Get Involved

Trail Rangers
Volunteer Trail Rangers perform meaningful tasks to protect, restore, enhance and preserve the Forest. They provide a presence on the trails, assist hikers and engage in friendly conversation to educate and inform trail users of Forest rules and proper use of trails. Trail Rangers collect data on trail conditions, problem areas, and trail usage. Other activites include trail maintenance, restoration, and environmental projects.

Rangers receive training in First Aid, CPR, and Forest Fire Safety. All training is free of charge and arranged around busy work schedules. Other potential training includes: trail building and design, wilderness first aid, orienteering, and wilderness survival. See the Trail Ranger Project Day schedule.

Trail Rangers must:

• Be 18 years old
• Successfully clear a police background check
• Complete the CPR/First Aid training

For more information about the Trail Rangers,
contact the Welcome Center: (502) 368-5404, ext. 0. Another valuable source of information is the Trail Ranger Orientation Guide.

Troop #212 building a new bridge
near Shannon's Pond.

Scouts
There is a long tradition of scout involvement with the Forest. For twenty-five years, until 1989, the Boy Scouts of America managed the Horine Reservation, at which time it was incorporated into the Forest. Today, boy and girl scouts help the Forest through projects such as: gardening, painting, and constructing benches, bridges and signs. Contact our Welcome Center for more information on scout volunteer opportunities at the Forest: (502) 368-5404, ext. 0.

Other Volunteers
We are looking for volunteers to help with our native garden, bird blind, or special events such as Snake Appreciation Day.

Seasonal Positions

Each year the Jefferson Memorial Forest offers a variety of seasonal positions. Some examples of the types of positions include:

• Providing park information to visitors and assisting in operation of our gift shop while working at our Welcome Center;
• Assisting forest staff in a variety of environmental and adventure-based programs for the public and local schools including teaching climbing skills on our 52-foot Alpine Climbing Tower;
• Improving the condition of the Forest and of our trail system by performing trail maintenance and other outdoor projects;
• Assisting district maintenance staff in keeping our parks clean and mown;
• Special projects/internships (for example, GIS mapping, research projects, etc....)

Position Now Available

Program Leader(s):

Duties: Lead environmental education, team-building (high and low ropes courses), and outdoor skills programs. Training will be provided.

General Requirements: Must enjoy working with children, be at least 18 years of age and able to hike up to two miles.

Hours: Must be available to work 10-35 hours per week. Programs will run during the spring, summer and fall (March through November). Our programs are weekdays and some Saturdays, morning to mid-afternoon -- ideal for students and others with two or more available days during any of our seasons.

Compensation: $8 per hour

Hours are frequently flexible and evening or weekend work may be available. If you are interested in seasonal employment at the Jefferson Memorial Forest, please contact the Metro Parks personnel department at 456-8100 to inquire about the availability of positions. You may also visit Metro Parks Employment Web Page to obtain more information.