Volunteer: Dakota County Natural Resources Habitat Stewards General Description Help us showcase what Minnesota natives have to offer while supporting healthy habitats in Lebanon Hills Regional Park. Habitat Stewards focus on maintaining designated areas that have been planted with native grasses and wildflowers in highly visible areas of our parks. These locations provide pollinator habitat as well as serve as demonstration gardens for park visitors that will hopefully inspire folks to “go native” in their own backyards. Tasks will vary for each shift but will include general garden maintenance such as weeding, pruning, watering, planting, etc. No knowledge of plants or gardening is needed, in fact, volunteers will learn about plant identification, gardening skills, and habitat restoration practices related to native plants during their time in the gardens by seasoned professionals and county staff. Great program for all ages and walks of life - many hands make lighter work. A tidy garden is an eye-catching way for people to learn more about pollinators and pollinating plants and the important roles they play in our lives. Help us keep this area bloomin’ and boomin’! Location Lebanon Hills Regional Park - Visitor Center Backyard 860 Cliff Road Eagan, MN 55123 Date/Time Varying scheduled shifts available with more times likely available to help manage the garden throughout the season. Come as often as you’re able. No shift minimums. Duties & Responsibilities Volunteers will assist Parks staff and volunteer leads in maintaining native plantings in high-use areas of the park. Activities will vary but will include planting, watering and weeding. You will also get a chance to learn about plant identification and native gardening skills. Minimum Qualifications Must be able to walk through tall vegetation and on uneven terrain. Children are welcome to accompany their grown-ups. Tools, gloves and training will be provided. Age Requirements All ages are welcomed to attend but we do encourage participants to be at least 5 years old or older to properly enjoy the event. If minors want to volunteer by themselves, they need to be 16 years old or older. Minimum Time Commitment Shifts will be 2-3 hours. You are welcome to sign-up for as many shifts as you are available for. Activity Level – If working outside or non-office work. Medium - May involve varying amounts of activity (rough terrain, and moderate physical exertion, bending over to pull weeds). May not be recommended for volunteers with physical limitations. Comfortable, sturdy shoes and long pants required. Contact Information Sara Nelson Natural Resources Specialist sara.nelson@co.dakota.mn.us 612-643-0454 Nonprofit: Dakota County General Description Help us showcase what Minnesota natives have to offer while supporting healthy habitats in Lebanon Hills Regional Park. Habitat Stewards focus on maintaining designated areas that have been planted with native grasses and wildflowers in highly visible areas of our parks. These locations provide pollinator habitat as well as serve as demonstration gardens for park visitors that will hopefully inspire folks to “go native” in their own backyards. Tasks will vary for each shift but will include general garden maintenance such as weeding, pruning, watering, planting, etc. No knowledge of plants or gardening is needed, in fact, volunteers will learn about plant identification, gardening skills, and habitat restoration practices related to native plants during their time in the gardens by seasoned professionals and county staff. Great program for all ages and walks of life - many hands make lighter work. A tidy garden is an eye-catching way for people to learn more about pollinators and pollinating plants and the important roles they play in our lives. Help us keep this area bloomin’ and boomin’! Location Lebanon Hills Regional Park - Visitor Center Backyard 860 Cliff Road Eagan, MN 55123 Date/Time Varying scheduled shifts available with more times likely available to help manage the garden throughout the season. Come as often as you’re able. No shift minimums. Duties & Responsibilities Volunteers will assist Parks staff and volunteer leads in maintaining native plantings in high-use areas of the park. Activities will vary but will include planting, watering and weeding. You will also get a chance to learn about plant identification and native gardening skills. Minimum Qualifications Must be able to walk through tall vegetation and on uneven terrain. Children are welcome to accompany their grown-ups. Tools, gloves and training will be provided. Age Requirements All ages are welcomed to attend but we do encourage participants to be at least 5 years old or older to properly enjoy the event. If minors want to volunteer by themselves, they need to be 16 years old or older. Minimum Time Commitment Shifts will be 2-3 hours. You are welcome to sign-up for as many shifts as you are available for. Activity Level – If working outside or non-office work. Medium - May involve varying amounts of activity (rough terrain, and moderate physical exertion, bending over to pull weeds). May not be recommended for volunteers with physical limitations. Comfortable, sturdy shoes and long pants required. Contact Information Sara Nelson Natural Resources Specialist sara.nelson@co.dakota.mn.us 612-643-0454 Nonprofit: Dakota County Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Is Ongoing Zip Code: 55123 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Dakota County Volunteer Trail Patrol Teams - Biking, Hiking, Horseback Riding, and More!General Description Enjoy the outdoors while also assisting park visitors with questions, directions and first aid care. Our patrol units offer a vital service to the trail programs by being trained individuals who are onsite to assist our park users with day to day operations and emergencies. Volunteer on your own time (no set schedule), while personally enjoying the trails, it doesn’t get better than that!
