To be considered for the Class of 2026, please complete and submit the application by November 30, 2025.

Training schedule: We are currently accepting applications for the Class of Spring 2026.
Training site: In-person with some outdoor field trips
Length of commitment: Approximately five hours per month, up to 100 hours of service after training is completed. 100 hours not to exceed two-year period.
Reports to: Bellevue Park Rangers
Work environment: Outdoors and indoors
Background check required: Yearly
Age: Must be 18 or older

Primary Responsibilities

Bellevue Naturalists learn about our area’s ecology, geology, wildlife, plant life, cultural history, wetlands, forests and streams from professors, local professionals, scientists and park rangers. Participants focus on restoration and conservation efforts, and will help share their passion by working with and educating their community.

Duties:

Lead (or assist with) educational programs, activities, hikes, canoe tours, etc.
Help lead Stewardship Saturday and mid-week volunteer projects
Conduct environmental restoration at sites across Bellevue
Maintain restoration sites and monitor species survival at former restoration sites
Assist with special events such as Bellevue Arbor Day and MLK Jr. Day of Service
Steward the Bellevue trail system

Training

Over the course of this training program, volunteers will meet with experts in classroom, workshop, and fieldtrip settings to cover various ecological topics. This program is free with a volunteer commitment of 100 hours of service to Bellevue’s Parks Department. For more information, please call 425-452-7225 or email LHarper@bellevuewa.gov.

Desired Qualifications

City of Bellevue resident. Residents of other cities will be considered if space allows.
Understanding or interest in botany, horticulture, native plants, resource management, noxious weeds, restoration ecology or wildlife habitats.
Desire to work outdoors in varied weather and site conditions.
Experience in landscaping or grounds maintenance.
Experience in interpretation and environmental education.
Experience in volunteering and working as a team.

City of Bellevue

New Opportunities

Bellevue Naturalist Volunteer Program