Volunteer with us

Volunteering is fun! You'll get to meet people from all over the world while talking about the most active volcano in the Cascade Range!

What are the volunteer benefits?

• Uniform: t-shirt, hat, patch and/or armband
  • Mountain Stewards receive a moisture-wicking shirt
• After 15 hours of service: Annual Northwest Forest Pass
• Volunteer hour achievement awards such as car decals, winter hats, vests, and annual Interagency Passes
• After 1 year of volunteer service: discounts on First Aid/CPR training
• The opportunity to join a welcoming, passionate, and fun community of volcano lovers!

Volunteers also have exclusive access to MSHI volunteer accommodations. Volunteers may stay in volunteer housing the night before and/or after their volunteer shift. Housing is available at:

• Coldwater volunteer yurts (near Science and Learning Center)

You can sign up to volunteer any time of year through the MSHI portal at the Better Impact website. Either create an account or sign up for a new account and fill out the application.

MSHI volunteer orientation occurs in spring. Applicants who apply after orientation are invited to volunteer beginning the following year.

MSHI invests in its volunteers with thorough online and in-person trainings, background checks, and dedicated staff for volunteer communication so volunteers can be successful in their roles. Most volunteer roles are seasonal June through October.

Mountain Stewards: CPR and basic first aid (independently); orientation, in-person field training, and one mentor session (provided by MSHI). Interpretation 101 is recommended (provided by MSHI).

Volcano Ambassadors: CPR and basic first aid (independently); orientation, in-person ambassador training, and one mentor session (provided by MSHI). Interpretation 101 is highly recommended (provided by MSHI).

Conservation Corps: Training provided on-site at time of volunteering

Events: Training provided on-site at time of volunteering

Education Volunteers: Orientation. Interpretation 101 (provided by MSHI) and CPR/Basic First Aid (independent) are highly recommended.

Mountain Stewards: 18+

Volcano Ambassadors: 18+ or accompanied by a parent or guardian

Conservation Corps: 16+, 10+ with an adult

Events: 18+ or accompanied by a parent or guardian

Education volunteers: 18+ or accompanied by a parent or guardian

Mountain Stewards: 8 day-long sessions June through October (~2 per month)

Volcano Ambassadors: 8 day-long sessions June through October (~2 per month)

Conservation Corps: No minimum. Most shifts are a full day.

Events: No minimum. Shift length depends on the event.

Education Volunteers: 4-day long sessions in a year (April-October)

Volunteers choose their own schedules. How to sign up for a shift is explained during orientation.

Mountain Stewards: On Mount St. Helens. Hiking Stewards rove trails all around Mount St. Helens. Climbing Stewards provide support on the climbing route. Stewards also serve at Ape Cave, and support guided adventures.

Volcano Ambassadors: At visitor centers around Mount St. Helens, including the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center at Seaquest State Park (Castle Rock), the Science and Learning Center at Coldwater (on the northwest side of Mount St. Helens), and Johnston Ridge Observatory (when it is accessible).

Conservation Corps: On trails and visitor sites all around Mount St. Helens

Events: Both on- and off-mountain. Some events are in the Portland-Vancouver Metro area

Education Volunteers: Generally at the Science and Learning Center at Coldwater.