By Greg Gerber

Looking for a meaningful way to spend your summer surrounded by lakes, forests, and adventure? The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is inviting Workamper volunteers to join them in maintaining and enhancing public recreation areas across Oregon’s Willamette Valley — one campsite, lake, and trail at a time.

As Park Ranger James Blakely explains, “The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is turning 250 years old this June. We’re one of the nation’s leading providers of outdoor recreation and, with more than 400 lakes and river projects, we’re the largest provider of water-based outdoor recreation.”

James works specifically with the Willamette Valley Project, which is part of the Portland District. The project includes 13 dams that support flood risk management, water supply, hydroelectric power generation, and an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities for the public.

Explore Oregon’s Natural Beauty While Giving Back

Each dam in the Willamette Valley Project creates a lake — many of which have become beloved recreational destinations for boating, fishing, hiking, swimming, and camping. The Corps directly manages three seasonal campgrounds:

• Pine Meadows Campground – 89 sites
• Schwarz Campground – 68 sites
• Ivan Oakes Campground – 24 sites

“All of our campgrounds are seasonal,” James said. “Schwarz opens in late April, and the others follow in early May. They typically close shortly after Labor Day, although some volunteers stay through the end of September to help with closing tasks.”

While the season is limited to the warmer months, the opportunities for exploration and enjoyment are anything but.

“Our home base is Cottage Grove, a town of about 10,000 residents that’s known as the covered bridge capital of the West,” James shared. “We’re also close to the Oregon Coast, the Cascade Mountains, Crater Lake, and even the California Redwoods. Waterfalls, volcanoes, forests, farmland — it’s all right here.”

Volunteers: The Backbone of the Operation

To keep these public recreation sites running smoothly throughout the summer, USACE relies on a dedicated team of 18–24 Workamper volunteers each season.

“Most of our volunteers are stationed at Schwarz Campground, and we offer a mix of roles,” James said. “Some are traditional campground hosts, while others focus more on maintenance.”

Volunteer Roles Include:

• Campground Hosts
  Greet and assist visitors, handle check-ins and check-outs, and manage site reservations using the recreation.gov platform.
• Maintenance Volunteers
  Take care of painting, weeding, trail upkeep, and other light maintenance tasks. They also manage the campground recycling program and collect bottles and cans with deposit value and reinvest the proceeds into the volunteer program.

“One of the great perks is that volunteers don’t have to clean bathrooms,” James added. “We contract that out, along with lawn mowing. This means our volunteers can really focus on enhancing the guest experience and keeping the facilities in great shape.”

Campsites and Comfortable Amenities Included

All Workampers receive a full-hookup RV site in trade for their volunteering. Schwarz Campground includes on-site laundry, while volunteers at Pine Meadows can use the same facilities with a short drive.

Whether you’re traveling solo or as a couple, there’s flexibility in the work schedule:

• Singles typically commit to about 20 hours per week
• Couples split 30–32 hours per week between them, however they choose

“We rotate weekends and are very flexible with time off,” James explained. “If someone gives us a heads-up, like ‘we’re taking a cruise in August,’ we can make it work. Volunteers often trade shifts and we do our best to make sure no one is stuck with the busiest days every weekend.”

Families Welcome – And No Rule Enforcement Duties

While most volunteers are individuals or couples, families are also welcome to apply.

“We haven’t had many families yet, but we’re absolutely open to that,” James said. “Two of our campgrounds are alcohol-free, which makes them quieter and more family-friendly.”

And importantly, volunteers are never expected to enforce rules.

“That’s our job as Park Rangers,” James emphasized. “We ask volunteers to educate visitors about our rules, but if there’s a problem, they call us and we handle it. That distinction is important. Volunteers are there to be helpful ambassadors, not enforcers.”

A Community Atmosphere

James and the rest of the team work hard to create a supportive, fun community for their Workampers.

“We hold appreciation events like ice cream socials and barbecues,” he said. “We want our volunteers to enjoy themselves, build relationships, and know they are truly valued members of our team.”

Some volunteers enjoy the experience so much they return year after year. One couple has come back 10 seasons in a row — a testament to the rewarding experience USACE offers.

Seasonal and Year-Round Opportunities

Most Workamper positions with the Willamette Valley Project are seasonal, but there is one unique year-round role at the Fern Ridge Lake day-use area.

“It’s located next to our environmental stewardship office,” James said. “Volunteers can help with light maintenance and even nursery work or conservation efforts. It’s ideal for someone who enjoys light maintenance and gatekeeping duties and wants to stay longer-term.”

Volunteers are also invited to participate in National Public Lands Day, typically held the last Saturday in September.

“In the past, we’ve hosted large tree-planting events that are a hit with both our staff and the public,” James said.

How to Apply

You don’t need prior Workamping experience to apply. USACE provides a well-rounded orientation and training:

• 8 hours of customer service and communication training
• Recreation.gov and campground operations training

James encourages interested Workampers to submit a complete application with a resume.

“The biggest thing is taking the process seriously,” he said. “We often get applications with just a name and phone number. I need to know about your experience and interests to match you with the right role.”

Two ways to apply:

• www.volunteer.gov – Applications submitted here may take 1–2 weeks to reach James due to internal routing.
• Email directly for faster results –
  📧 james.m.blakely@usace.army.mil
  📞 (541) 942-5631

All applicants will go through a 45-minute interview (phone or Zoom), background check, and professional reference verification.

A Beautiful Place to Make a Difference

James believes the Willamette Valley Project is one of the best Workamper opportunities out there.

“You’re not isolated in the middle of nowhere. We’re just 10 to 15 minutes from Walmart and other amenities,” he said. “Yet you’re still immersed in nature — lakes, forests, and incredible wildlife all around you.”

With access to Eugene (30 minutes), the Oregon Coast (90 minutes), Portland (2 hours), Crater Lake National Park, and the California Redwoods (3 hours), the Willamette Valley offers the perfect blend of comfort and adventure.

“It’s a great place to spend a summer — and a great way to make a difference,” James said.

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To learn more, visit: www.nwp.usace.army.mil/Willamette-Valley-Dams
Or search online for “Willamette Valley Project”

Ready to apply?
Contact Ranger James Blakely:
📞 (541) 942-5631
📧 james.m.blakely@usace.army.mil