Volunteer Opportunities

Studies show the more we give, the happier we feel. We are doing good for others and the community, which provides a natural sense of accomplishment.

If you are interested in volunteering, whether it be to give back to your community, build up your resume, or to learn more about local government, please review the volunteer opportunities listed below that are available at the City of Elk River.

Before you apply for a volunteer position you must read the Elk River Volunteer Program Handbook and acknowledge that you read the handbook at the time you submit your online application.

If any of the opportunities below are of interest to you or your organization, please click the Volunteer Application icon to submit your information.

Adopt-A-Park/Adopt-A-Stormwater Pond

The Adopt-a-Park volunteer program allows groups and individuals to assist in the general care and maintenance of neighborhood parks, green spaces, trails and athletic fields.

The city asks for a one-year commitment to pick up trash at your assigned park twice a year, in spring and fall.

Check out the full list of adoptable parks and ponds here!

Adopt-a-Park Volunteer Hours Tracking Form

Adopt-a-Park Safety and Park Clean Up Guidelines

Strengthen Your Ties to Elk River Through Voluntary Service

All other City of Elk River volunteer opportunities can be found below, and applied to by clicking the green Volunteer Application link.

Citizen Pruner Program

This is a partnership with Sherburne Soil and Water Conservation District and the U of M Minnesota Tree Care Advocate Program for a pilot program that engages citizens in community forestry. Citizens Pruners are trained in tree identification, biology and proper pruning techniques, which helps prevent the spread of certain diseases. This is a great volunteer opportunity if you love being outdoors, love trees and your community.

Elk RiverFest Volunteer

The last Saturday in July, Elk RiverFest is a popular community celebration that requires many volunteers to help pull it off. Volunteers are needed for setup, maintenance, trash collection, greeters/information, and more!

Economic Development Assistant

Fire Department Videographer

The volunteer videographer assists in videotaping the activities of the Elk River Fire Department (ERFD), including incident responses, training, community events and other functions as authorized by the Fire Chief. Interested volunteers must have knowledge and skill with video equipment, including editing software, must have computer skills, must be at least 18 years of age, must have a valid drivers license, must live within twenty minutes of an Elk River fire station and must satisfactorily pass the required pre-employment screening. Hours are flexible, with a time commitment of approximately 6-10 hours per month.

Bailey Point Nature Preserve Volunteer

Bailey Point Nature Preserve volunteers work with city staff and park stewards to assist with general maintenance of the preserve, which offers paved and natural trails and 3,300 feet of natural largely untouched shoreline at the confluence of the Mississippi and Elk Rivers. Key responsibilities would be to assist with trail maintenance, preserve clean up and clearing timber from the trails. Hours vary based on availability and all work will be done outside at Bailey Point Nature Preserve at 1 Morton Avenue in Elk River.

Hillside Park Volunteer

Hillside Park volunteers work with city staff and park stewards to assist with general park maintenance of the park, which offers eight miles of hiking and biking trails. Key responsibilities would be to assist with trail maintenance, park clean up and clearing timber from the trails. Hours vary based on availability and all work will be done outside at Hillside City Park at 10801 181st Avenue in Elk River.

William H. Houlton Conservation Area volunteers work with city staff and park stewards to assist with general maintenance and upkeep of this 336-acre natural recreation area, located at 1801 Main Street.
Parks and Recreation Office Support

Recreational Special Events Aid

Volunteers assist recreation staff with special events, such as Safety Camp, Farmers Market, Riverfront Concerts, Entertainment in the Park and other events. Volunteers can expect to work 5-6 hours per event, which often includes evening hours.

Furniture and Things Community Event Center Event Volunteer

Furniture and Things Community Event Center special event volunteers will assist FT Center staff with a variety of different events including: gameday operations for JV and varsity hockey games, tournaments, concerts, shows, expositions and other exciting events and programs that take place at the FT Center.

Examples of duties include selling and/or taking tickets, operating event sound video or scoreboards, announcing at events, chaperoning entrances or programs, directing, and assisting patrons, answering patron questions, event security, and other various event operations. Volunteers can expect to work 4-5 hours per event, which often includes evenings and weekends hours. On-site staff will provide any training needed.

Woodland Trails

Woodland Trails Regional Park Volunteer

Volunteers assist city staff and park stewards with general park maintenance of the over 450 acre woodlands and walking/ski trails. Key responsibilities would be to assist with trail maintenance, park clean up, clearing timber from trails, signage, mowing, prairie maintenance, tree pruning and grooming of cross country ski trails. Hours vary based on availability and all work will be done outside at Woodland Trails Regional Park at 20135 Elk Lake Road in Elk River.

Youth Sports Coach

Volunteer youth sports coaches are needed for entry level sports activities such as t-ball and soccer. Volunteer coaches will organize and run team practices and games for teams of approximately 10-15 players. Practice and games will be throughout the city park system. Volunteers are needed for 2-4 hours per week for approximately seven weeks, depending on the program Youth Sports Coach. Full Description