Summer Naturalist Volunteer Sign-Up 2026 | Cottonwood Canyons Foundation

SUMMER
NATURALIST
VOLUNTEER
SIGN-UP
2026

SUMMER NATURALIST
VOLUNTEER SIGN-UP 2026

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Job Description ▼

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.

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.

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

I have read the position description, and I understand my role as a Summer Naturalist Volunteer. *

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Activity Waiver, Volunteer Rights and Responsibilities ▼

CCF Activity Waiver 2026

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CCF Activity Waiver 2026 (Minors)

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By clicking "I Agree" you are electronically signing this CCF Activity Waiver. *

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Volunteer Rights and Responsibilities

Volunteers have the right to:

- Be given assignments that they are capable of carrying out.

- Receive adequate training and support in order to fulfill their role successfully.

- Feel like their time is being valued.

- Contribute ideas and suggestions that could potentially improve their program or role.

Volunteers have the responsibility to:

- Represent CCF and uphold its NON-POLITICAL stance in a professional and appropriate manner.

- Bring questions, concerns, and problems directly to a member of CCF staff, so that they can be properly addressed.

- Recognize that CCF has the right to dismiss a volunteer for inappropriate behavior, after careful and justifiable review.

Background Checks

Some volunteer positions with CCF require background checks, specifically positions where volunteers come in contact with vulnerable populations, such as children. If the position you are volunteering for requires a background check, you will be contacted to provide your personal information.

By clicking "I Agree" you are electronically signing that you understand and agree to the Volunteer Rights and Responsibilities. *

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Job Hazards Analysis (JHA) ▼

Please read the following 2026 JHA's (Job Hazards Analysis)

Trail Work and Field Work JHA:

Public Contacts JHA:

I have read and understood both the Volunteer Trail/Field Work and Public Contacts Job Hazard Analysis (JHA's), and am hereby signing them electronically. *

I agree

301b Volunteer Service Agreement ▼

Please read the following 301b Volunteer Service Agreement:

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I understand the health and physical condition requirements for this position, and I know of no medical condition or physical limitation that may adversely affect my (or my minor's child) ability to provide this service. *

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I consent to being photographed, and to the release of my photographic image. *

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I have read and understand the 301b Volunteer Service Agreement (Summer Naturalist Volunteer, Group Leader: Liz Anderson, AGREEMENT# (OF-301A box21): 26-VS-110419001-0011, OMB Control Number 1093-0006), and am hereby signing it electronically. *

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