Opportunities From: Five Rivers MetroParks

Come join us at Small Farm & Food Fest, a free, annual event for all-ages, that promotes healthy eating and sustainable living! With dozens of fun, hands-on activities, demonstrations, speakers, and a pop up farmer's market, there's something for everyone on the farm! Exhibitor Support volunteers welcome exhibitors and help them get prepared for the event. 

Impact

Special Event volunteers serve a critical role in ensuring that each special event or large-scale program runs smoothly from setup to teardown. Exhibitor Support Volunteers help create a welcoming environment for exhibitors and lend a helping hand with their set up tasks.

Tasks Greet exhibitors and vendors as they arrive. Help exhibitors and vendors unload and direct them to the proper parking location. Guide exhibitor and vendors to registration and to their designated booth space after they have registered. Help exhibitors bring their gear to their booth space. Relay any special needs or questions to the staff lead. Assist with general event setup as needed as time permits.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individual, public, long-term, or short term volunteers, ages 16 and up. Simply click the blue RESPOND button to sign up or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.

Background Check: We do not require a background check for our public volunteer opportunities; however, persons with a criminal record may be disqualified and prohibited from service. Please review our background check policy here. For those required to complete Court Appointed Community Service, please click here.

Additional Notes

Parking and Meeting Instructions: Volunteers may park in the Visitor Center lot located at 7800 E. Shull Rd. Meet with the staff lead at the Visitor Center. View the event map here. Please plan to arrive 10 minutes before your shift to allow for parking, checking in, and connecting with the staff lead. Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please contact the staff lead, Rick Musselman, at 937-277-4834.Environment & Physical Demands: Physical duties include standing, walking, lifting, bending, and stretching, carrying and wayfinding. Walking will include traversing paved, unpaved, and natural surfaces.Dress: Please wear your volunteer name badge and volunteer apparel if you have them. Otherwise, wear comfortable attire suitable for the weather. Reusable volunteer vests and event nametags will be provided for you at volunteer check in onsite. 

Learn more about Special Events opportunities with us on the Volunteer Position page! Have questions or need help getting started? Contact Volunteer Services at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or #937-275-7275 or join us at a Volunteer Open House. 

Want to Branch Out? Exploring multiple opportunities is a great way to stay involved,

build new skills, and experience different parts of the parks! Consider these opportunities:

Heirloom Gardening

Barn Aide 

Come join us at Small Farm & Food Fest, a free, annual event for all-ages, that promotes healthy eating and sustainable living. With dozens of fun, hands-on activities, demonstrations, speakers, and a pop up farmer's market, there's something for everyone on the farm! Event Ambassador volunteers help set the tone of this event by greeting visitors and providing information about the day's festivities. 

Impact

Special Event volunteers serve a critical role in ensuring that each special event or large-scale program runs smoothly from setup to teardown. Event Ambassador volunteers help participants feel welcome, engaged and knowledgeable about the event.

Tasks

Provide excellent customer service by welcoming and directing visitors throughout the park and visitor center. Answer questions about the day's event schedule and layout. Distribute brochures or other literature appropriate to the conversation.Assist with event wayfinding. Provide back up support for event volunteer break coverage.Fill in at other station if needed.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individual, public, long-term, short term volunteers, ages 18. Simply click the blue RESPOND button to sign up or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.

Background Check: We do not require a background check for our public volunteer opportunities; however, persons with a criminal record may be disqualified and prohibited from service. Please review our background check policy here. For those required to complete Court Appointed Community Service, please click here.

Additional Notes

Parking and Meeting Instructions: Volunteers may park in the Visitors Center parking lot located at 7800 E. Shull Rd. Meet with the staff lead at the Visitor Center. View the event map here. Please plan to arrive 10 minutes before your shift to allow for parking, checking in, and connecting with the staff lead. Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please contact the staff lead, Rick Musselman, at 937-277-4834.Environment & Physical Demands: Physical duties include standing, walking, and the possibility of sitting. Walking will include traversing primarily paved surfaces but could include natural surfaces. Due to the nature of large public events, there may be down time at different points.If you would like to request a service accommodation in order to volunteer at this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at least 1 week before the scheduled opportunityDress: Please wear your volunteer name badge and volunteer apparel if you have them. Otherwise, wear comfortable attire suitable for the weather. Reusable volunteer vests and event nametags will be provided for you at volunteer check in onsite.

