Volunteer Ambassador Program | Summit County Lands & Natural Resources Volunteer Opportunities

Summit County has created the Lands & Natural Resources (L&NR) Volunteer Ambassador Program to assist with monitoring the County's conservation lands and educating visitors about these lands and open spaces. ‘Conservation Lands’ are those lands that the County owns or manages for the purpose of preserving and protecting open space, agricultural, and recreational uses. The role of Volunteer Ambassador is a unique privilege, offered to only a small group of dedicated individuals.

The County has a robust system of trails and open spaces, interconnected with Special Service Districts, City, and privately-owned lands and easements, which allow residents and visitors to explore some of the magnificent areas of the County. However, users sometimes lack the knowledge required for safe and responsible use on these lands. This lack of knowledge can lead to the destruction of sensitive ecosystems, confrontations between users, and citations that could have been avoided if the user were better informed. This Program was created to assist the County in educating open space and trail users about responsible and safe recreation and land stewardship by deploying knowledgeable Volunteer Ambassadors onto County properties.

What is a Volunteer Ambassador Program? 

Ambassadors will document the public's compliance with trespassing, hunting, and other land use restrictions on County-owned and managed conservation lands as well as educate users about stewardship goals and ongoing land management activities. The Ambassador Program will supplement L&NR staff by providing additional resources and community outreach on County-owned conservation lands and open spaces.

What is an Ambassador's commitment level?

Ambassadors are required to commit to serving in the Program for a minimum of 48 hours per year, or an average of 4 hours per month. County employees are exempt from this requirement, other exceptions may be considered.

What are the Ambassador's Responsibilities?

1. Ambassadors will have a presence both on trails and at trailheads.
2. Ambassadors will wear a vest to identify themselves while volunteering.
3. During visits, Ambassadors will engage with users in friendly manner by providing positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior, answering questions, and sharing information as appropriate. While Ambassadors are not enforcement, they are encouraged to educate users on County-owned and managed conservation lands.
4. During visits, Ambassadors WILL NOT confront any users engaging in illegal activities, such as hunting, on the property. Rather, Ambassadors WILL note any relevant details and then share that information with Lands & Natural Resources staff and the Summit County Sheriff's Office.
5. During each shift, Ambassadors will document their hours and complete a report and, which will include data on user interactions and property conditions.

How Do I Become an Ambassador? 

Interested individuals are encouraged to fill out an application form to express interest in the program. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, or until a maximum of 25 volunteers is met. Candidates will be reviewed by the County to determine eligibility based on availability and interest. Selected candidates will be required to complete an orientation/training administered by the County.

Current Opportunities:  

The Ambassador Program is currently full, however, interested individuals are encouraged to join the waitlist by clicking the button below.