Volunteerism plays an important role here at Marion County, helping to build our relationship with citizens while building our capacity to deliver important services and supports. We are fortunate as we benefit from a community committed to civic engagement, and many volunteers make significant contribution in time, energy and expertise.
Marion County offers a wide variety of program and event volunteer opportunities, as well as opportunities to serve on an advisory boards, committee or task force. Opportunities vary by department, and by the time of the year.
Current Volunteer Opportunities
We are actively recruiting for these volunteer programs, please visit the ongoing opportunities page for a list of volunteer opportunities by department. Find more information about open board positions on the Advisory Boards page. Eligibility requirements vary by board, but applicants must work or live in Marion County to be considered for appointment to any advisory board.
Compensation Board
Marion County is seeking individuals interested in serving on the Marion County Compensation Board. The Compensation Board is comprised of three to five members who are knowledgeable in personnel and compensation management. The purpose of this board is to recommend the compensation schedule for county elected officials. Members are appointed to one-year terms, but generally work is completed over the course of two-three meetings in March or April of each year. To be considered for this volunteer position complete the Advisory Board Application and return to Volunteer Services. Contact volunteer@co.marion.or.us with any questions.
North Santiam Watershed Council
Marion County is seeking individuals interested in serving on the North Santiam Watershed Council (NSWC) as the Marion County representative. The NSWC is a group of community volunteers who act together to help restore the North Santiam Watershed so that it can support the natural habitat of endangered Salmon and steelhead, and continue to support the economy and quality of life of communities within the watershed. NSWC board members are appointed to 3-year terms, and generally meet monthly January through November.
NSWC Directors must live in, or derive economic benefit from the watershed and demonstrate a commitment to the geographic and natural resource interests of Marion County. The NSWC promotes awareness and education about watershed issues, preserves and/or improves water quality and quantity in the river and stream networks, and works to protect natural areas including wildlife and biodiversity. Visit
https://northsantiam.org/ for more information on the Council and their work. Read a detailed description of the board position
here.
To be considered for appointment to this position complete and sign our
Advisory Board Application and return to volunteer@co.marion.or.us. Completed applications may also be submitted my mail to Marion County Volunteer Services, PO Box 14500, Suite 4250, Salem, Oregon 97309.
Mental Health Advisory Committee
Marion County is seeking individuals who are interested in improving our community's health through board leadership. Committee members will have unique knowledge, expertise, or personal experience in the area of community behavioral health program needs and services. Read more here. Use the Advisory Board Application to be considered for this advisory board. Members are appointed to 4 year terms, and will meet at least 10 times in a calendar year.
Local Alcohol & Drug Planning Committee
Marion County is seeking individuals who are interested in improving our community's health through board leadership. The Local Alcohol and Drug Planning Committee makes recommendations to the Marion County Mental Health Advisory Committee on matters related to alcoholism, alcohol and drug abuse, and drug addiction. The committee addresses education, treatment, prevention, rehabilitation, law enforcement, criminal justice and law reform. Find out more here. Use the Advisory Board Application to be considered for this committee. Members are appointed to 4 year terms, and will meet at least 10 times in a calendar year.
Policy & Engagement Intern
The Policy & Engagement Intern will assist with local government public policy issues, helping to promote public engagement and collaboration with residents, businesses, and other government agencies. As an intern with the Board of Commissioners Office, interns will also learn local government systems, legal requirements of public bodies, and conduct research on various policy issues.
Interns will attend public meetings; research public policy issues as requested; draft articles for publication by Marion County; assist with meeting coordination; review and analyze documents, policies, local and state laws; and other tasks as requested. To be considered for this volunteer position, you should be a sophomore, junior, or senior in college, pursuing a political science degree. Find out more
here. We are accepting applications for Summer and Fall 2022 terms. Submit your application
here.
Solid Waste Management Advisory Council
Marion County is recruiting for four open positions on the Solid Waste Management Advisory Council (SWMAC). SWMAC is a sixteen-member advisory council that makes recommendations on waste reduction and disposal policy issues. The Council is made up of citizens-at-large (50%) and businesses and industry representatives (50%). Members meet once per month (4th Tuesday) in a formal setting to discuss policies on how to reduce both waste flow and toxicity in our county. Members must be 18 years of age, and are appointed to 4-year terms. We are currently recruiting for three citizen-at-large positions, one business/industry position representing a Chamber of Commerce, and one position representing the disposal industry. Use the 
Advisory Board Application to be considered for a position with SWMAC. Find out more about Marion County Solid Waste Management Advisory Council here.
Environmental Services, Public Works Storm Drain Marking
Volunteers will learn about the storm water system in Marion County while installing storm water drain markers, and mapping their location. Interested individuals who are able to work independently, walk and stand for long periods of time, and use a caulking gun can apply here. In order to fill this volunteer position, applicants must have the ability to pick up supplies at our Public Works location in Salem, and drive to various locations throughout Marion County.
Marion County Emergency Management, Citizens Corp
Join a network of coordinated volunteers who are working along side Marion County Emergency Management staff and local first responders to strengthen our ability to prevent, respond and recover from emergencies and disasters. Find out more about Marion County's Community Emergency Response Teams, Medical Reserve Corp, Auxiliary Radio Emergency Service volunteer opportunities
here.
Find Us
Office Location:
555 Court St NE, Suite 4250
Salem, OR 97301
Mailing Address:
PO Box 14500
Salem, OR 97309
Office Hours:
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Monday-Friday
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