Volunteer Environmental Jobs

• Besides voluntarily recycling, there are many organizations to get involved in locally or abroad for environmental volunteer opportunities. AE Pictures Inc./Lifesize/Getty Images

  With an environmental volunteer job you can help nature and the environment, work alongside other environmental enthusiasts and contribute your time and skills to an organization that you feel strongly about. You can also diversify your resume and add to your current life experiences.

The Nature Conservancy

• Depending on what state you live in throughout the United States, you can volunteer with the Nature Conservancy in an environmentally impacting way. Throughout these volunteer work opportunities, you can learn about environmental impact and restoration of rare species of plants and animals. Most projects are available seasonally and include research projects, native plant maintenance, invasive plant removal, data entry, gardening, wildlife monitoring, building and grounds maintenance and outreach projects. The volunteer jobs include prior training sessions or on-the-job training and are suitable for participants who are 18 years or older. The jobs available differ in time commitment and physical ability.

Biosphere Expeditions

• Biosphere Expeditions is an official partner of the United Nations and offers hands-on, one-week projects and two-week expeditions for those looking to get involved in volunteer environmental work during holiday time or free time. The organization does not require prerequisite skills, as skills are taught during the expedition. There are no age limits to volunteer.

  Biosphere volunteers work with and support local people and wildlife by working with local scientists. Some projects include safeguarding the coral reefs in Honduras or helping with the conservation of jaguars, pumas, ocelots and other species in Brazil. Biosphere Expeditions require participants to pay a contribution fee, which varies between expeditions, projects and taster days. A deposit is required to secure a place in a program.

Andean Bear Foundation

• The Andean Bear Foundation is based in Ecuador and supports the Andean Bear Conservation Project, with an aim to save the Andean or Spectacled Bear from extinction. The Andean Bear Foundation conducts in-field scientific studies and monitors, rehabilitates and releases captive bears using radio tracking equipment. There are many ways to get involved with the project including biology internships, teaching assistants, conservation volunteers, film making, photography and mural work.