Volunteer

Volunteers are the reason that Rose Island exists as it does today. It is passionate volunteers who saved and restored the lighthouse and Fort Hamilton Barracks, who continue to protect our wildlife refuge, and introduce this special place to generations of young people and adults.

Become a part of history by joining our community of dedicated volunteers. Please fill out the volunteer form below to get started. You can also reach out to us with questions, anytime, at info@roseisland.org.

Volunteer Roles

  • Want to put your practical skills to work? Our year-round Grounds Team is for you! Rose Island is home to several buildings representing centuries of history as well as a 16-acre wildlife sanctuary. Join Hawk and Handsaw Farm weekly from April through October and monthly through the winter, keeping our outdoor grounds ready for visitors, removing invasive plants, and restoring native habitat.

    Grounds Volunteers also have the opportunity to work with our Island Manager on projects involving maintenance of our 225-year-old Fort Hamilton Barracks, Rose Island Lighthouse, and our variety of off-grid systems doing everything from carpentry, masonry, or plumbing, to mechanical and electrical work.

    Grounds Volunteers interested in landscaping work will typically join the team from Hawk and Handsaw Farm on the island on weekdays. Skilled volunteers who are able to work independently may work solo on weekend days after training. All training and tools will be provided.

  • Rose Island is open to public visitors from April through October. We offer guided tours to a wide variety of groups as well as independent visitors arriving via the Jamestown-Newport Ferry during our busy summer months. If you have excellent customer service skills and enjoy working with groups of people, join our Education Team! We will provide all training necessary to lead tours and education programs, including teaching outdoors and tailoring information for specific audiences.

    Volunteers work on set weekdays, weekends, and as-needed, supporting our Island Guide staff to deliver high quality education for our overnight guests, school groups, and daily visitors.

  • Rose Island serves over 6,500 guests–both overnight guests and public visitors every year. If you enjoy working with people but aren’t interested in leading tours, join our Hospitality Volunteer Team. Our daily operations include cleaning and maintaining our lighthouse and barracks, stocking and operating our gift shop and outdoor facilities, and greeting arriving ferry visitors. Excellent customer service is essential. All training will be provided.

    Volunteers work on set weekdays, weekends, and as-needed, supporting our Island Guide staff in managing our daily operations.

*** We ask that seasonal volunteers (April-October) commit to volunteer shifts on the island every other week during our summer season. All volunteers must fill out the form below before we contact you for an interview.

What You Will Get Out of It

By volunteering with Rose Island, you are part of a legacy that makes protecting this historical landmark and unique Narragansett Bay island possible. Other benefits include training in your role, an end of season volunteer appreciation party on the island, and free passage to and from the island on the beautiful Narragansett Bay on your volunteer days.

We also regularly look for volunteers willing to serve on our non-profit committees to invest in Rose Island’s future. If you have special skills or a passion to serve on any of our committees, please also reach out. Our active on-going committees that include volunteers are: Events/Fundraising, Property, Finance & Arts/Education.