Learn more about Special Event opportunities with us on the Volunteer Position page! Have questions or need help getting started? Contact Volunteer Services at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or #937-275-7275 or join us at a Volunteer Open House.

Want to Branch Out? Exploring multiple opportunities is a great way to stay involved, build new skills, and experience different parts of the parks! Consider this/these opportunities: 

Historic Interpreter

Possum Creek Gardening 

Small Farm & Food Fest is a free, all-ages event that promotes healthy eating and sustainable living with dozens of hands-on activities, a pop-up farmers market, demonstrations, speakers, and more. Sustainability volunteers help to educate the public on sustainability practices and assist with proper waste disposal. Come help event participants learn their impact on the future by combining historic composting and modern day recycling methods!

Impact

Special Event volunteers are critical in ensuring events and large-scale programs run smoothly. Sustainability volunteers help educate participants about what a low-waste event program is, how to distinguish between various recycling and compostable items and encourage ongoing sustainable practices

Tasks

Assist guests in the proper event disposal of recyclables, compostables and trashAnswer participant's questions to the best of your ability and direct questions to staff when neededShare MetroParks' mission of working toward a waste-free eventEncourage and inspire visitors to continue sustainable practices at homeAssist with any set up or take down activities associated with relevant shifts

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individual, public, long-term, and short term, volunteers, ages 18 and up. Simply click the blue RESPOND button to sign up or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.

Background Check: We do not require a background check for our public volunteer opportunities; however, persons with a criminal record may be disqualified and prohibited from service. Please review our background check policy here. For those required to complete Court Appointed Community Service, please click here.

Additional Notes

Parking and Meeting Instructions: Volunteers may park in the Visitor Center Parking lot located at 7800 E. Shull Rd. Meet with the staff lead at the Visitors Center.  View the event map here. Please plan to arrive 10 minutes before your shift to allow for parking, checking in, and connecting with the staff lead.Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please contact the staff lead, Grace Dietsch, (937) 528-7188.Environment & Physical Demands: Physical duties include standing, walking, lifting, bending, and stretching, and carrying items outside. Walking will include traversing paved, unpaved and natural surfaces. This station will be covered by a tent.If you would like to request a service accommodation in order to volunteer at this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at least 1 week before the scheduled opportunity.Dress: Please wear your volunteer name badge and volunteer apparel if you have them. Otherwise, wear comfortable attire suitable for the weather. Reusable volunteer vests and event nametags will be provided for you at volunteer check in onsite.

Click here to view a map of Carriage Hill MetroPark

Learn more about Special Events opportunities with us on the Volunteer Position page! Have questions or need help getting started? Contact Volunteer Services at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or #937-275-7275 or join us at a Volunteer Open House. 

Want to Branch Out? Exploring multiple opportunities is a great way to stay involved,

build new skills, and experience different parts of the parks! Consider these opportunities:

Heirloom Gardening

Barn Aide 

Come join us at Small Farm & Food Fest, a free, annual event for all-ages, that promotes healthy eating and sustainable living! With dozens of fun, hands-on activities, demonstrations, speakers, and a pop up farmer's market, there's something for everyone on the farm! Help us wrap up the day's fun by taking down this event and restoring the park to it's usual look.

Impact

Special Event volunteers are critical in ensuring that each special event or large-scale program runs smoothly from set-up to tear-down. Your efforts to help staff dismantle and put away the event structures and equipment keep the work load lighter for everyone!

Tasks

Help staff collect, load and organize equipment and gear that was used throughout the event site. Help with tasks such as removing signage, collapsing pop-up tents or disassembly of historic tents, taking down tables and chairs, and returning items to storage. Use safe lifting techniques, proper hand tools for the task, and safety gear as appropriate and necessary. You may be asked to lift and/or carry 25lbs or more.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individual, public, youth, long-term, or short term volunteers, ages 14 and up. Simply click the blue RESPOND button to sign up or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.

