Since the Forest Society was founded in 1901, volunteer involvement has been a cornerstone to our success as one of the leading conservation organizations in the Northeast. Without volunteers, we would not have the human resources necessary to protect important lands, affect policy change and educate the public on conservation issues. In 2006, volunteers contributed over 7,600 hours to the Forest Society – equivalent to 3.89 full-time staff members!

Listed below are just some of the opportunities available to volunteers. We can tailor jobs to fit your skills and time-constraints. Training is provided when necessary. Most volunteer opportunities are based out of our headquarters in Concord. Other positions in the field and at our Rocks Estate in Bethlehem, N.H. are also available.

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Opportunities

NEW! Protected Lands Document Archivists

The Forest Society has applied for accreditation through the Land Trust Alliance which requires us to digitally back up critical documents for the properties we protect. We are looking to put together teams of volunteers who will scan and organize records for both our fee owned reservations and our conservation easements. As a team member you can decide with your partner(s) a schedule that would work for you to come to the Conservation Center during normal business hours to scan files and locate them in folders on our computers. If you prefer to work alone, we can schedule that as well. You will have the opportunity to become acquainted with our building, our staff and with the many reservations and conservation easements that we own. To apply, contact Rita Carroll () or Lori Johnson (), or call 224-9945.

Skills/Qualifications: We will train volunteers for this project, but some familiarity with computers (naming and saving documents in file folders) is preferred. Detail-oriented and organization skills a plus!

Hours: Flexible. Volunteers work as available, but must be able to come to the Conservation Center in Concord during business hours (M-F, 8:30-5). This project is expected to continue into 2013; minimum of at least 6 weeks part-time availability preferred.

NEW! Plant ID Interpretive Signage Designer

We are looking to produce approximately 40 interpretive signs which will identify different plants in a native plant garden at Lost River (Woodstock, NH). Click here to view the full position description.

Skills/Qualifications: Experience with a desktop publishing or graphic design program (Publisher, Scribus, PagePlus, Inkscape, etc.) in which you will be able to design the signage; a good eye for design; knowledge of native plants helpful but not absolutely necessary; experience working with digital photo files (cropping, etc). Personal laptop or home computer is needed also if you are not able to drive to Concord!

Hours: As needed/flexible, now through May 2012.

Floodplain interpretive guide

School, scout and other groups visit the Conservation Center to walk the floodplain and learn about the natural history of the area. We need trail volunteers to lead interpretive walks.

Skills/Qualifications: Interest and knowledge of ecology, good communication and interpretive skills, comfortable working with groups of children

Hours: As needed, no more than three hours per month

Green Building Tour Guide

Tour guides lead groups of students and adults through the award-winning Conservation Center, explaining the passive solar design and energy efficient features. Training is provided to teach volunteers how solar energy works and why the Forest Society built our distinctive headquarters, home to seven conservation organizations.

Skills/Qualifications: Strong verbal communication, comfortable with groups, good interpretive skills

Hours: Weekdays, occasional weekends

Land Steward

The Forest Society has a comprehensive land steward program where you can train to become a steward on one of our properties. Land stewards act as caretakers of our properties, maintaining trails, removing litter, posting signs, etc. Becoming a land steward requires attendance at a 2-day training session which is offered annually. The next Land Steward Core Training will be held May 11 & 12 (Fri and Sat) in Greenfield, NH. For more information about the Land Steward Program, visit our Land Steward page. To apply for the training in May, please complete the online Land Steward Application form. Spots are limited so please register early to avoid disappointment!

Office Assistant

Keep Forest Society literature bins stocked, help with mailing, and other duties as needed. Click here to view the full position description.

Skills/Qualifications: Office experience would be helpful, but we can train.

Hours: 2-3 hours once or twice a month

Outreach assistant

The outreach department often needs extra “feet on the street” to help educate the public on local land conservation efforts, special events, and upcoming field trips. Tasks are varied but could include: posting flyers, contacting local officials to promote programs in their area, coordinating event logistics, assisting with set-up and tear-down, attending field trips and helping with group management, and updating information on the web site.

Skills/Qualifications: Strong communication and organization skills, ability to act as a knowledgeable representative of the Forest Society, comfortable speaking to large groups of people, creativity, or familiarity with the Internet.

Hours: Vary depending upon project or activity

Painting

The Conservation Center in Concord requires occasional interior and exterior painting or staining. We need help in season with various painting projects in and around the Conservation Center to keep it looking its best for our many guests. We'll provide the painting materials (paint, stain, brushes, drop cloths, scrapers) if you'll provide the expertise. Help on a one time basis, or volunteer regularly as seasonal painting projects arise during the warmer months – which ever works best for you.

Skills/Qualifications: Good physical condition and enjoyment of outdoor work and previous experience with painting projects. Use of ladders will sometimes be necessary.

Photo librarian

We've collected a lot of slides and photographs in our long history, and we need someone to help us devise an efficient filing system and organize the photos that come in and out of our library.

Skills/Qualifications: Strong organizational skills

Hours: two to three hours per week

Receptionist

Ensure that all visitors have a positive experience with the Forest Society by greeting them in a friendly and professional manner on the phone and in person and directing them to the appropriate staff person for assistance.Click here to view the full position description.

Skills/Qualifications: Experience with Microsoft Word and Office and email , multi-line phone use helpful, ability to multi-task and remain calm in a hectic environment, and a positive, cheerful attitude.

Hours: 4-6 Hours a month as needed.

Reservation monitor

General Forest Society property surveillance and observation, removal of trash and debris from property, communicating potential issues and impacts as they arise.

Skills/Qualifications: Willing to monitor a Forest Society property within a 20 mile drive of your home and gain a thorough knowledge and appreciation of that property. Good Forest Society representative. Also, opportunity to help with special work days.

Hours: At your discretion and time availability; varies.

Over 300 people volunteer their time each year to the Forest Society. We hope you can be one of them!

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If you have any questions, please contact our volunteer program at .