Turn your enthusiasm for the natural world into action!
Become a volunteer at the Vermont Institute of Natural Science

From environmental education and avian rehab to gardening and office support, volunteers are the lifeblood of VINS. Our message of environmental stewardship is more effective and reaches more people because of the special talents and generosity of this amazing group of people!

A variety of opportunities are available year-round. Explore the possibilities below, and, if your interest is piqued, download, complete and send in the volunteer application. For more information, please contact us at 802.359.5000 x210 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

VINS Nature Center Docent
Share your passion for the natural world by engaging visitors of VINS Nature Center. Educate the public and school groups through interactive hands-on activities at our Discovery Depots and other exhibit areas. With advanced training, provide educational programs using live raptors and reptiles. Help to ensure that visitors walk away informed, inspired and empowered to care for the natural world.
Download position description»

Animal Care
Share your passion for wildlife by assisting the Wildlife Services Department with daily animal care, answering questions from public visitors and facilities maintenance.
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Baby Bird Feeder (June to August)
Baby birds require a tremendous amount of care, sometimes needing to be fed every half hour all day long! Share your love of young wildlife by helping the Wildlife Services Department care for hundreds of baby wild birds each summer.
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Guest Services (May to October)
Greet and orient visitors to the VINS Nature Center which includes introducing events, programs and suggesting the benefits of membership and adopt a raptor programs. Meet and greet our guests during functions on the VINS campus and off-site.
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Administrative Support
Assist administrative staff with office duties such as filing, bulk mailings, photo copying, and collating, general research, data entry, assembling educational packets and hanging special event posters in surrounding towns.
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Bird Rescue & Transportation
Can’t make a weekly commitment to volunteer at VINS? Then this position is the perfect way for you to share your love and concern for wildlife while assisting with field rescue and transport of birds that need rehabilitation. Time requirement: varies.
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VINS Nature Camp
Share your passion for education and the natural world by volunteering with one of VINS Nature Day Camps. Learn environmental education teaching skills as you inspire and empower the next generation to care for the environment.
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Buildings and Grounds and Jack of All Trades
Assist in maintaining the facility through mowing, weeding, trash removal and any maintenance related tasks.
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Landscape Steward
Experience the awe of the natural science of Vermont from the ground up, literally! One of the benefits of being a Landscape Steward Volunteer is simply the ability to see the direct and immediate results of your efforts. This might be in the form of a diminished presence of invasive species, the tidiness of the perennial garden, or even the recovery of a wilted plant. Time requirement: Mornings (sunrise to noon) at least one day a week during peak season.
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For more information contact:
802.359.5000 x210
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Download Volunteer Application»
You may also include a full resume of your past experience along with the application.

Please mail, e-mail or fax your completed application to:

VINS Nature Center
Attn: Volunteer Coordinator
P.O. Box 1281
Quechee, VT 05059
Fax: 802.359.5001
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it