Background Check: We do not require a background check for our public volunteer opportunities; however, persons with a criminal record may be disqualified and prohibited from service. Please review our background check policy here. For those required to complete Court Appointed Community Service, please click here.

Additional Notes

Parking and Meeting Instructions: Volunteers may park in the Visitor Center lot located at 7800 E. Shull Rd. Meet with the staff lead at the Visitor Center. View the event map here. Please plan to arrive 10 minutes before your shift to allow for parking, checking in, and connecting with the staff lead. Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please contact the staff lead, Rick Musselman, at 937-277-4834.Environment & Physical Demands: Physical duties include standing, walking, lifting, bending, and stretching, carrying and wayfinding. Walking will include traversing paved, unpaved, and natural surfaces. Volunteers may be asked to carry 25lbs or more.Dress: Please wear your volunteer name badge and volunteer apparel if you have them. Otherwise, wear comfortable attire suitable for the weather. Closed toe shoes are required. Reusable volunteer vests and event nametags will be provided for you at volunteer check in onsite.

Learn more about Special Events opportunities with us on the Volunteer Position page! Have questions or need help getting started? Contact Volunteer Services at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or #937-275-7275 or join us at a Volunteer Open House. 

Want to Branch Out? Exploring multiple opportunities is a great way to stay involved, build new skills, and experience different parts of the parks! Consider these opportunities:  

Beer and Wine Sales 

The Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience

Come help visitors find a place for them and their car at the A Place for You Picnic at Island MetroPark! Parking Attendant volunteers are needed to welcome picnic park goers and provide directions for where to safely leave their vehicles. You can ensure visitors start their evening of exploring all that the MetroParks has to offer with a friendly smile and parking guidance. 

Impact

Special Event volunteers ensure that events and large-scale programs run smoothly. Parking Attendant volunteers providing guidelines for parking prevents confusion and injury and sets a positive tone for the evening's activities.

Tasks  Stand on the roadway to indicate location for parking Welcome guests as they arrive.Monitor the traffic at the Island MetroPark entrance  Allow handicapped parking at the Visitor Parking LotDirect all other vehicles to park down the street in the overflow parking Promptly communicate any concerns or needs to staff  Eligibility

This opportunity is open to public volunteers, ages 18 and up. Simply click the blue RESPOND button to sign up or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.

Background Check: We do not require a background check for our public volunteer opportunities; however, persons with a criminal record may be disqualified and prohibited from service. Please review our background check policy here. 
Additional Notes Parking and Meeting Instructions: Park in the overflow parking which is east on Helena across the drive from Kettering Fields. See map here.Cancelation:  If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call the staff lead, Beth Burke, at (937) 361-7565.Environment and Physical Demands: Volunteers will stand outside for the duration of their shift and will need to use their arms to indicate directions. Plan to arrive 10 minutes before your shift to receive more specific instructions regarding your volunteer assignment.  Dress: Please bring a water bottle and dress for the weather. Wear comfortable clothing and your blue or green volunteer t-shirt and name tag, if you have one. A reusable volunteer vest and namebadge will be provided at check-in. Sunglasses, a hat, bug spray and/or sunscreen are encouraged

Can't decide which you love more -- enjoying the Summer Music Series at RiverScape or supporting the Five Rivers MetroParks?!  Good news, you don't have to choose!  Beer and Wine Sales volunteers, age 21 and over, can do both when they assist staff by pouring and serving beer and wine for event participants. Staff members take the guess work out of the equation and will be on site to check identification to approve or deny service. Volunteers may be stationed inside the RiverScape Cafe, the Rentals Office or outside under a 10' x 10' tent. 

Impact

Proceeds from alcohol sales will further our mission of protecting the region's natural heritage and providing outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature.

Tasks Assist staff by pouring and serving beer and wine to approved customersHelp staff with setting up the drink serving area, including moving stanchions to form the line area Periodically restock the product, which requires lifting up to 20 pounds Assist with questions about the event, park, and Five Rivers MetroParks, and refer questions you cannot answer to a MetroParks staff member on-site Volunteers will primarily be standing, but may have the opportunity to sit and rest during downtime. Please be advised that some events have much higher attendance than others resulting in a steady line of customers all evening, and in turn fewer opportunities to sit and rest.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individual, long-term, or short term volunteers, ages 21 and up who have qualified in Beer and Wine Sales Training.  Simply click the blue RESPOND button to sign up.

GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 21 and up an eligible background check), plus Beer and Wine Sales training. Simply click the blue RESPOND button to begin completing the required qualifications or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer. Additional NotesParking and Meeting Instructions: Volunteers can park at the Main Office lot, 409 E. Monument Ave, at the top near the FRMP vehicles with a volunteer hangtag. If you do not have your official volunteer parking pass yet, you can contact Volunteer Services at 937-275-PARK or www.volunteer.services@metroparks.org.Meet staff near the Rentals Office window when you arrive. Volunteers will be provided with a brief onsite orientation by staff.Cancellation:  If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call the staff lead, James Carter, at 937-277-4359. Environment & Physical Demands: ​​Light physical duties include standing for up to 3 hours, walking, and light lifting to help set up and tear down booth materials. Dress: Please wear your volunteer name badge and, if you have one, your green or blue volunteer T-shirt. Be sure to wear closed toed shoes. Reusable volunteer vests and nametags will be provided for you at volunteer check in onsite.Other: Volunteers must abstain from drinking alcohol until after their volunteer shift is finished and must remove their volunteer nametag and any other volunteer apparel when consuming alcohol.

 Learn more about Special Events opportunities with us on the Volunteer Position page! Have questions or need help getting started? Contact Volunteer Services at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or #937-275-7275 or join us at a Volunteer Open House. 

Do you enjoy the Hispanic Heritage Festival? Support the event and the frontline staff by showing appreciation to those who work behind the scenes to make it happen! Volunteers are needed to oversee the hospitality room that will supply lunch and dinner to Five Rivers MetroParks staff and volunteers.

Impact

Special Event volunteers serve a critical role in ensuring that each special event or large-scale program runs smoothly from set up to tear down. Hospitality Attendant Volunteers make sure that hard working staff have access to needed food and drinks to keep them going strong for the duration of the event they are working.  

Tasks

Greet staff and volunteers, in an indoor environment, as they arrive.  Refill snacks and water as needed. Help with waste disposal, including compost and recycling. Provide support for food service providers. Help set up lunch and/or dinner meals.Help keep the area neat and clean.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individuals, public, long-term, and short term volunteers, ages 18 and up. Simply click the blue RESPOND button to sign up or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.

 Background Check: We do not require a background check for our public volunteer opportunities; however, persons with a criminal record may be disqualified and prohibited from service. Please review our background check policy here. For those required to complete Court Appointed Community Service, please click here. Additional Notes Parking and Meeting Instructions: Parking is available for volunteers at the Main Office located at 409 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH 45402. Volunteers must display a valid Volunteer Parking Pass. If you do not have one, please contact volunteer.services@metroparks.org to obtain one. Volunteers should meet staff at the rear entrance of the Main Office (facing nearest the river) on the North side of the building. You will be escorted into the building and to the third-floor hospitality room. Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to park, check in, and get to your volunteer location.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A VOLUNTEER PARKING PASS

Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call the staff lead, April Debrosse, at 937-681-1849. Environment & Physical Demands: Physical duties include standing, walking, in an indoor, climate controlled space. Some light lifting and bending (food trays, small water coolers, and assistance with trash removal) are also required. Dress: Please wear your volunteer name badge and, if you have one, your green or blue volunteer shirt. Other: Please note that the hospitality room is reserved for MetroParks employees and volunteers only. Hospitality for bands, vendors, and other support personnel for Hispanic Heritage Festival is provided by a third party.Volunteers must abstain from drinking alcohol until after their volunteer shift is finished and must remove their volunteer nametag and any other volunteer apparel when consuming alcohol.

Learn more about Special Events opportunities with us on the Volunteer Position page! Have questions or need help getting started? Contact Volunteer Services at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or #937-275-7275 or join us at a Volunteer Open House.

Want to Branch Out? Exploring multiple opportunities is a great way to stay involved, build new skills, and experience different parts of the parks! Consider this opportunity:

     Small Farm and Food Fest