Summer Volunteer Positions 2026 | Cottonwood Canyons Foundation

SUMMER
VOLUNTEER
POSITIONS
2026
NOW OPEN

SUMMER VOLUNTEER
POSITIONS 2026
NOW OPEN

Volunteer Position Descriptions

Trail Stewardship

Trail Crew Volunteer

Purpose:

The trail system of the Salt Lake Ranger District sees upwards of 1.3 million visitors each year. Without volunteers, maintaining this trail system would be nearly impossible. Volunteers improve our trails, help protect the environment of the canyons, assist the CCF’s Trail Crew in their professional role, and generally further our collective mission to steward the watersheds of Big Cottonwood, Little Cottonwood, and Millcreek Canyons.

The work is physical and can include long hikes, moving heavy objects, carrying equipment, and repetitive tool use. The work will be directed by the CCF Trail Crew in compliance with the U.S. Forest Service.

This is hard (but fun!) manual labor that includes risk. It is imperative that each volunteer show up mentally and physically prepared.

Please read below for what you’ll need to volunteer with CCF this season.

Time:

8 am – noon, unless specified for race runner volunteers which will be 8-hour days.

Location:

The location of each workday greatly depends on the U.S. Forest Service’s needs, snowpack, weather, and many other variables. Trail Stewardship work is always done within Millcreek, Big Cottonwood, or Little Cottonwood Canyon. Volunteers meet CCF’s Trails Crew at a predetermined location, usually a trailhead or other frequently-used areas in the canyons. Volunteers will be notified of the location of their workday at least 48 hours ahead of time.

Physical requirements:

Capable of hiking over varied and uneven terrain

Capable of lifting heavy objects safely

Capable of using tools appropriately and for extended periods of time

Capable of being exposed to changing environments and weather conditions

Capable of properly representing skill level to CCF staff

Experience requirement: None! As long as volunteers show up prepared, CCF staff will provide all necessary instruction.

Age requirement: 12 + (Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian throughout the duration of their volunteer work).

Key Responsibilities:

Follows the instructions given by the CCF Trail Crew or USFS

Assists the CCF Trail Crew in the jobs outlined

Follows training given by the Trail Crew in safe and effective tool use

Adheres to the policy of “safety first” when working among crew members, other volunteers, and trail users

Practices Leave No Trace ethics to protect the natural environment of the work site

Communicates any health concerns or physical limitations to CCF prior to volunteer day

Notifies the Trail Crew of any injuries, concerns, or any need to leave the work site early

What to bring:

WATER – At least 2 liters of water. There is no place to fill water at our sites.

CLOSED-TOED SHOES – Boots or other sturdy footwear are required. Volunteers without safe footwear will not be allowed to participate.

SUNGLASSES/EYE PROTECTION – While swinging tools, all volunteers must wear eye protection. This could mean prescription glasses, sunglasses, or safety glasses.

WORK GLOVES – Gardening gloves, bike gloves, or leather work gloves will all work fine. Just make sure that they are well-fitting and sturdy enough to withstand moving rocks and protecting your hands from sharp tools. Hand injuries are the most common trail work injury. Please help us keep our volunteers safe by showing up with adequate gloves.

LONG PANTS – Working in shorts is disallowed by the USFS.

APPROPRIATE LAYERS – Please check the weather and be prepared for changing conditions.

FOOD – Please pack an appropriate lunch and snacks for a day of manual labor.

SUN PROTECTION

PERSONAL FIRST AID SUPPLIES – Including medication for personal medical conditions/allergies.

BACKPACK – Volunteers should not expect to have access to personal vehicles during the day.

By registering to volunteer with CCF, you are assuming the responsibility and risk of this activity. CCF does not carry health or liability insurance for volunteers. By registering to volunteer, you are agreeing that your own insurance will be used in case of accident or injury.

Plant Stewardship

Plant Stewardship Volunteer

Purpose:

The position of Plant Stewardship Volunteer (PSV) serves to help identify, track, and/or remove invasive plant species, collect native plant seeds, and participate in native plant restoration in the Tri-Canyons. Taking direction from CCF’s Plants Crew and in compliance with the U.S. Forest Service, PSVs further CCF’s mission to continuously improve the environments of Big and Little Cottonwood and Millcreek Canyons. Volunteers use tools or pull weeds by hand, depending on the type of invasive species being targeted. Work is completed between 8 am and 2 pm, usually on Thursdays (as well as some select Saturdays and other days).

