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.
Marion County Fair Board
The Marion County Fair is looking for a volunteer board member. Fair Board members oversee the management of the county fair. The Board of Commissioners appoint board members, and will consider applicants who will provide broad geographic representation and have expertise in such areas as marketing, event planning, business, youth-oriented activities, agriculture, and program coordination. Find out more 
MC Fair board recruitment Sept 2022.pdf. To be considered for a position on the Marion County Fair Board submit your Advisory Board Application by 11:59pm, Friday, October 7, 2022.
Marion Water Quality Advisory Committee - Extended
Marion County is seeking individuals interested in serving on the Marion Water Quality Advisory Committee (MWQAC). There are three vacant at-large positions. The MWQAC provides direction to Marion County staff and make recommendations to the Marion County Board of Commissioners regarding stormwater, water quality, education & outreach, regulations and county programs. Members are appointed to four-year terms, and the committee meets every other month in Salem. Find out more about the committee and their work here. Applications received by 11:59pm on Friday, October 7th to be considered for the current vacancies.
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 with the Board of Commissioners Office will assist with analyzing 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's Office, interns will also learn local government systems, and research on various policy issues.
Interns will attend public meetings; assist in researching public policy issues as requested; assist with meeting preparation and coordination; and assist with other tasks as requested. To be considered for this volunteer position you should be a junior or senior in college, pursuing a degree in business, history, or other similar major. Find out more here. Submit your application
here.
Solid Waste Management Advisory Council
Marion County is recruiting for five 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 must live or work in Marion County to be eligible for these positions. SWMAC members appointed to 4-year terms. We are currently recruiting for four citizen-at-large positions, and one business/industry position representing a Chamber of Commerce. Individuals affiliated as a member or staff of a local chamber are eligible for the chamber position. 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.
