Volunteers

Community volunteers are the backbone of the services we provide. We appreciate the people who give so much of their time and energy to help enhance visitor enjoyment, educational experiences and overall appreciation of Metro Parks Tacoma activities, programs and facilities.

Volunteer at an event
Metro Parks Tacoma runs a wide variety of special events. Opportunities for volunteers are listed as they become available. Or you can contact volunteers@tacomaparks.com or events coordinator Joel Chang at 253-305-1043.
Volunteer at one of our facilities
W. W. Seymour Conservatory
There are many interesting ways to get involved, from hands-on work in the Conservatory or greenhouses to a citizens' Advisory Council and Foundation.
• Call 253-591-5330 or 253-591-5292 for more information.
• Download Conservatory Foundation Application.
Fort Nisqually Living History Museum
Fort Nisqually welcomes volunteers on Foundation committees or for one time events.
• Call 253-591-5339 for more information. 
Tacoma Nature Center 
Volunteer opportunities include leading tours and programs, helping with special events, maintaining the trails and grounds, and staffing the front desk. In addition, teen volunteers ages 13 and older can help with a variety of tasks, from filling bird feeders to staffing the laboratory.
• Call 253-591-6439 for more information.
• Download a Nature Center Volunteer Application
Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
Trek volunteers are active not only in our education department, but also in our animal care, maintenance, marketing, and visitor services areas.
• Call 360-832-7162 for more information.
• Complete on-line Northwest Trek Volunteer Application.
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
Volunteers donate their time and energy to interpret exhibits, lead educational programs, support staff with maintaining the zoo grounds and exhibits, work special events or assist with the care of the animals.
• Call 253-404-3687 for more information.
Volunteer in one of our parks
CHIP-In!
Help us grow the kind of community we all want to live in.
• Call 253-305-1060 or e-mail chipin@tacomaparks.com for more information. 
Green Tacoma Partnership
The Green Tacoma Partnership (GTP) is a public private partnership between citizens, city agencies, non-profits, business and individuals working together to restore and steward Tacoma's open spaces and natural areas for the long-term.

Non-profit and community groups post habitat restoration event announcements and requests for volunteers to the Green Tacoma Partnership's community calendar.

You can also visit The News Tribune's website on stewardship events occuring in Tacoma and all around the south Puget Sound region.  This site includes a map of activities and contact information for getting involved.
Volunteer with one of our programs
Metro Parks Tacoma runs a wide variety of recreational programs, special events and attractions. Opportunities for our attraction and program volunteers include:
Art Center
Share your passion for art and creativity by assisting with camps, classes, events and activities in Metro Parks' Cultural Arts and Community Enrichment program. Working with children, adults, seniors and community groups provides a stimulating and rewarding experience. Taste of Tacoma, Freedom Fair, Ethnic Fest, and Maritime Fest are only a few of the events we're involved in. 
• Call 253-305-1036 or e-mail Dave Griffith for more information.
• Download Volunteer Application.
Coaches
Get involved in your favorite sport. We have opportunities for coaches, assistant coaches and camp assistants for youth and adult sports.
• Call 253-305-1025 or e-mail Phil Marr for more information. 
• Download Volunteer Application.
LEAP (Leadership Experience Apprentice Program) / SHERPAS
Working on a Senior Culminating Project, want a chance to explore an interest or potential career path, or just want to serve the community, work hard and have fun? Open to all students grades 9-12.
• Call 253-305-1097 or e-mail Sangkros Lok for more information.
• Download Flyer
• Download Volunteer Application
SPARX
Metro Parks Tacoma started the SPARX middle school program with Tacoma Public Schools and the City of Tacoma to keep our youth safe, having fun and even learning something new after the school bell rings through Specialized Programs And Recreational eXperiences.
• Call 253-305-1037 or e-mail Rick Cottey for more information.
• Download Volunteer Application
• Download Partnership Agreement
• Download Donation Form
Specialized Recreation
Make a difference and have fun at the same time.Volunteers are always welcome for any Specialized Recreation programs.Commitments can be tailored to your schedule, availability and interests.Want to have even more fun? Volunteer with a friend or family member. 
• Call 253-591-5314 or e-mail Parker Ayers for more information.
• Download Volunteer Application.
Seasonal Volunteer Opportunities Available for Special Olympics!
Winter – Basketball (November-March)
Spring – Soccer, Track & Field, Aquatics (Mar.-Jun.)
Summer – Golf, Softball (June-August)
Fall – Volleyball & Bowling (September-October)
Volunteer Registration Form
WSP Background Check
For more information about these volunteer opportunities, email us at volunteers@tacomaparks.com.

Last Updated: Oct 26, 2009 2:04 PM