Location:

The location of each workday greatly depends on the U.S. Forest Service’s needs, snowpack, weather, and many other variables. Plant Stewardship work is always done within Millcreek, Big Cottonwood, or Little Cottonwood Canyon. Volunteers meet CCF’s Plants Crew at a predetermined location, usually a campsite, picnic area, trailhead, or other frequently-used areas in the canyons. Volunteers will be notified of the location of their workday at least 48 hours ahead of time.

Key Responsibilities:

A Plant Stewardship Volunteer works with CCF’s Plants Crew to assist in the identification and removal of invasive weeds growing in the Tri-canyon area trail system.

Receives training in plant identification and safe methods of invasive weed removal.

Adheres to the policy of “safety first” when working among crew members, other volunteers, and trail users.

Responsible for coming to work day prepared with the necessary attire, footwear, and gear required for a day of work on the trail (see below).

Practices Leave No Trace ethics while in wilderness areas.

Identifies and avoids potential safety hazards posed during the workday.

Communicates any health concerns or physical limitations to CCF prior to volunteer day.

Notifies the Plants Crew of any injuries, concerns, or any need to leave the work site early.

Reports to: Stewardship Director and/or Plants Crew Lead

Length of Appointment: One day or seasonal. The Plants Crew starts its season in early May and concludes its season at the end of September.

Summer Naturalist

SUMMER NATURALIST VOLUNTEER

Reports to: Education Director

Purpose: Summer Naturalist Volunteers will provide information and interpretive education to visitors at Silver Lake, Brighton, Albion Basin, and associated trails. Volunteers will work closely with Naturalist Interns and the Forest Service and share their responsibility to communicate accurate information about trails and other recreation opportunities in the canyons. Volunteers will also answer questions about the canyon’s environment and ecology and facilitate hands-on interpretive activities. Naturalist Volunteers advance CCF’s mission to support the environment of the Cottonwood Canyons through engaging education.

Age requirement: 18 +

Key Responsibilities:

Volunteers will be stationed outdoors at Silver Lake, Brighton, and Albion Basin, or indoors at the Silver Lake Visitor Center, where they will interact with visitors to provide information about recreation opportunities and present short interpretive activities. They assist with the Wildflower Festival on two weekends in July.

Volunteers will assist in the operation of the Silver Lake Visitor Center, including the interpretation of Visitor Center displays, and the sale of CCF and Forest Service Goods.

Volunteers will work cooperatively with CCF Naturalist Interns and the Forest Service.

Volunteers will attend training sessions to expand the breadth and depth of their ecological knowledge.

Volunteers will share factual information in a manner that is tactful, apolitical, and aligned with CCF’s mission and vision.

Represents CCF in a positive, professional, non-political manner when interacting with participants, public, and partners.

Volunteers should be flexible in their daily duties: leading tours, working indoors with staff naturalists, light cleaning, garbage pickup, rotating educational stations outdoors, helping with the visitor center store, and being aware of evolving wildlife, weather, and human conditions.

Length of Appointment: May 26, 2026, – September 30, 2026, with the option to assist until October 30, 2026

Time Commitment:

Complete online Canyon Naturalist training and quizzes (one time, ~3 hours).

Attend one virtual and/or onsite orientation (one day, date pending).

Commit to one four-hour shift per week. Shifts are available 7 days/week from 9 AM – 1 PM or 1 PM – 5 PM. Volunteers will be welcome to schedule time off when necessary.

Required Qualifications:

Demonstrate enthusiasm for nature and a desire to learn and share knowledge.

Should be punctual, responsible, and able to work both independently and as part of a team.

Basic computer skills including email communication and the ability to navigate CCF’s volunteer portal.

Volunteers must be comfortable with public speaking and presenting.

Volunteers must be able to alternate between sitting, standing, and walking for up to a four-hour period.

Volunteers must provide their own transportation to and from volunteer sites.

Volunteers at Albion Basin should be prepared to stand and hike outdoors for up to a four-hour period in variable weather conditions.

Preferred Qualifications:

Volunteers should be comfortable lifting and carrying objects up to 50 lbs.

Experience in biology, ecology, or outdoor recreation.

Experience presenting or speaking to audiences of all ages.

Support: Training for this position will be provided. The Education Director will often be on-site or otherwise available to provide assistance and answer any questions.

