Yosemite Conservancy
Temporary in EL PORTAL, CA - $20.00 / hr
The Volunteer Programs Assistant is responsible for administrative and logistical on the ground support of the Yosemite Conservancy Volunteer Program. Primarily, this position works directly in the field with volunteer workweek crews on park stewardship projects. This role works collaboratively with the Director of Volunteer Programs and the Volunteer Coordinator to ensure the Conservancy’s programs are logistically sound, expertly implemented, and that volunteers are prepared for a successful and transformative Yosemite experience.
This role supports three volunteer program areas:
Visitor Information Assistant Program support of up to 13 volunteer crews based out of Yosemite Valley, Wawona, and Tuolumne Meadows, rotating in and out each month from May through September.
Work Week support of 8+ projects in Yosemite Valley, Wawona, and the high country.
Corporate Weekend/Special Groups support up to 6 corporate weekends and Conservancy stewardship-oriented functions.
Who We Are We’re passionate about Yosemite — and about helping all people connect with, learn about, and take care of the park. As a member of the Conservancy team, you’ll be making a difference for Yosemite every day. We work together to provide enriching visitor programs and services, and to support projects that protect wildlife, restore trails and habitat, advance scientific research, inspire visitors, and much more.
What You’ll Do The Volunteer Programs Assistant reports to the Director of Volunteer Programs and is responsible for the following:
Leads:
Leads all volunteer field crews in partnership with NPS Work Crew Leaders
Oversees in camp and field risk management for all work week crews.
Implements logistics for all field projects.
Conducts orientation for work weeks and special project volunteers.
Delivers supplies to volunteer stations and work week crew campsites.
Supports:
Sets up work week camp with camp cook team.
Monitors inventory of camp kitchen equipment and supplies and conducts orders.
Oversees inventory of uniforms, equipment, supplies, and recognition items.
Assists in Visitor Information training sessions.
Lends operational and logistical assistance to all Volunteer program logistics in concert with Director of Volunteer Programs and Volunteer Coordinator.
Provides feedback for volunteer performance evaluations.
Administers volunteer intake forms and field data, prepares NPS reports.
Maintains Yosemite Valley Visitor Information Assistant work schedules for each monthly group.
Assists with Visitor Information Assistant campground and workstations seasonal set up and take down.
Assists with volunteer recognition and appreciation events.
Who You Are / Keys to Success (the must-haves) To be successful in this job, you will excel in these areas:
Familiarity with Yosemite National Park summer operations.
Demonstrated ability to implement a range of outdoor programming logistics.
At least two seasons on a trail, fire, or vegetation management crew - or - two seasons of outdoor education or volunteer leadership coupled with familiarity with the use and maintenance of hand tools.
Strong office administration, computer skills, and ability to work with new software and technology is a must.
Background in leading people in the outdoors.
Valid Driver’s license
Ability to pass a background check and clearance to drive company vehicles, including towing gear trailer.
Committed to continual learning and teaching, to the Conservancy mission, and to advancing a culture of inclusion in the organization and in Yosemite.
Ability to work independently and in a group setting.
Able to adapt to changing conditions and meet moving deadlines while working in both the office and field.
Excellent communication and relationship skills with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
Collaborative, creative, and flexible with a sense of humor.
Patient and understanding of people.
Able to prioritize and act quickly and thoughtfully on the myriad of logistical challenges that are common to working in Yosemite National Park.
Highly independent, self-starter who displays initiative in taking on new projects.
Creative thinker and open-minded problem solver with a calm and flexible demeanor.
The following are plusses, but not requirements:
At least one year of related experience in outdoor program administration.
Working Conditions:
This role will focus on field work during the Work Weeks and support all other volunteer programs in between. A Yosemite Conservancy vehicle or bicycle will be used for transportation around Yosemite Valley or other areas of the park.
Field season will involve frequent standing, bending, crouching, and hiking moderate distances at high elevation and on uneven terrain in all weather conditions, lifting and carrying objects up to 40 lbs. when hauling supplies or backpacking.
The programs assistant will be required to carry and use hand tools such as shovels, rakes, McLeods, loppers, axes, hand and crosscut saws, grip hoists, rock bars and more.
Occasional evenings, weekends, and overnight work (typically camping) will be required.
This position’s weekend is Friday and Saturday, work is from Sunday – Thursday.
What Else You Should Know We value diversity among our staff just as we value it among park visitors. As such, Yosemite Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage people of all backgrounds to apply to join our team.
The position is full-time and based in Yosemite Valley, in Yosemite National Park. Touchdown office space will be available in Yosemite Valley and at the Yosemite Conservancy office in El Portal. Housing may be available in El Portal. This position comes with seasonal employee benefits of 40 hours of sick leave.