You are a great fit for our Park Trail Patrol team if you already enjoy doing these things: Hike Walk Jog Run Snowshoe Cross Country Ski Mountain Bike Bike Rollerblade Horseback Riding
Locations Be a part of the Park Trail Patrol team at all of our county parks. Click here to learn more about our county parks.
Duties and Responsibilities Help provide a safe and enjoyable experience to all park visitors. Provide directions and help answer questions. Assist in an emergency if you are onsite. Carry a cell phone with you while on patrol to be accessible to visitor center contact.
Qualifications Must be 16 years old or older. Good physical fitness and customer service skills. Must provide your own equipment. Completion of all required training. Complete a background check with the county (if applicable).
Time Commitment
Required Training Volunteers must complete all training before working on patrol. Volunteer Orientation - provided by Dakota County Parks at a later date. Annual Patrol Meeting - provided by Dakota County Parks at a later date. CPR & First Aid Certification - online training will be completed by volunteer on their own time. Certification cost will be reimbursed by the county once 15 hours is reached by the volunteer annually.
Activity Level Active - Involves physical exertion for an extended period of time; can involve rough, uneven or steep terrain. Not recommended for volunteers with physical limitations.
Contact Information Garrett Zaffke | Community Relations and Volunteer Services Coordinator Dakota County Communications 1590 Highway 55| Hastings, MN 55033 Direct: (651) 438-4635 | Fax: (651) 438-4405 | Email: garrett.zaffke@co.dakota.mn.us Nonprofit: Dakota County General Description Enjoy the outdoors while also assisting park visitors with questions, directions and first aid care. Our patrol units offer a vital service to the trail programs by being trained individuals who are onsite to assist our park users with day to day operations and emergencies. Volunteer on your own time (no set schedule), while personally enjoying the trails, it doesn’t get better than that!
You are a great fit for our Park Trail Patrol team if you already enjoy doing these things: Hike Walk Jog Run Snowshoe Cross Country Ski Mountain Bike Bike Rollerblade Horseback Riding
Locations Be a part of the Park Trail Patrol team at all of our county parks. Click here to learn more about our county parks.
Duties and Responsibilities Help provide a safe and enjoyable experience to all park visitors. Provide directions and help answer questions. Assist in an emergency if you are onsite. Carry a cell phone with you while on patrol to be accessible to visitor center contact.
Qualifications Must be 16 years old or older. Good physical fitness and customer service skills. Must provide your own equipment. Completion of all required training. Complete a background check with the county (if applicable).
Time Commitment
Required Training Volunteers must complete all training before working on patrol. Volunteer Orientation - provided by Dakota County Parks at a later date. Annual Patrol Meeting - provided by Dakota County Parks at a later date. CPR & First Aid Certification - online training will be completed by volunteer on their own time. Certification cost will be reimbursed by the county once 15 hours is reached by the volunteer annually.
Activity Level Active - Involves physical exertion for an extended period of time; can involve rough, uneven or steep terrain. Not recommended for volunteers with physical limitations.
