ODFW Volunteer Programs

Last week a press release was sent out regarding the cancelation of volunteer events. Which can be found here: odfw.com. In addition, to the canceled Hunter Education classes, Family Fishing Events, workshops, all other events and other non-essential volunteer activities that have been scheduled over the next four weeks will be suspended.

This guidance applies to all ODFW volunteers. You can expect more updates and direction as this event evolves and we strive to keep everyone safe. Please don’t hesitate to direct questions to your ODFW staff contact or Volunteer Coordinator @ odfw.volunteerprogram@state.or.us. Once again, thank you for all that you are doing in the face of this challenge.

Oregon is home to over 650 different species of fish and wildlife. These species continue to thrive because of the work of volunteers. Volunteers are vital to ensuring that the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife fulfills its mission of protecting and enhancing Oregon’s fish, wildlife, and their habitats for present and future generations.

Becoming a Volunteer

Registration Form.  Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will be asked to complete a volunteer registration form. The volunteer registration form includes basic contact information and areas of interest.

Background Checks. Additional screening procedures are required when volunteers will be placed in direct contact with unaccompanied minors or possess/handle firearms as part of their volunteer activities. These procedures may include reference checks and criminal background checks including National background checks based on fingerprints. Backgrounds checks can take anywhere from 3 days to 4 weeks to process, depending on the type of check that is required.

Program specific policies. Individual programs within the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife may have specific standards and procedures. Volunteers are required to abide by program policies and procedures in addition to statewide volunteer policies.

ODFW Volunteers: Bring enthusiasm, energy, and ideas to ODFW Donate thousands of hours of time Increase the quality of ODFW projects and services Advocate for ODFW and for Oregon's resources Support programs that protect fish and wildlife Actively participate in resource management activities Bring expertise and skills to ODFW	Volunteer and get a chance to: Interact with new people Give back to the fish, wildlife and habitat you care about and enjoy Work with ODFW staff Put professional skills and expertise to good use Gain new skills and experience
Monitoring wood duck boxes	Loading up for backpack fish stocking

Volunteer Program Opportunities

Region Wildlife Volunteer Programs Assist with wildlife surveys, habitat improvement, nest box building and monitoring, public education, carpentry, computer and clerical work.

Salmon and Trout Enhancement Program (STEP) Complete stream habitat restoration work, conduct surveys, help with education projects, or hatch and rear salmon and trout eggs.

Volunteer Host Program (RV Required) Join other RV owners from across the nation who live and work for a month or more at one of our hatcheries, wildlife areas or offices.

Angler Education Program Become a certified volunteer instructor and teach basic fishing skills, aquatic conservation and stewardship, ethical conduct and water safety.

Hunter Education Program Continue to make hunting a safe and enjoyable pastime in Oregon by teaching safe and responsible hunting techniques and skills to others.

Outdoor Skills Education Program Outdoor Skills Workshops include: Family Workshops, Becoming an Outdoor-Woman Workshops (BOW), and Adult Workshops Volunteers assist at workshops designed to teach introductory hunting and shooting skills, fishing and other outdoor activities to families, women and adults.

Thank you volunteers!

Volunteers annually donate more than 200,000 hours of service.
Their skills, devotion, and willingness to help where needed, provide enormous support to our agency.
Each year, ODFW tracks the number of volunteers and their hours.
Download the Volunteer Program Annual Report 2017 (pdf) for more details.