Work Locations: The Silver Lake Visitor Center is 14.3 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon, State Highway 190, on the right-hand side of the road. Most guides will meet outside the Visitor Center at the beginning of their day. Work locations may also include Brighton Ski Resort, which is just beyond the Silver Lake Visitor Center, or the Albion Basin recreation area, which is 11.1 miles up Little Cottonwood Canyon, State Highway 210, on the right-hand side of the Road.

Dress Code: Volunteers should come prepared for training and volunteer shifts with sufficient layers, footwear (sturdy, closed-toed shoes are encouraged), and other necessary gear to stand and hike comfortably in variable weather conditions. Hats, sunscreen, bottled water, and breathable, protective layers of clothing are recommended. Volunteers should wear long pants. Volunteers will be provided with a CCF t-shirt and nametag, and these should be worn during shifts.

Benefits:

Experience working with a team of kind and knowledgeable staff and volunteers.

Experience and training in environmental education and interpretive techniques.

Opportunities to learn about a broad and diverse range of subjects related to our canyons and their ecology.

The opportunity to have a positive impact on our canyons, our community, and the enjoyment of all those visiting our canyons.

Access to teaching aids including live and pressed plants, animal bones and tracks, pinned insects, etc.

Ample opportunities to hike and explore trails in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyon.

Volunteers accruing 40 hours of cumulative service are eligible for a free Annual Uinta-Wasatch-Cache Canyon pass valid for one year. OR

Volunteers accruing 250 hours of cumulative service are eligible for a free annual Interagency Pass. Each pass covers entrance fees at national parks and national wildlife refuges as well as standard amenity fees (day use fees) at national forests and grasslands, and at lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Testimonials:

“Being a Silver Lake Naturalist was the highlight of my summer. I loved spending cool mornings and warm afternoons at the lake, watching the scenery change throughout the seasons. I learned so much from the other volunteers and rangers and from hiking and observing nature each day. And of course, it’s an absolute joy to share information, excitement, and appreciation for the lake, canyon, and forest with fellow visitors, especially all the kids! If you love being outdoors, talking with people, and contributing to environmental education and stewardship, then volunteering as a naturalist with CCF is for you!”
Mark Moehlin, Naturalist Volunteer

Wasatch Wildflower Festival Guide

Wildflower Guide Volunteer

Reports to: Education Director

Purpose: Join us in sharing the beauty of wildflower season in the canyons! This volunteer opportunity will get you out on the trails to learn about the phenomenal plant species that call the canyons home, as well as the incredible ecology and natural history of our canyons. As a Wildflower Guide, you’ll help educate the public and connect them to their public lands and watershed. Guides further CCF’s mission to support the environment of the Cottonwood Canyons, specifically through education. The program culminates at the Wasatch Wildflower Festival on July 11 & 12 & 18 & 19. The minimum commitment is 2 festival days.

Volunteer opportunities include:

Wildflower Walk Guides (greatest need) lead public tours along trails throughout the Tri-canyon area, helping connect participants to the wildflowers and the canyon environment. Guides will have opportunities to lead tours at the Wasatch Wildflower Festival and for limited private tours as scheduled throughout the season. During walks, Wildflower Guides educate participants on different wildflowers and share information about our watershed, Leave No Trace principles, and other information specific to canyon wildlife, trees, geology, and history.

Wildflower Stationary Guides (limited positions) are stationed along one of the trails during the festival to provide education to members of the public that are participating in the “self-guided” tours. Guides will provide information on the watershed, LNT principles, canyon wildlife, plants, geology, or history.

Wildflower Administrative Support/Public Information Guides (limited positions) offer support at registration tables or provide directions/festival information to participants.

Age Requirements: 18 + (We will approve volunteers under the age of 18 on a case-by-case basis, please inquire with Liz at [email protected]. Please note that volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian throughout the duration of their volunteer work) .

Key Responsibilities:

Lead wildflower walks for participants of all ages, backgrounds, and ability levels.

Attend training sessions to ensure the solid breadth and depth of knowledge needed for the festival.

Attend training sessions focused on tools and techniques for effectively delivering an engaging program.

Seek out further information from reliable sources in order to bolster knowledge of wildflowers and natural history topics.

Interact with participants in a professional, engaging, and non-political manner.

Represent CCF in a positive manner when interacting with participants, public, and partners.

Deliver educational content that is factual, non-political, and in line with CCF’s mission and vision.

Identify and avoid potential safety hazards posed while leading tours.