Contact Information Garrett Zaffke | Community Relations and Volunteer Services Coordinator Dakota County Communications 1590 Highway 55| Hastings, MN 55033 Direct: (651) 438-4635 | Fax: (651) 438-4405 | Email: garrett.zaffke@co.dakota.mn.us Nonprofit: Dakota County Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Is Ongoing Zip Code: 55123 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Dakota County Fix-it Clinics (Age 16 +)
General Description It takes time and money to handle all the waste we throw away. When we reduce the amount of stuff we buy and eventually throw away, we end up with more time, space and money. Fix-It Clinics provide an opportunity for residents to receive free assistance from repair savvy volunteers guiding them through each step from troubleshooting to completed repair. Several volunteer opportunities are available to help at a Fix-It Clinic. Volunteer fixers who have skills in soldering, electronics repair, electrical repair, sewing, wood working and general tinkering are essential to making the clinics successful. General volunteers to greet residents are needed as well. Location/Date/Time Locations change each month and are hosted at various sites across Dakota County. Clinics usually are held on the third Saturday or Sunday of the month in the afternoons. Check the Dakota County Fix-It Clinic page for upcoming clinics. Duties & Responsibilities Assist residents in simple repairs of items Provide and encourage a friendly environment of learning and troubleshooting Guide people through each step from troubleshooting to completed repair Minimum Qualifications Volunteer fixers who have skills in soldering, electronics repair, electrical repair, sewing, wood working and general tinkering. General volunteers greet residents are needed as well Must be 16 or older Minimum Time Commitment 4 + hours Activity Level Medium - May involve varying amounts of activity. Comfortable, sturdy shoes recommended. Other Information Check the Dakota County Fix-It Clinic page for upcoming clinics. Contact Information Garrett Zaffke garrett.zaffke@co.dakota.mn.us Nonprofit: Dakota County
General Description It takes time and money to handle all the waste we throw away. When we reduce the amount of stuff we buy and eventually throw away, we end up with more time, space and money. Fix-It Clinics provide an opportunity for residents to receive free assistance from repair savvy volunteers guiding them through each step from troubleshooting to completed repair. Several volunteer opportunities are available to help at a Fix-It Clinic. Volunteer fixers who have skills in soldering, electronics repair, electrical repair, sewing, wood working and general tinkering are essential to making the clinics successful. General volunteers to greet residents are needed as well. Location/Date/Time Locations change each month and are hosted at various sites across Dakota County. Clinics usually are held on the third Saturday or Sunday of the month in the afternoons. Check the Dakota County Fix-It Clinic page for upcoming clinics. Duties & Responsibilities Assist residents in simple repairs of items Provide and encourage a friendly environment of learning and troubleshooting Guide people through each step from troubleshooting to completed repair Minimum Qualifications Volunteer fixers who have skills in soldering, electronics repair, electrical repair, sewing, wood working and general tinkering. General volunteers greet residents are needed as well Must be 16 or older Minimum Time Commitment 4 + hours Activity Level Medium - May involve varying amounts of activity. Comfortable, sturdy shoes recommended. Other Information Check the Dakota County Fix-It Clinic page for upcoming clinics. Contact Information Garrett Zaffke garrett.zaffke@co.dakota.mn.us Nonprofit: Dakota County Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Is Ongoing Zip Code: 55123 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Dakota County Adopt a Highway Program (Age 1 +)The Adopt-a-Highway Program looks for volunteers to collect litter along designated segments of County highways to help keep roadsides clean. Coordination of the program and supplies (safety vests, trash bags and training) are provided by the Dakota County Transportation Department. Getting Started Individuals or groups commit to cleaning up their designated roadway segment as a onetime commitment or more. To apply, fill out a volunteer application and we will review the section of road desired to make sure it is open for adoption. Once your application clears, your group is ready to go! The Transportation Department maintenance crew will pick up and dispose of filled bags and other debris, left at the side of the road. Free Recognition Signs Individuals or groups agreeing to contribute time to clean up the roadway twice a year (spring & fall) for a minimum of two years, will receive a 24” by 30” recognition signs, installed free for their contribution. One recognition sign is placed for a minimum one mile commitment. Two signs are placed for a minimum two miles or more commitment. Interested? Check to see what areas are available on the Adopt-a-Highway map. Click on the highway sections to