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FWC VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

MISSION: To enhance the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's
mission to manage fish and wildlife resources, through volunteerism

Welcome! We are delighted you are considering volunteering for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The FWC has a variety of opportunities available which would benefit from your interest, skills, experience and time. We hope that you will have a fulfilling experience, should you decide to pursue volunteering with the FWC.

Below are the main programs available for citizens to contribute to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Each description has a link for you to view more information and to complete a brief application. Some programs may require additional information and/or a background check.

Volunteer Opportunities

Program: Chinsegut Nature Center - 901 Location: Hernando County - 23212 Lake Lindsey Road, Brooksville, FL 34601 Program Description: The nature center is located on the 828-acre Chinsegut Wildlife and Environmental area and hosts four major events and scores of other natural resource conservation and recreation programs throughout the year. A 36-hour Volunteer training and orientation occurs typically once per year preparing volunteers for opportunities in trail management, invasive exotic plant removal, conducting environmental education programs, and other work. Request for Volunteer Information

Program: Florida Bass Center Location: Sumter County - Richloam State Fish Hatchery- 3583 CR 788 Webster, FL 33597 Program Description: The Florida Bass Conservation Center and Richloam State Fish Hatchery is one of the largest freshwater fish hatcheries in the Southeast, and is the primary game fish hatchery in Florida. The hatchery is the focal point to research and production of Florida’s premier freshwater game fish, the unique Florida largemouth bass, in addition to eight other freshwater game species cultured and distributed statewide. Volunteers can assist biological staff in all aspects of fish culture and center management, including: daily feeding and tank cleaning, stocking activities throughout the state, collecting nutrition or genetic data, grounds and building maintenance, weekend kids fishing events, and mechanical maintenance. Request for Volunteer information

Program: Freshwater Fisheries Volunteers Location: Regional Offices Program Description: The FWC actively manages aquatic habitat, enhances fishing access, monitors fish populations and angler use of our fisheries and strives to introduce youths and reintroduce adults to the pleasure of outdoor recreational activities. For all of these activities and many more the Division of Fresh Water Fisheries needs volunteers who are willing to share their time, energy and knowledge to help conserve our fisheries resources and to teach others to fish. Volunteering is a great way to help others enjoy Florida fishing and to find a little extra fulfillment and sense of accomplishment in your own life. Contact your local regional biologist for more information.

Program: Hunter Safety - 421 Location: Statewide Program Description: Florida's hunting heritage depends heavily on thousands of volunteer hours each year. Hunter Safety volunteers teach a variety of courses statewide to the public. Courses include basic hunter safety, advanced archery, and Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW). Request for Volunteer Information

Program: Kids Fishing Clinics - 902 Location: Statewide Program Description: A fishing clinic designed just for children, Kids' Fishing Clinics are one-day educational events designed to create responsible marine resource stewards by teaching children fundamental saltwater fishing skills and educating them on the vulnerability of Florida's marine ecosystems. Children are taken through five skill stations, and after approximately one hours of instruction the participants are provided with a free rod and reel so they can have the opportunity to fish and try out their new skills. Request for Volunteer Information

Program: Marine Fisheries Stock Enhancement Research - 904 Location: Port Manatee Program Description: The Stock Enhancement program uses applied research to develop the technology for breeding and rearing finfish and mollusks to enhance or rebuild coastal fisheries. Request for Volunteer Information

Program: Project WILD - K-12 Education Programs - 897 Location: Statewide Program Description: Project WILD is an interdisciplinary conservation and environmental education program emphasizing wildlife. The program is designed for educators of kindergarten through 12th grade students. Request for Volunteer Information

Program: Red Tide Offshore Monitoring Volunteer Program - 906 Location: Florida Gulf Coast Program Description: Volunteer boat captains sample offshore waters to monitor for potential red tide blooms, as well as track on-going blooms to aid FWC/FWRI researchers in determining red tide levels. Volunteer captains sample at offshore distances of 1, 5, 10, 20, and 30 miles approximately twice a month. Request for Volunteer Information

Program: Reserve Officer - 168 Location: Statewide Program Description: Reserve officers supplement the full time officers patrol activities and assist with community relations and other events. Request for Volunteer Information

Program: Ridge Rangers - 903 Location: Highlands and Polk Counties Program Description: Ridge Rangers are a group of dedicated volunteers helping to preserve the last remaining fragments of the Lake Wales Ridge. Request for Volunteer Information

Program: Sport Fishing Education Location: Statewide Program Description: Pass on the fishing tradition and offer the next generation an opportunity to enjoy healthy sport fish populations. The Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management offers two volunteer instructor training programs that allow you to be a part of handing down the fishing tradition.

Program: Team OCEAN- 1036 Location: Collier County (Southwest Florida) - various coastal locations Program Description: : The Team OCEAN program promotes marine-resource conservation while enriching the experience of boaters, anglers, and other visitors in recreational saltwater activities. Team OCEAN volunteers interact one-on-one with marine resource users on the water, on islands, on beaches, piers, docks, boat ramps, local events, and other high-use access points. Volunteer positions include: Interpreter On-Water, Boat Operator, Interpreter On-Island, Interpreter Non-Water/Island, Office Assistant and other short-term opportunities. Team OCEAN Volunteers teach enjoyment of marine resources through conservation practices including sustainable fishing techniques and coastal habitat protection. Contact the Team OCEAN Coordinator for more information about the training requirements and schedule Request for Volunteer Information

Program: Youth Hunting Program of Florida - 896 Location: Statewide Program Description: Through the combined efforts of resourceful volunteers, the Youth Hunting Program of Florida can provide thousands of safe, educational and memorable hunting experiences. The program is based on volunteer landowners who graciously open their property for youth hunting, and volunteer Huntmasters who plan and facilitate the hunts. Request for Volunteer Information

Special Note:

State Employees can volunteer under the Governor's Mentoring Program. Visit the Volunteer Florida Foundation or you may contact your Agency's Personnel Office.

Federal Employees can volunteer under the Rules in CPM98. Follow this link for details.

FWC VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

MISSION: To enhance the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission'smission to manage fish and wildlife resources, through volunteerism

Volunteer Opportunities

MISSION: To enhance the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's
mission to manage fish and wildlife resources, through volunteerism