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! Be a part of our event setup team and help build the Small Farm and Food Fest event area for residents to enjoy the event! 

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 make sure the event infrastructure is set up securely, starts this fun event off on the right foot!

Tasks

Help staff unload, organize, and collect equipment and gear that will be distributed throughout the event site. Help with tasks such as placing signage, setting up pop-up tents, tables and chairs, and placing tabletops. 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:

Service Saturdays

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 

Do you love the MetroParks and sharing that passion with others? 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! Info Tent Support volunteers share their love and knowledge of Five Rivers MetroParks with the public by providing information about programs, parks, events, and special offerings.

Impact

Info Tent Support volunteers support Marketing staff helping event participants connect with the resources available at the MetroParks. Special Event volunteers serve a critical role in ensuring that each special event or large-scale program runs smoothly from setup to teardown.

Tasks

Share information about Small Farm and Food Fest with event participants. Answer questions about Five Rivers MetroParks to the best of your abilityShare information about MetroParks events, parks, and programs.Distribute printed materials such as brochures, Parkways magazine, event maps, and park maps.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individual, public, long-term, 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 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 smiling, engaging and speaking with event visitors. Standing and walking will primarily be on paved surfaces. There may be some down time throughout your shift where sitting may also be an option. 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 

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 

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, breaking 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:  

Mud Day 2026

Beer and Wine Sales