see if they are available for adoption. For more information about the program, review the Adopt-a-Highway Brochure and Safety Tips.Once you have a road section selected, please contact us by completing a volunteer application. Nonprofit: Dakota County The Adopt-a-Highway Program looks for volunteers to collect litter along designated segments of County highways to help keep roadsides clean. Coordination of the program and supplies (safety vests, trash bags and training) are provided by the Dakota County Transportation Department. Getting Started Individuals or groups commit to cleaning up their designated roadway segment as a onetime commitment or more. To apply, fill out a volunteer application and we will review the section of road desired to make sure it is open for adoption. Once your application clears, your group is ready to go! The Transportation Department maintenance crew will pick up and dispose of filled bags and other debris, left at the side of the road. Free Recognition Signs Individuals or groups agreeing to contribute time to clean up the roadway twice a year (spring & fall) for a minimum of two years, will receive a 24” by 30” recognition signs, installed free for their contribution. One recognition sign is placed for a minimum one mile commitment. Two signs are placed for a minimum two miles or more commitment. Interested? Check to see what areas are available on the Adopt-a-Highway map. Click on the highway sections to see if they are available for adoption. For more information about the program, review the Adopt-a-Highway Brochure and Safety Tips.Once you have a road section selected, please contact us by completing a volunteer application. Nonprofit: Dakota County Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Is Ongoing Zip Code: 55124 Allow Groups: Yes |
Volunteer: Community & Corporate Group Volunteer Opportunities
Now is the perfect time to get out and help out. Group volunteering is a meaningful break from the work/daily routine to help build camaraderie, collaboration, improve team communications, and to help make lasting change. Dakota County’s volunteer opportunities offer many unique and rewarding experiences for your group to experience together. All supplies, training, and event organization is taken care of by us. All your group needs to do is show up, ready to work and have fun!
Group opportunities may include (season and schedule depending): Riverside and greenway trash cleanups Invasive species removal Native plantings Seed Gathering Land conservation Food packing
Date/Time We work with groups to figure out the dates and times that work best for them. Each request is taken on a case-by-case basis based on the availability and capacity of county event and job calendars.
Location Multiple locations throughout Dakota County
Minimum Time Commitment We recommend that group projects last 2 – 2.5 hours.
Activity Level Moderate to Active - To fully participate may require walking over primarily even surfaces. There may be a limited number of steps, a minimal number of uneven surfaces, and some standing and/or sitting for extended periods of time. Activities will occur either in an inside or outdoor setting with a mixture of controlled/uncontrolled elements.
Activity Accommodations – We work with groups to figure out what work best for them. Each request is taken on a case-by-case basis based on the availability and capacity of county event and job calendars.
Required Training All training, materials, tools, and supplies will be taken care of by Dakota County unless otherwise noted.
Contact Information Garrett Zaffke | Community Relations and Volunteer Services Coordinator Dakota County Communications 1590 Highway 55| Hastings, MN 55033 Direct: (651) 438-4635 | Fax: (651) 438-4405 | Email: garrett.zaffke@co.dakota.mn.us Nonprofit: Dakota County
Now is the perfect time to get out and help out. Group volunteering is a meaningful break from the work/daily routine to help build camaraderie, collaboration, improve team communications, and to help make lasting change. Dakota County’s volunteer opportunities offer many unique and rewarding experiences for your group to experience together. All supplies, training, and event organization is taken care of by us. All your group needs to do is show up, ready to work and have fun!
Group opportunities may include (season and schedule depending): Riverside and greenway trash cleanups Invasive species removal Native plantings Seed Gathering Land conservation Food packing
Date/Time We work with groups to figure out the dates and times that work best for them. Each request is taken on a case-by-case basis based on the availability and capacity of county event and job calendars.
Location Multiple locations throughout Dakota County
Minimum Time Commitment We recommend that group projects last 2 – 2.5 hours.
Activity Level Moderate to Active - To fully participate may require walking over primarily even surfaces. There may be a limited number of steps, a minimal number of uneven surfaces, and some standing and/or sitting for extended periods of time. Activities will occur either in an inside or outdoor setting with a mixture of controlled/uncontrolled elements.
