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Careers
We are always looking for excellent candidates for full-time, part-time, and seasonal employment.
...but not at this time.
Since it was established over fifteen years ago, the Duke Farms Volunteer Program has expanded to include a variety of positions. Today, our incredible volunteer community helps:
Duke Farms would not exist as it does without the knowledge, hard work, and dedication of our volunteers. We are deeply grateful for our volunteer community.
Apply to become a volunteer here.
Current volunteers can add themselves to the schedule, submit their service time, and update their contact information here.
Please email volunteer@dukefarms.org with any questions.
Landscape Volunteer
The Landscape Volunteer assists with the upkeep of landscaping, trails, and habitat across campus. From the Farm Barn to the Orchid Range, they weed and mulch beds, trim overgrowth, remove invasive plants, and install native plants.
3-hour shifts are available Monday and Thursday mornings, April through October.
The Landscape Volunteer is expected to…
Stewardship Volunteer
The Stewardship Volunteer assists with generally caring for the land by, for example, maintaining trails, clearing fences, removing invasive plants, installing native plants, and clearing storm damage debris.
3-hour shifts are available Monday mornings, April through October.
The Stewardship Volunteer is expected to…
Community Science Nest Searching Program
Community Science Nest Searching Program Volunteers will spend the summer searching for elusive bumblebee nests. Each “bee-tective” is assigned a specific plot to carefully survey for signs of nesting activity, while collecting data on habitat, weather, and insect behavior. When a nest is found, it is flagged, documented, and revisited for repeated observations. Volunteers receive training on bumblebee basics, field methods, and the broader importance of this research.
2-hour shifts are available once per week (any weekday), June through August.
The Community Science Nest Searching Program Volunteer is expected to…
Wildlife Photo Tagger
The Wildlife Photo Tagger reviews photographs taken onsite and identifies the wildlife pictured. This is an indoor, computer-based activity; these volunteers will receive training on how to identify species and use the tagging system. No advanced technical skills are required.
2-hour shifts are typically available Wednesday mornings throughout the year.
The Wildlife Photo Tagger is expected to…
Facilities Volunteer
The Facilities Volunteer assists with the ongoing maintenance of historic structures. Their tasks may include drywall repair, painting, carpentry, and masonry, and may require the use of tools such as hammers, drills, and saws. The projects the Facilities Volunteer is assigned may vary significantly from one week to the next, from sanding and staining signposts to repointing stone walls. They typically operate as a member of a team under the direction of a dedicated staff liaison.
Shifts vary, depending on the project, but are typically available throughout the year.
The Facilities Volunteer is expected to…
Ambassador
The Ambassador traverses Duke Farms as an obvious representative, greeting, orienting, and answering questions for visitors. Outfitted in a hi-vis vest and backpack containing maps of the campus and documents detailing basic information about Duke Farms, the Ambassador is typically permitted to choose their own paths during their shift. They are the public’s liaison to Duke Farms, an intrepid explorer who is familiar enough with landscape and organization to provide guidance.
*A background check is required for this position and will be administered by Duke Farms.
2 and 3-hour shifts are available Tuesday through Saturday, morning, afternoon, and evening, April through October.
The Ambassador is expected to…
Visitor Engagement Volunteer
The Visitor Engagement Volunteer is the friendly face of Duke Farms. They support staff in the Orientation Center as they welcome visitors, provide directions, and answer basic questions. Stationed at the Front Desk, they may receive additional training, such as how to answer the phone, and be asked to accompany staff across campus for support.
3-hour shifts are available every Saturday, morning into afternoon and afternoon into evening, April through October.
The Visitor Engagement Volunteer is expected to…
Assistant Education Volunteer
The Assistant Education Volunteer provides support at the Field Station, a mobile unit containing displays, materials such as feathers and bones, field guides, and microscopes. They encourage visitors to engage with them and explore the items that have been made available. This position also has the opportunity to support programs and other classes, as needed. General knowledge/understanding of environmental topics is appreciated but not required for this position.
2-hour shifts are typically available every Saturday, morning and afternoon, April through October. Class support shifts are made available as needed.
The Assistant Education Volunteer is expected to…
As representatives of Duke Farms, volunteers are expected to:
As a nature preserve, working farm, research center, engagement hub, and destination for over 150,000 visitors annually, Duke Farms can offer companies that volunteer with us the unique opportunity to make an immediate, far-reaching, and lasting impact. Your efforts will directly benefit the flora and fauna native to our landscape; the members of the public who seek to explore, experience, and learn; and the hard-working staff, from plumbers and electricians to scientists and teachers, who empower Duke Farms to grow, lead, and succeed. Together, we can restore habitats, maintain historic structures, and encourage and enable positive interactions with the natural world.
There are three categories of corporate volunteer opportunities: Landscaping, Restoration, and Historic Maintenance.Please note that, while corporate volunteer opportunities are typically available year-round, certain categories are seasonal.
Included:- 3-hour volunteer opportunity for 10 to 50 participants (9 AM - 12 PM)Fee: $100/participant
Included:- 30-minute staff presentation (9 AM - 9:30 AM)- 2.5-hour volunteer opportunity for 10 to 50 participants (9:30 AM - 12 PM)Fee: $125/participant
Included:- 3-hour volunteer opportunity for 10 to 30 participants (9 AM - 12 PM)- 1-hour lunch (12 PM - 1 PM)Fee: $150/participant
Included:- 30-minute staff presentation (9 AM - 9:30 AM)- 2.5-hour volunteer opportunity for 10 to 30 participants (9:30 AM - 12 PM)- 1-hour lunch (12 PM - 1 PM)Fee: $200/participant
Parking passes are required for Saturday visits (April–October). Reserve your free pass in advance.
Did you know members get early access to reserve parking passes?
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