The compensation for this position is $20/hour.
How to Apply Please apply with a cover letter and resume in a single PDF. Deadline for application is January 16, 2026.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
This role supports three volunteer program areas:
Visitor Information Assistant Program support of up to 13 volunteer crews based out of Yosemite Valley, Wawona, and Tuolumne Meadows, rotating in and out each month from May through September.
Work Week support of 8+ projects in Yosemite Valley, Wawona, and the high country.
Corporate Weekend/Special Groups support up to 6 corporate weekends and Conservancy stewardship-oriented functions.
Who We Are We’re passionate about Yosemite — and about helping all people connect with, learn about, and take care of the park. As a member of the Conservancy team, you’ll be making a difference for Yosemite every day. We work together to provide enriching visitor programs and services, and to support projects that protect wildlife, restore trails and habitat, advance scientific research, inspire visitors, and much more.
What You’ll Do The Volunteer Programs Assistant reports to the Director of Volunteer Programs and is responsible for the following:
Leads:
Leads all volunteer field crews in partnership with NPS Work Crew Leaders
Oversees in camp and field risk management for all work week crews.
Implements logistics for all field projects.
Conducts orientation for work weeks and special project volunteers.
Delivers supplies to volunteer stations and work week crew campsites.
Supports:
Sets up work week camp with camp cook team.
Monitors inventory of camp kitchen equipment and supplies and conducts orders.
Oversees inventory of uniforms, equipment, supplies, and recognition items.
Assists in Visitor Information training sessions.
Lends operational and logistical assistance to all Volunteer program logistics in concert with Director of Volunteer Programs and Volunteer Coordinator.
Provides feedback for volunteer performance evaluations.
Administers volunteer intake forms and field data, prepares NPS reports.
Maintains Yosemite Valley Visitor Information Assistant work schedules for each monthly group.
Assists with Visitor Information Assistant campground and workstations seasonal set up and take down.
Assists with volunteer recognition and appreciation events.
Who You Are / Keys to Success (the must-haves) To be successful in this job, you will excel in these areas:
Familiarity with Yosemite National Park summer operations.
Demonstrated ability to implement a range of outdoor programming logistics.
At least two seasons on a trail, fire, or vegetation management crew - or - two seasons of outdoor education or volunteer leadership coupled with familiarity with the use and maintenance of hand tools.
Strong office administration, computer skills, and ability to work with new software and technology is a must.
Background in leading people in the outdoors.
Valid Driver’s license
Ability to pass a background check and clearance to drive company vehicles, including towing gear trailer.
Committed to continual learning and teaching, to the Conservancy mission, and to advancing a culture of inclusion in the organization and in Yosemite.
Ability to work independently and in a group setting.
Able to adapt to changing conditions and meet moving deadlines while working in both the office and field.
Excellent communication and relationship skills with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
Collaborative, creative, and flexible with a sense of humor.
Patient and understanding of people.
Able to prioritize and act quickly and thoughtfully on the myriad of logistical challenges that are common to working in Yosemite National Park.
Highly independent, self-starter who displays initiative in taking on new projects.
Creative thinker and open-minded problem solver with a calm and flexible demeanor.
The following are plusses, but not requirements:
At least one year of related experience in outdoor program administration.
Working Conditions:
This role will focus on field work during the Work Weeks and support all other volunteer programs in between. A Yosemite Conservancy vehicle or bicycle will be used for transportation around Yosemite Valley or other areas of the park.
Field season will involve frequent standing, bending, crouching, and hiking moderate distances at high elevation and on uneven terrain in all weather conditions, lifting and carrying objects up to 40 lbs. when hauling supplies or backpacking.
The programs assistant will be required to carry and use hand tools such as shovels, rakes, McLeods, loppers, axes, hand and crosscut saws, grip hoists, rock bars and more.
Occasional evenings, weekends, and overnight work (typically camping) will be required.
This position’s weekend is Friday and Saturday, work is from Sunday – Thursday.
What Else You Should Know We value diversity among our staff just as we value it among park visitors. As such, Yosemite Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage people of all backgrounds to apply to join our team.
The position is full-time and based in Yosemite Valley, in Yosemite National Park. Touchdown office space will be available in Yosemite Valley and at the Yosemite Conservancy office in El Portal. Housing may be available in El Portal. This position comes with seasonal employee benefits of 40 hours of sick leave.
The compensation for this position is $20/hour.
How to Apply Please apply with a cover letter and resume in a single PDF. Deadline for application is January 16, 2026.
#J-18808-Ljbffr