Activity Accommodations – We work with groups to figure out what work best for them. Each request is taken on a case-by-case basis based on the availability and capacity of county event and job calendars.
Required Training All training, materials, tools, and supplies will be taken care of by Dakota County unless otherwise noted.
Contact Information Garrett Zaffke | Community Relations and Volunteer Services Coordinator Dakota County Communications 1590 Highway 55| Hastings, MN 55033 Direct: (651) 438-4635 | Fax: (651) 438-4405 | Email: garrett.zaffke@co.dakota.mn.us Nonprofit: Dakota County Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Is Ongoing Zip Code: 55124 Allow Groups: Teams only |
Volunteer: Dakota County Library iLAB Volunteer Mentors
General Description iLABS are Dakota County Library’s Makerspaces that offer technology such as 3D Printers, sewing machines, video production, audio production and more, free of charge to the public.
iLAB Volunteer Mentors work one-on-one with customers, assisting with creative and technical projects that use iLAB equipment and software.
Locations Galaxie Library – Apple Valley Heritage Library – Lakeville Pleasant Hill Library – Hastings Wescott Library – Eagan
Date/Time Flexible, Volunteer and Library identifies a recurring day and time they will be available
Duties & Responsibilities Share specialized skills related to one or more pieces of Maker equipment or software used in the iLab such as quilting, sound mixing, or graphic design. Assist customers with their specific creative or technical projects related to iLAB equipment. Connect customers with library staff when library information resources are needed.
Minimum Qualifications Must be 18 years or older. Must satisfactorily complete an interview and criminal background check process. Must provide own transportation to and from the library. Must demonstrate proficiency at an intermediate or advanced skill in the technology mentorship area. Must complete a background check with Dakota County (if applicable).
Desired Skills Strong communication skills. Comfortable interacting with customers of all ages and from diverse backgrounds. Patience, creativity, and willingness to help customers learn and solve technical problems.
Minimum Time Commitment Ability to commit to one or more 2-3 hour sessions during a quarter (3 months) with the opportunity to re-commit.
Activity Level Mild. May include walking short distances over relatively level terrain. Periods of standing or sitting will be required. Comfortable shoes recommended.
Required Training Volunteers will receive basic iLAB training before they start which will include an overview of the reservation system and resources for learning about equipment and software. Training will also include guidelines for teaching and mentoring in a library setting, as well as expectations for safety, conduct, and communication.
Contact Information Ben Coburn Adult Services Manager Dakota County Library 1340 Wescott Rd, Eagan, MN 55123 651-450-2965 ben.coburn@co.dakota.mn.us
Nonprofit: Dakota County
General Description iLABS are Dakota County Library’s Makerspaces that offer technology such as 3D Printers, sewing machines, video production, audio production and more, free of charge to the public.
iLAB Volunteer Mentors work one-on-one with customers, assisting with creative and technical projects that use iLAB equipment and software.
Locations Galaxie Library – Apple Valley Heritage Library – Lakeville Pleasant Hill Library – Hastings Wescott Library – Eagan
Date/Time Flexible, Volunteer and Library identifies a recurring day and time they will be available
Duties & Responsibilities Share specialized skills related to one or more pieces of Maker equipment or software used in the iLab such as quilting, sound mixing, or graphic design. Assist customers with their specific creative or technical projects related to iLAB equipment. Connect customers with library staff when library information resources are needed.
Minimum Qualifications Must be 18 years or older. Must satisfactorily complete an interview and criminal background check process. Must provide own transportation to and from the library. Must demonstrate proficiency at an intermediate or advanced skill in the technology mentorship area. Must complete a background check with Dakota County (if applicable).
Desired Skills Strong communication skills. Comfortable interacting with customers of all ages and from diverse backgrounds. Patience, creativity, and willingness to help customers learn and solve technical problems.
Minimum Time Commitment Ability to commit to one or more 2-3 hour sessions during a quarter (3 months) with the opportunity to re-commit.
Activity Level Mild. May include walking short distances over relatively level terrain. Periods of standing or sitting will be required. Comfortable shoes recommended.
