Opportunities From: Five Rivers MetroParks

We're inviting the community to kick off the season with us at Passport to MetroParks, Friday, May 29th at RiverScape MetroPark. This event introduces our community to all the wonderful parks, programs, and events that MetroParks provides in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere with food, music, educational booths and activities.

Sustainability Volunteers are needed to help educate the community about sustainability and direct them on how to sort and dispose of compostables, recyclables, and other waste.  This is a vital role supporting our goal of hosting waste free events. This is a great opportunity for Master Recycler Volunteers!

Impact

Special Event volunteers serve a critical role in ensuring events and large-scale programs run smoothly. 

Tasks

Under the supervision of staff, support and assist with the following tasks

assist with waste collection and sorting, including compostable and recyclable waste generated at waste stations during the event.   share information with the public, educating them on environmental stewardship and sustainable practices.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individual Public, Short-term, and Long-Term volunteers ages 16 and up.

GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 18 and up, an eligible background check). Simply click the blue RESPOND button to begin completing your qualifications or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Volunteers can park at the Main Office lot, 409 E. Monument Ave, near the FRMP vehicles if space is available or elsewhere in the lot with a volunteer hangtag or parking pass (see map image below). Proceed to volunteer check-in at RiverScape MetroPark near the rentals office and cafe. Click here for a map of RiverScape MetroPark.

Click here to download and print a temporary FRMP Volunteer Parking Pass.

Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call Jack Rees at #859-653-6658. Environment & Physical Demands: Physical duties include walking, standing, and guiding.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 green or blue volunteer T-shirt, if you have one. Reusable volunteer vests and event volunteer name badges will be provided for volunteers on-site at volunteer check-in. Be sure to wear closed-toe shoes.

Learn more about Special Events 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.

Share your love for the Market with visitors at Passport to MetroParks! We're trying to spread the word about our incredible 2nd Street Market and all that it offers the community. If you love the Market and enjoy events, this might be the opportunity for you.

Impact

Program Support volunteers make programs like this one celebrating our community and spreading awareness possible!

Tasks

Welcome and interact with event visitors, providing good customer service.Assist staff in the set-up and clean-up of the station area and supplies.Assist participants with the station activity - spinning a wheel to win a prize.Help answer questions about the 2nd Street Market - This is a great opportunity for Market Ambassadors!

Eligibility

 This opportunity is open to individual Long-Term and Short-Term volunteers ages 16 and up.

GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 18 and up, an eligible background check). Simply click the blue RESPOND button to begin completing your qualifications or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Volunteers can park at the Main Office lot, 409 E. Monument Ave, near the FRMP vehicles if space is available or elsewhere in the lot with a volunteer hangtag or parking pass (see map image below). Proceed to volunteer check-in at RiverScape MetroPark near the rentals office and cafe. Click here for a map of RiverScape MetroPark.

Click here to download and print a temporary FRMP Volunteer Parking Pass. Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call Lynda or Sally at #937-228-2088. Environment & Physical Demands: ​​Physical duties will include some moderate lifting, bending and a lot of standing on concrete.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. This event takes place outdoors so please dress for the weather.

Learn more about Programming 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.

Passport to MetroParks aims to build community awareness of what our MetroParks offers and will highlight various MetroParks' events, programs, and parks. Throughout the event, guests can visit vendor booths hosting games and activities featuring upcoming festivals and various recreation, education, conservation, and volunteer programs Five Rivers MetroParks offers. Program Support Volunteer will share their enthusiasm for Five Rivers MetroParks with diverse audiences. Help enhance the visitor experience by greeting and welcoming park patrons, answering questions, and assisting staff at this activity station.

The Outdoor Recreation team has the climbing wall as a  "try it" activity within the event to help get participants active and excited about upcoming recreation programs and events. Volunteers will be program support, add individualized attention, and allow participants to learn more about the various ways to get active.

This activity, supervised by expert staff and/or vendors and is supported by volunteers. It provides an opportunity for an entry-level climbing experience and a chance to work on climbing skills. Volunteers help make this a safe and engaging experience for all participants.

Impact

Program Support volunteers are critical in ensuring we can provide high-quality, engaging programming like "try it" activities to the public. Volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, and safety into our programs for all interested in learning.  They enable more individualized support for first-time learners and create a better skill-building environment. Volunteers help people make a stronger connection to nature by making it easy to experience the outdoors in fun activities.

