Parks Volunteer Opportunities

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Welcome to Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources' volunteering opportunities overview! As a volunteer, you play a pivotal role in shaping Sarasota County into a premier community to live, work and play. Embrace the numerous benefits of volunteering, from connecting with others to boosting self-confidence and maintaining physical health, all while bringing fun and fulfillment to your life.

Join us in making a difference while embracing the joy of giving back to our vibrant community! Explore the diverse volunteering avenues of volunteering below, tailored to your interests and passions that have been grouped into six popular categories of interest.

For information regarding Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources volunteer opportunities, please contact Brenda Canales, Volunteer Coordinator, at bcanales@scgov.net or call 941-861-5868.

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Community Service

Park Steward

Special Events

Ambassadors

Visitor Services

Programs

PRNR Volunteer Opportunity Details

The below is a general overview of possible opportunities within our Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources department. Position availability is dependent on current needs and may fluctuate throughout the year. Please see the Opportunities Directory for the list of positions that are available at this time.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

COMMUNITY SERVICE

This opportunity can be for adults, families, organizations, businesses, and teens. It can be done as a one-time event, or periodically throughout the year. Whether it is for school credit, a day of service or corporate activities to engage your employees and promote team building, we have opportunities for you!

Those wanting to set up an event, please do not fill out the volunteer application, please contact Brenda Canales at bcanales@scgov.net or 941-861-5868.

Done In A Day [Various Locations], opportunities could include, but are not limited to:
- Invasive Plant Removal
- Litter Pick Up
- Spreading Mulch or Shell
- Pavilion Clean Up
- Planting FL Friendly Plants or Dune Restoration
Boy Scouts: Eagle Scout Service Project
Girl Scouts: Gold and Silver Awards

Participation in a Special Event can count towards your community service hours (see Special Event section).

*Those in need of court-ordered community service hours, please call 941-861-9961.

PARK STEWARD

PARK STEWARD

As an individual, you will have the opportunity to play a role in the preservation and protection of our local parks, beaches and natural areas. This is a great opportunity to give back to your community and make a difference in your neighborhood.

Duties include tasks such as keeping an eye on the park and facility to provide timely and accurate reporting of maintenance needs, monitoring habitats, beautification efforts, removing invasive species and ensuring that trails and other recreational areas are safe and accessible to the public.

If you are interested in one of the below positions, please fill out the volunteer application.

Park Steward: Coastal Care
Park Steward: Doctor’s Garden
Park Steward: Facilities
Park Steward: Habitat Conservation
Park Steward: Land and Prescribed Burn Team
Park Steward: Little Free Library
Park Steward: Native Plant Gardens
Park Steward: Resource Monitor
Park Steward: Trail Maintenance
Park Steward: Trail Camera Monitor
Park Steward: Volleyball Courts
Park Steward: Waterways

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SPECIAL EVENT

SPECIAL EVENT

Volunteers are valued in our parks to promote, enhance and maintain community support all year long. Whether you are an individual or volunteering as a group, Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources has several events during the year that encourage volunteers to assist with event activities such as set up, break down, helping with a game or craft area, parking and registration.

If you are interested in helping at a Special Event, please fill out the volunteer application, and select either:

Special Event Assistant [Adults Only]
TEEN Special Event Assistant [Teens Only]

Annual Events include, but are not limited to:

Beach Blast Trifecta
Big Truck Day
Breakfast with Santa
Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival
Fire Fest
Halloween Movie Night Spooktacular
National Public Lands Day
Sandy Claws Beach Run
World Oceans Day

Apply Now

AMBASSADORS

AMBASSADORS

This is a seasonal or year-round opportunity for an individual that is passionate about the outdoors and engaging the public and visitors to our parks. Whether on a beach, in a park, or at the campground our ambassadors play a key role in educating the public about local activities and the importance of conservation and environmental stewardship.

If you are interested in one of the following positions, please fill out the volunteer application:

Beach Ambassador [Siesta and Venice]
Phillippi Farmhouse Market Ambassador [Phillippi Estate Park]
Sports Ambassador [For Sporting Events at Various Locations]
- Teens (ages 16-17) and adults
Trail Ambassador [Legacy Trail and other Natural Areas]
Park Ambassador [Ted Sperling Nature Park]

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If you are interested in possibly becoming a Campground Ambassador at Turtle Beach Campground, please fill out the following interest form and a staff member will contact you about availability, qualifications, and next steps:

Apply Now

Learn more about the Sports Ambassador Program.

VISITOR SERVICES

VISITOR SERVICES

These individuals serve as the ‘front of the house’ at various locations around the county. Their role is to provide tours and information, greet visitors, and occasionally aid with special events happening at the park they are assigned to. We welcome your participation in making Sarasota County the premier community to live, work and play!

If you are interested in one of the following positions, please fill out the volunteer application.

BMX Race Day Assistant [Sarasota BMX Track]
Docent [Various Locations]
Nature Guide [Various Locations]
Safety Officer Assistant [Gun Range]
Visitor Services Assistant [Various Locations]

Apply Now

PROGRAMS

Volunteer Wall of Fame

Our Volunteer Wall of Fame is a testament to the dedication and commitment of our exceptional volunteers! Celebrating milestones of service, this prestigious wall honors individuals who have surpassed milestones of 500, 750, 1000 and an awe-inspiring 2500+ volunteer hours. Each name included in this wall represents not only the time generously given but also the profound impact made on Sarasota County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources.

From park stewards to beach ambassadors, Done in a Day activities to special event assistants, these remarkable volunteers embody the “One Team” spirit of community service and exemplify the values of dedication, passion and altruism. Join us in applauding these unsung heroes whose contributions have enriched our parks and strengthened the fabric of our community!

Volunteering Fun Facts:

Volunteers are happier, healthier and sleep better than those who don’t volunteer.
Volunteering fills empty spaces on your resume and can lead to work.
Adults who began volunteering as youth are twice as likely to volunteer as those who did not volunteer when they were younger.