Length of Appointment: Seasonal. Wildflower Guides start training in May, with virtual modules and a virtual Summer Naturalist training. From early June through mid-July, guides hone their skills on “Wildflower Wednesday” hikes from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Appointment ends at the conclusion of the Wasatch Wildflower Festival in late July. After the festival, Wildflower Guides are welcome to explore other volunteer opportunities with CCF.

Commitment:

Complete online Canyon Naturalist training and quizzes (7 quizzes) (~3 hours).

Complete Summer Naturalist training and orientation via Zoom. Attend live or view the recording at a later date (2 hours).

Complete a Tour Run-Through with Education Director (One 1-hour Wednesday evening training).

NEW Wildflower Guides must attend at least 4 out of 6 Wildflower Wednesday hikes (June-July) leading up to the Wasatch Wildflower Festival (each training is 2 hours).

RETURNING Wildflower Guides attend at least 2 out of 6 Wildflower Wednesday hikes (June-July) leading up to the Wasatch Wildflower Festival (each training is 2 hours).

Complete a Tour run-through with the Program Education Director (during one of the scheduled Wildflower Wednesday hikes).

Minimum Commitment: 2 days of the Wasatch Wildflower Festival.

Required Qualifications:

Comfortable with public speaking and interacting with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

Confident in leading tour groups in an outdoor environment.

Enthusiasm and curiosity about the natural world, and a desire to learn and share your knowledge with others.

Capable of hiking over varied and uneven terrain; able to identify and avoid potential safety hazards that exist in the wilderness.

Basic computer skills including the ability to use email and online volunteer portal.

Support: Training for this position will be provided through virtual Canyon Naturalist Training modules, Summer Naturalist Orientation Zoom session, and in-person Wildflower Wednesday hikes. In addition, the Education Director will be available for support and assistance as requested.

Work Location: Training hikes and wildflower walks are held at various locations and trails throughout Millcreek Canyon, Big Cottonwood Canyon, and Little Cottonwood Canyon. The Wasatch Wildflower Festival is held over 4 days, with one day hosted at each of the Cottonwood Canyons ski resorts–Brighton, Solitude, Snowbird, and Alta. As trail conditions can vary greatly, locations for weekly training hikes will be communicated via email the week prior.

Dress Code: Wildflower Guides must come to training and tours prepared with sufficient layers, proper footwear, and appropriate gear to comfortably hike on mountain trails in weather that is often unpredictable. Water, closed-toe shoes, hats, sunscreen, walking sticks/trekking poles, backpacks, and breathable, protective layers of clothing are recommended. Guides will be provided with a nametag and a T-shirt specifically for the Wildflower Festival.

Benefits:

Volunteers will have the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge about wildflowers, as well as a broad and diverse range of subjects related to our canyons.

Volunteers can make a positive impact on our canyons and our community.

Training and experience in environmental education and interpretive techniques.

References for jobs, internships, and other career opportunities.

Volunteers accruing 40 hours of cumulative service are eligible for a free Annual Uinta-Wasatch- Cache Canyon pass valid for one year. OR

Volunteers accruing 250 hours of cumulative service are eligible to receive a free Interagency Pass, good for one year after issuing. Each pass covers entrance fees at national parks and national wildlife refuges as well as standard amenity fees (day use fees) at national forests and grasslands, and at lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Tri-Canyons Trail Steward

Reports to: Executive Director

Purpose: The purpose of the Trail Steward Program is to get knowledgeable, friendly people out on trails. Trail Stewards act as ideal recreators, following best practices to support the trail, the environment, and other users. Trail Stewards will interact with other users as much as they feel comfortable, ranging from simply being a good example to answering questions and providing information.

Key Responsibilities:

Hike while wearing a CCF t-shirt and nametag.

There will be an occasional option to table at a trailhead as well as hiking.

Take a photo of yourself, the trail, etc and post on social media, tagging CCF. Alternatively, photos can be sent to CCF to post.

Set an excellent example for other users by following best practices, as outlined by Trail Steward training, at all times.

Make contact with other users to the extent that you feel comfortable. Keep track of how many visitors you engage.

Length of Appointment: Roughly end of May to October, or whenever the season allows for responsible hiking. There are winter tabling opportunities available as well.

Time Commitment:

Complete Trail Steward training and quizzes online, ~2 hours.

In-person training with Forest Service and CCF staff, ~2 hours.

Commit to four hikes, length of your choice, throughout the season. Each hike includes checking in/checking out, as well as taking and sending photos and logging hours.