Tasks

Greet and welcome participants to the event and the Climbing Wall. Ensure all participants have signed a release waiver. Watch this video to learn more about our activity waivers. Review and ensure activity participants follow the posted safety guidelines.Assist staff lead in getting all interested participants to get fitted into a climbing harness, making sure to give them the correct size and they are properly worn and tightened. ***Please review this resource before arriving for your shift: How to Put on a Climbing Harness - Uncommon Path – An REI Co-op Publication. Assist with line management. Report any issues to the Event Staff or Recreation supervisor.Answer any questions to your ability, and direct participants to staff if unsure.  Act as an Outdoor Recreation Department Ambassador, if the need arises for you to help with the Outdoor Recreation Booth .General knowledge of upcoming programs, assisting participants in signing waivers, and encouraging volunteerism to support outdoor recreation programming where appropriate. Help set up and tear down as needed. You are the face of MetroParks at this event...smile, be enthusiastic, and enjoy the event!

Eligibility: This opportunity is open to individual, long-term volunteers, ages 18 and up.

 GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and, for those 18 and up, an eligible background check). Simply click the blue RESPOND button to begin completing the required qualifications, or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Riverscape MetroPark. Volunteers should park at the Five Rivers MetroPark Main Office parking lot (409 East Monument Avenue, Dayton, OH 45402) or along E. Monument Ave. or S. Patterson Blvd. Look for the 'Volunteer Event' signage, then check in at the volunteer services booth located by the Riverscape Bike Hub (237 E. Monument Ave., Dayton, OH 45402). Volunteers arrive 30 minutes before the start of the event to allow for parking, checking in, going to their stations, and getting oriented to the activities. REMEMBER to have your parking pass on your dashboard or hanging on your mirror.   If you do not have your volunteer parking hangtag, you can download the event permit here.Cancellation:  If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please contact your Staff Lead at the provided number. Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place outdoors at an event - Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e. sun, poison ivy, insects, etc.). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.), and may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects of 10lbs or more. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear their MetroParks name badge and t-shirt,  long pants, closed-toe shoes, bring water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. 

Learn more about Programming 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:

Program Support

Passport to MetroParks aims to build community awareness of what our MetroParks offers and will highlight various MetroParks' events, programs, and parks. Throughout the event, guests can visit vendor booths hosting games and activities featuring upcoming festivals and various recreation, education, conservation, and volunteer programs Five Rivers MetroParks offers. Program Support Volunteer will share their enthusiasm for Five Rivers MetroParks with diverse audiences. Help enhance the visitor experience by greeting and welcoming park patrons, answering questions, and assisting staff at this activity station.

The Outdoor Recreation team has the climbing wall as a  "try it" activity within the event to help get participants active and excited about upcoming recreation programs and events. Volunteers will be program support, add individualized attention, and allow participants to learn more about the various ways to get active.

This activity, supervised by expert staff and/or vendors, is supported by volunteers and provides an opportunity for an entry-level climbing experience and a chance to work on climbing skills. Volunteers help make this a safe and engaging experience for all participants.

Impact

Program Support volunteers are critical in ensuring we can provide high-quality, engaging programming like "try it" activities to the public. Volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, and safety into our programs for all interested in learning.  They enable more individualized support for first-time learners and create a better skill-building environment. Volunteers help people make a stronger connection to nature by making it easy to experience the outdoors in fun activities.

Tasks

Greet and welcome participants to the event and the Climbing Wall. Ensure all participants have signed a release waiver. Watch this video to learn more about our activity waivers. Review and ensure activity participants follow the posted safety guidelines. Assist with line management,  moving the participants from the line to the harness fitting attendants when a position becomes open. Report any issues to the Event Staff or Recreation supervisor. Answer any questions to your ability, and direct participants to staff if unsure.  Act as an Outdoor Recreation Department Ambassador, if the need arises for you to help with the Outdoor Recreation Booth .General knowledge of upcoming programs, assisting participants in signing waivers, and encouraging volunteerism to support outdoor recreation programming where appropriate. Help set up and tear down as needed. You are the face of MetroParks at this event...smile, be enthusiastic, and enjoy the event!

Eligibility: This opportunity is open to individual, long-term, and short term volunteers, ages 18 and up.

 GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and, for those 18 and up, an eligible background check). Simply click the blue RESPOND button to begin completing the required qualifications, or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Riverscape MetroPark. Volunteers should park at the Five Rivers MetroPark Main Office parking lot (409 East Monument Avenue, Dayton, OH 45402) or along E. Monument Ave. or S. Patterson Blvd. Look for the 'Volunteer Event' signage, then check in at the volunteer services booth located by the Riverscape Bike Hub (237 E. Monument Ave., Dayton, OH 45402). Volunteers arrive 30 minutes before the start of the event to allow for parking, checking in, going to their stations, and getting oriented to the activities. REMEMBER to have your parking pass on your dashboard or hanging on your mirror.   If you do not have your volunteer parking hangtag, you can download the event permit here.Cancellation:  If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please contact your Staff Lead at the provided number. Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place outdoors at an event - Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e. sun, poison ivy, insects, etc.). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.), and may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects of 10lbs or more. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear their MetroParks name badge and t-shirt,  long pants, closed-toe shoes, bring water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. 

Learn more about Programming 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:

Program Support

We're inviting the community to kick off the season with us at Passport to MetroParks, Friday, May 29th at RiverScape MetroPark. This event introduces our community to all the wonderful parks, programs, and events that MetroParks provides in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere with food, music, educational booths and activities.

Wildlife Ambassador Animal Care Volunteers are needed to help us introduce our animal friends (snake, turtle, owl) to people of all ages at this fun, family-friendly event. In this shadow experience, staff will work with you to show you how to confidently handle and interpret the animals to the public.

Impact

Volunteers like YOU can share our conservation mission and the importance of healthy habitat for animals like them and people like us to a variety of audiences throughout our community.

Tasks

Under the supervision of staff, support and assist with the following tasks:

Assist staff in set-up and clean-up of wildlife ambassador booth space.With the help of your staff lead you will:Welcome guests to the booth, introduce yourself and the wildlife ambassadorsProvide excellent customer service to the public when approached with questions. Review talking points regarding the wildlife ambassadors in the Wildlife Ambassador Manual.Follow all safety procedures and ensure the safety of all participants. Alert staff when and if any issues arise.

Eligibility

This is an opportunity for individual and family-friendly Long-Term volunteers who are qualified Wildlife Ambassador Animal Care volunteers. 

GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 18 and up, an eligible background check), and Wildlife Ambassador Volunteer Training.  Simply click the blue RESPOND button to begin completing your qualifications or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Volunteers can park at the Main Office lot, 409 E. Monument Ave, near the FRMP vehicles if space is available or elsewhere in the lot with a volunteer hangtag or parking pass (see map image below). Proceed to volunteer check-in at RiverScape MetroPark near the cafe and rentals office. Click here for a map of RiverScape MetroPark.

Click here to download and print a temporary FRMP Volunteer Parking Pass.

Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call Jack Rees at #859-653-6658. Environment & Physical Demands: Physical duties include walking, standing, and guiding.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 green or blue volunteer T-shirt, if you have one. Reusable volunteer vests and event volunteer name badges will be provided for volunteers on-site at volunteer check-in. Be sure to wear closed-toe shoes.

Learn more about Programming 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.

We're inviting the community to kick off the season with us at Passport to MetroParks, Friday, May 29th at RiverScape MetroPark. This event introduces our community to all the wonderful parks, programs, and events that MetroParks provides in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere with food, music, educational booths and activities.

Tactile Nature Interpreters are needed to shadow our staff at this opportunity introducing guests to our variety of touchable items including furs and bones and helping them connect with our mission. In this shadow experience, staff will work with you to show you how to confidently interpret the furs and engage the public. 

Impact

Volunteers like YOU can share our conservation mission and the importance of healthy habitat for animals like them and people like us to a variety of audiences throughout our community.

Tasks

Under the supervision of staff, support and assist with the following tasks:

Meet the staff at the location 15 minutes prior to the program and help set up the interpretation table with the touchables. At end of the program assist with clean-up.With the help of your staff lead you will: Welcome guests, introduce yourself, and invite them up to explore the variety of touchables.Share program talking points and answer common questions with information from the Tactile Nature Interpreter Manual providing excellent customer service to the public.Follow all safety procedures and ensure the safety of all participants.

Eligibility

This is an opportunity for individual Long-Term volunteers ages 18 and up who are qualified Tactile Nature Interpreters.

GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 18 and up, an eligible background check), and Tactile Nature Interpreter Volunteer Training.  Simply click the blue RESPOND button to begin completing your qualifications or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Volunteers can park at the Main Office lot, 409 E. Monument Ave, near the FRMP vehicles if space is available or elsewhere in the lot with a volunteer hangtag or parking pass (see map image below). Proceed to volunteer check-in at RiverScape MetroPark near the cafe and rentals office. Click here for a map of RiverScape MetroPark.

Click here to download and print a temporary FRMP Volunteer Parking Pass.

Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call Mary Beth Hobson at #937- 477-1858. Environment & Physical Demands: Physical duties include walking, standing, and lifting 10lbs or more.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 green or blue volunteer T-shirt, if you have one. Reusable volunteer vests and event volunteer name badges will be provided for volunteers on-site at volunteer check-in. Be sure to wear closed-toe, comfortable shoes.

Learn more about Ambassador 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.

We're inviting the community to kick off the season with us at Passport to MetroParks, Friday, May 29th at RiverScape MetroPark. This event introduces our community to all the wonderful parks, programs, and events that MetroParks provides in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere with food, music, educational booths and activities.

The Floating Event Ambassador roams the event greeting and welcoming park patrons, passing out event passports, and directing visitors to the booths to collect stamps.

Impact

Ambassador volunteers enhance the visitor experience by offering excellent customer service to park visitors and helping them build awareness of all the amenities that MetroParks offers to community members.

Tasks

Under the supervision of staff, support and assist with the following tasks:

Roam the event to show a Five Rivers MetroParks presenceGreet and welcome guests to Passport to MetroParksPass out event passports and direct visitors to the booths to collect stampsAssist with questions about the event, park, and Five Rivers MetroParks Refer questions you cannot answer to a MetroParks staff member on-site

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individual Long-Term volunteers ages 18 and up.

GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 18 and up, an eligible background check). Simply click the blue RESPOND button to begin completing your qualifications or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Volunteers can park at the Main Office lot, 409 E. Monument Ave, near the FRMP vehicles if space is available or elsewhere in the lot with a volunteer hangtag or parking pass (see map image below). Proceed to volunteer check-in at RiverScape MetroPark near the rentals office and cafe. Click here for a map of RiverScape MetroPark.

Click here to download and print a temporary FRMP Volunteer Parking Pass.

Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call Rachel Baney at #937-902-4613. Environment & Physical Demands: Physical duties include walking, standing, and guiding.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 green or blue volunteer T-shirt, if you have one. Be sure to wear closed-toe shoes. Reusable volunteer vests will be provided for volunteers on-site.

Learn more about Ambassador 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.

We're inviting the community to kick off the season with us at Passport to MetroParks, Friday, May 29th at RiverScape MetroPark. This event introduces our community to all the wonderful parks, programs, and events that MetroParks provides in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere with food, music, educational booths and activities. Help us ensure a smooth finish to this year's event by helping our staff with Event Tear Down.

Impact

Special Event volunteers are critical in ensuring that each special event or large-scale program runs smoothly from setup to teardown.  

Tasks

Under the supervision of staff, support and assist with the following tasks:

Collapsing and putting away 10x10 tents throughout the event footprint Stacking and loading tables and chairs taking down banners and other event promotional items

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individual Public, Short-Term, and Long-Term volunteers ages 16 and up.

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 & Meeting Instructions: Volunteers can park at the Main Office lot, 409 E. Monument Ave, near the FRMP vehicles if space is available with a volunteer hangtag or parking pass (see map image below). Volunteers will be given a brief orientation when they arrive on-site. Meet staff near the cafe and rental office windows to receive a brief on-site orientation. Click here for a map of RiverScape MetroPark.

Click here to download and print a temporary FRMP Volunteer Parking Pass.

Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call Rachel Baney at #937-902-4613. Environment & Physical Demands: ​​​​This opportunity is very physical and requires volunteers to lift items that weigh anywhere from 5 to 50 pounds. Reaching, walking and standing on pavement or concrete for long periods may be required. Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e., sun, poison ivy, insects, etc.). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.).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 green or blue volunteer T-shirt, if you have one. Be sure to wear closed-toe shoes. Reusable volunteer vests will be provided for volunteers on-site.

Learn more about Special Events 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.