Volunteer

Looking for a fun way to give back and make a difference? Join Ijams' team of dedicated volunteers! From removing invasive species and restoring native East Tennessee landscapes to helping with special events or providing assistance at the Volunteer Information Desk, there are so many ways to get involved at Ijams!

Volunteer Opportunities

Ijams simply would not be Ijams without the hundreds of volunteers who contribute their time and talents to this nonprofit nature center.

VOLUNTEER POSITIONS

• Naturalist

Teach others about nature! Volunteer educators lead school group hikes, run public programs, set up touch tables and information booths, and more. You don’t have to know every rock, tree, and bird. You just need to be enthusiastic and want to share your love of the outdoors with others.

• Grounds Maintenance

Wrangle some weeds! With more than 315 acres to care for, Ijams needs folks who are ready to roll up their sleeves and get dirty! Trail volunteers maintain more than 12 miles of trails throughout the grounds by mulching, weeding, and removing invasive species.

• Special Events

Host a great party! Volunteers are essential in helping Ijams with some of the biggest and best events in East Tennessee. From the Wonder of Hummingbirds Festival and Ijams River Rescue to the nature center's largest fundraiser, Ijams' Symphony in the Park, volunteers assist in every aspect of Ijams events. Every month has opportunities to help with events, big and small.

• Behind the Scenes

Get in on the action! In every nonprofit organization, “behind the scenes” volunteers are the unsung heroes. They answer phones, help visitors navigate the trails, assist with office work, take care of the bird feeders, and generally keep the place running smoothly.

Sign Up to Volunteer

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If you'd like to volunteer and want to make a regular or semi-regular commitment, look at the Ijams Volunteer Position Descriptions and the Ijams Volunteer Manual. Fill out a Volunteer Application. Volunteer orientations will return in May.

Students and one-time volunteers can sign up for one of the upcoming volunteer opportunities below (no volunteer fee required).

Are you a Boy Scout looking to complete your Eagle Scout project? Fill out an Eagle Scout Project Request Form.

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities

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TBD

Stay Connected

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Many volunteer opportunities are now listed on the Events Calendar. Look for the word, "VOLUNTEER" in the heading to find opportunities for service learning, orientations, and trainings. 

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You also can sign up for Ijams' volunteer newsletter to stay connected to all upcoming volunteer opportunities and training workshops!

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Interested in volunteering in one of the following areas? Please contact the appropriate staff member:

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• Field Trips – Tyler Edmondson (tedmondson@ijams.org)

• Front Desk – Nathan McGhee (nmcghee@ijams.org)

• Education Events – Jeremy Clothier (jclothier@ijams.org)

• Weed Warriors – Bekki Krouse (rkrouse@ijams.org)

• Natural Resources – Ben Nanny (bnanny@ijams.org)