to promote the sustainability of native Florida birds and their habitats through coordinated efforts that strategically address critical needs related to conservation planning, delivery of conservation programs, research and monitoring, education and outreach, and public policy. Visit the FBCI Web site to learn about citizen science volunteer opportunities.

Special Note:

State Employees can volunteer under the Governor's Mentoring Program. Visit the Volunteer Florida Foundation or you may contact your Agency's Personnel Office.

Read how Federal Employees can volunteer under the Rules in CPM98.

All photographs are credited to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)