Welcome to our Volunteer Community!

Help us further our educational mission of replacing myths with facts about black bears. We offer both on-site and virtual volunteer opportunities and welcome your participation on a regular schedule or on periodic projects. No matter your location worldwide, you can be involved and make a difference.

Volunteer Program Mission Statement

The mission of the NABC volunteer program is to recruit, retain, and reward a highly engaged, energetic, and effective community of global volunteers who consider the NABC their second home. The program will strive to meet both the needs of the volunteers and the organizations through an appropriate matching of talent to projects and the creation of training, mentoring, and recognition programs that promote performance excellence and community spirit.

Check out our volunteer opportunities below and become part of our bear family. It’s rewarding, educational, and FUN. To request an application, please contact us at [email protected].

Available Positions

  • Onsite Volunteer

    Organization: North American Bear Center

    Location: 1926 Highway 169, Ely MN 55731

    Reports to: Volunteer Coordinator

    Position Summary:

    • Educate visitors about our four ambassador bears
    • Assist and interact with visitors inside and outside responding to questions
    • Interact with visitors on the Viewing Deck and Nature Trail
    • Assist with various aspects of Bear Care as assigned.  (Could include enclosure cleaning, food preparation, and assisting with Behind the Scene tours)
    • Other duties as assigned

    Training:

    All training will be done on a one-on-one basis upon arrival and will be on-going.

    Abilities: 

    • May include moderate lifting
    • Standing and walking for long periods of time (up to four hours).
  • FUNdraiser Team Member (Remote)

    Organization: North American Bear Center

    Location: Remote

    Number of Positions: Open Ended

    Reports to: Project Coordinators

    Overview: Collaborate with other team members to generate ideas, execute Fundraisers, and participate in the necessary activities to run a successful fundraiser on Facebook.

    Duties:

    1. Active participation in each scheduled Fundraiser through:
      • Writing posts
      • Preparing photos
      • Running planned games or contests during scheduled shifts
    2. Post reminders and advertisements for ongoing projects, such as Give MN
    3. Documentation of your volunteer hours including:
      • Development of ideas, photos and posts when assigned
      • Team or committee meetings
    4. Assist in procurement of prizes to be used for activities

    Helpful Skills Include:

    • Enthusiasm and high commitment
    • Computer/Graphics skills
    • Creative writing and proof reading skills
    • Working knowledge of Facebook
    • Flexible Schedule

    Time Commitment: Varies depending on FR activities, but typically 3 hours per week.

  • PTZ Live Cam Operator (Remote)

    Organization: North American Bear Center

    Location: Virtual

    Reports to: Live Cams Coordinator

    Shifts Available: Flexible Shifts Available

    Overview:

    Provide live cam watchers optimal viewing of North American Bear Center’s ambassador bears and other wildlife.

    Activities May Include:

    1. Report to assigned shift prepared and on time.
    2. Operate the PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) camera to track bear movement for viewers.
    3. Watch for and report any hazards in and around the enclosure such fallen trees on the fence.

    Requirements:

    • At least 18 years of age.
    • Access to computer and Internet.

    Time Commitment: 7-10 hours per week. Ongoing preferred, but flexible schedule can be accommodated. Two-week trial period of training. Ongoing team support.

Help support the North American Bear Center

We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit that relies entirely on the support of visitors, merchandise sales and people like you. We do not receive any state or federal funding.

Help support our mission.

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