Required Training Volunteers will receive basic iLAB training before they start which will include an overview of the reservation system and resources for learning about equipment and software. Training will also include guidelines for teaching and mentoring in a library setting, as well as expectations for safety, conduct, and communication.
Contact Information Ben Coburn Adult Services Manager Dakota County Library 1340 Wescott Rd, Eagan, MN 55123 651-450-2965 ben.coburn@co.dakota.mn.us
Nonprofit: Dakota County Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Is Ongoing Zip Code: 55123 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Dakota County Medical Reserve Corps
General Description Join the Medical Reserve Corps ▪ Specific healthcare tasks, like administering immunizations or dispensing medications Medical Reserve Corps-Dakota County volunteers are offered other opportunities for training and activities to strengthen the community during non-emergency times. More information on the many functions of the Medical Reserve Corps can be found here. Qualifications Must be 18 years old or older Must live or work in Dakota County Must complete a background check with Dakota County Must be physically able to respond to situations in an emergency Your information will be registered in a state emergency response database
Required Training Medical Reserve Corps volunteers must complete two online trainings to be fully registered. The trainings cover: Duties of a Medical Reserve Corps volunteer How to prepare for a public health emergency Your role in a public health emergency Volunteer opportunities available through the Medical Reserve Corps
Interested? Contact us for more information.
Katrina DeVore, MPH Public Health Emergency Preparedness Specialist Dakota County Public Health 14955 Galaxie Ave Apple Valley, MN 55124 952.891.7166 Fax: 952-891-0418 katrina.devore@co.dakota.mn.us Nonprofit: Dakota County
General Description Join the Medical Reserve Corps ▪ Specific healthcare tasks, like administering immunizations or dispensing medications Medical Reserve Corps-Dakota County volunteers are offered other opportunities for training and activities to strengthen the community during non-emergency times. More information on the many functions of the Medical Reserve Corps can be found here. Qualifications Must be 18 years old or older Must live or work in Dakota County Must complete a background check with Dakota County Must be physically able to respond to situations in an emergency Your information will be registered in a state emergency response database
Required Training Medical Reserve Corps volunteers must complete two online trainings to be fully registered. The trainings cover: Duties of a Medical Reserve Corps volunteer How to prepare for a public health emergency Your role in a public health emergency Volunteer opportunities available through the Medical Reserve Corps
Interested? Contact us for more information.
Katrina DeVore, MPH Public Health Emergency Preparedness Specialist Dakota County Public Health 14955 Galaxie Ave Apple Valley, MN 55124 952.891.7166 Fax: 952-891-0418 katrina.devore@co.dakota.mn.us Nonprofit: Dakota County Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Is Ongoing Zip Code: 55124 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Juvenile Probation Officer Volunteer (Age 18 +)GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
DEPARTMENT: Community Corrections TIME REQUIREMENT: The specific hours and schedule is mutually agreed upon by the supervising Probation Officer and the Volunteer/Intern. Duties of the Volunteer/Intern will vary depending on the skills and interest of the individual and the needs of the agency. The following list shall serve as an illustration of some of the duties a Volunteer/Intern might be expected to perform under the supervision of a Probation Officer, but should not be considered all-inclusive: * Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, in a non-judgmental, courteous and professional manner.
Contact Information: Brandon Head Volunteer/Intern Program Coordinator Email: brandon.head@co.dakota.mn.us Phone: (952) 891-7151 Nonprofit: Dakota County GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
DEPARTMENT: Community Corrections TIME REQUIREMENT: The specific hours and schedule is mutually agreed upon by the supervising Probation Officer and the Volunteer/Intern. Duties of the Volunteer/Intern will vary depending on the skills and interest of the individual and the needs of the agency. The following list shall serve as an illustration of some of the duties a Volunteer/Intern might be expected to perform under the supervision of a Probation Officer, but should not be considered all-inclusive: * Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, in a non-judgmental, courteous and professional manner.
Contact Information: Brandon Head Volunteer/Intern Program Coordinator Email: brandon.head@co.dakota.mn.us Phone: (952) 891-7151 Nonprofit: Dakota County Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Is Ongoing Zip Code: 55033 Allow Groups: No |