Taking care of the Reserve involves many volunteers with different backgrounds. Whether you're interested in helping scientists in the field or welcoming visitors around the cozy hearth of our Visitor Center, there is an opportunity for you.
Outdoor Opportunities
We are looking for people to join our community of Reserve volunteers to protect and restore this important watershed. Do you have a passion for plant/animal identification or scientific research? An interest in keeping the Reserve clean and free of invasive species? Would you like to assist with restoration, research, or trail maintenance? We want your help!
Become a Saturday Steward and help South Slough Maintain a Healthy Watershed
The South Slough Reserve partners with the Friends of the South Slough Reserve (FOSS) to continue hosting the Saturday Stewards program. Monthly stewardship events will be held on the third Saturday of each month (except for January). Participants will engage in a variety of tasks including weed pulling, native plant enhancement and appreciation, and invasive species use. Since the location will vary, sign up for emails to receive information on meeting location.
Become a Trail Steward
Trail Stewards are a unique community of volunteers given extra training so they can volunteer when their schedule allows as well as drop-in on larger projects, like repairing trails or removing large amounts of invasive plants. You help represent the Reserve and identify areas where attention is needed.
Learn more about becoming a Trail Steward by contacting
Deborah Rudd.
Become an Estuary Ambassador
Are you passionate about protecting natural habitats and fostering a shared appreciation for our coastal environments? Do you want to contribute to the scientific understanding of the South Slough Reserve and help educate the community about its importance? If so, we invite you to join our Estuary Ambassador Program! If you're excited to share your love for nature, meet new people, and make a real difference in our community, the Estuary Ambassador Program is for you. Together, we can help protect and preserve these vital habitats for future generations! (13 yrs.-adult).
Learn more about becoming an Estuary Ambassador by contacting Deborah Rudd.
General Opportunities
Whether it is one hour a week, one day a week, or just assisting with a one-time special project, the efforts of our volunteers help make this a special place. We have positions for people that love engaging with the public, enjoy taking photographs, and more.
Please submit a volunteer application if you'd like to explore options with us.
Intern at the Reserve
GIS Winter Internship (
PDF)
The South Slough National Reserve is seeking a GIS Intern to support updates to the Coos Bay Estuary Management Plan. This 10‑week, part-time internship offers hands-on experience in environmental GIS, coastal science, fieldwork, and project communication.
Interns will work with a GIS mentor to review and organize spatial data, help refine estuary boundaries, assist with field GPS verification, and create maps and materials used by planners and community partners.
Pay: $19/hour
Start date: January 4, 2027 (flexible)
Apply by: MONDAY, OCTOBER 5
Questions? Contact Deborah Rudd at
Deborah.rudd@dsl.oregon.gov
Become an Estuary Explorer Intern (PDF)
Work alongside a South Slough Reserve educator to bring outdoor education to local students. Flexible hours Tuesday-Friday afternoon. Stipend provided through grant funds from the Oregon Coast STEM Hub.
MUST be 16-18 yrs and enrolled in high school to apply.
Start date: mid-October, 2026
Apply by: MONDAY, OCTOBER 5
Questions? Contact Cherie Turner, Reserve Education Specialist, Cherie.Turner@dsl.oregon.gov.
Requirements for internships:
College-level internship applicants must be at least 18 years old, and high school-level internship applicants must be at least 16 years old.
Agency does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of recruitment, applicants will be required to complete documentation and confirm authorization to work in the United States.