Volunteer

At the 2025 Jackson Wild Summit

September 27th - October 3rd, 2025 | Jackson Lake Lodge | Jackson, WY

About Volunteering at the 2025 Jackson Wild Summit

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with us for the 2025 Jackson Wild Summit in Grand Teton National Park! We seek enthusiastic team members who are self-motivated, committed, and passionate about conservation and wildlife. As a volunteer, you will be an integral part of our team and play a vital role in the Summit's success. You will have the chance to work alongside industry professionals, gain valuable experience, and make meaningful connections with other like-minded individuals. 

There are plenty of ways to get involved, whether you're interested in event planning, production, or simply lending a helping hand. If you're interested in this opportunity, please complete the form below to submit your application. We look forward to hearing from you and working together to make this year's Summit the best one yet!

What you can expect as a full-time volunteer:

  • Priority mentorship pairing and opportunity to participate in the Mentor & Mentee Breakfast

  • Networking opportunities with other volunteers and JW community members

  • A pass to attend the 2025 Jackson Wild Summit

  • Public recognition for your vital role at the Summit, including a bio featured on our website

  • Shared cabin lodging for volunteer alums, and 50% off volunteer lodging for first-time volunteers

This program does not include:

  • Meals outside of Summit included meals

  • Travel expenses to and from Jackson, Wyoming

2025 Important Dates

  • Application opens: March 31

  • Application closes: May 12 at 11:59 pm MST

  • Applicants notified by: May 23

  • 2025 Volunteer Dates: September 27 to October 3

Volunteer Roles

Registration: Duties include checking every delegate into the Summit and processing their access badges. You will be responsible for helping delegates with any questions regarding the Summit, programming, transportation, lodging, etc. Don’t worry; we will train you upon arrival. This is also a fantastic networking opportunity because you are a familiar face.

Hospitality: As a Hospitality Volunteer, you’ll be essential in providing a welcoming and enjoyable experience for our delegates. Your duties will include setting up and maintaining the stage, managing microphones, assisting with seating, and coordinating with the tech team and speakers to ensure presentations are ready. Additionally, you will help exhibitors with equipment and booth setup. Throughout the event, you’ll offer crucial support to ensure delegates’ needs are met and help create a positive experience.

Tech Team: As a Tech Team Volunteer, you will be essential to the smooth operation of the Jackson Wild Summit. Your duties include managing lights, sound, cameras, production support, and speaker materials. Working with our technical team, you’ll assist in setting up, operating, and monitoring equipment, ensuring everything runs seamlessly and troubleshooting as needed.

Floater: As a Floater, you will be scheduled where needed and able to assist with various tasks throughout the event. This flexibility allows us to adapt to the Summit's needs and ensure all tasks are completed on time. Your responsibilities will include assisting other volunteers, filling in as a substitute volunteer when needed, running errands, and providing general support to Summit staff and delegates.

Transportation:  As a Transportation Volunteer, you’ll ensure a smooth travel experience for delegates by providing safe, timely transportation to and from the airport and event locations. Your responsibilities include driving, maintaining vehicle cleanliness and safety, and following traffic laws. You may also assist with luggage handling and event logistics as needed.

If you are at least 25 years old, have a US driver’s license, excellent driving skills, a clean driving record, and a passion for helping others, we encourage you to join our team as a Transportation volunteer for the 2025 Jackson Wild Summit.

Questions? View our FAQ below, or Email angelica@jacksonwild.org

Lodging

Volunteer-provided lodging will be split between the Jackson Lake Lodge and the Hatchet Resort (about 20 minutes from the Lodge). Volunteer assigned lodging will be selected at random. Transportation options for volunteers staying at the Hatchet will be available to/from The Lodge.

Volunteer lodging begins on Saturday, September 27, and ends on Friday, October 3. Please note that volunteer-provided lodging is not mandatory. If you have other accommodation plans, there is a section to note in your application.

Volunteer Lodging Statement

The volunteer program will look slightly different this year, as Jackson Wild-provided lodging for first-time volunteers will be offered at a 50% discount. We understand that this is a significant change and may impact some volunteers’ ability to participate. Please know that this decision was not an easy one to make. As many in the community know, Jackson Wild is a non-profit organization. With limited resources, we decided on this shift to best support the organization and 2025 Summit. Many similar festivals do not offer volunteer-provided accommodation, and while we have long gone against this industry standard, we had to reassess what’s feasible for us moving forward. We are currently looking for a sponsor for the volunteer program, and if that effort is successful, this is the first area we will look at, providing a higher discount or fully discounted lodging. Thank you for understanding, and we appreciate your support as we strive to create a meaningful volunteer experience.

Time Commitment

  • Full-time Volunteer: 40+ Hours

  • Part-time Volunteer: 20 Hours

    • Please note that part-time volunteers are not eligible for Jackson Wild provided lodging

All volunteers must be available from September 27 to October 3.

FAQs

  • Lodging is covered for full-time volunteer alums.

    For first-time full-time volunteers, lodging is partially covered. First-time volunteers will be responsible for 50% of their lodging costs (about $850 USD for six nights). 

    Volunteer lodging begins on Saturday, September 27, and ends on Friday, October 3.

    Please note that volunteer-provided lodging is not mandatory. If you have other accommodation plans, there is a section to note in your application.

  • Jackson Wild will arrange airport pickups and transportation for anyone flying into Jackson Hole Airport (JAC).

  • The majority of the meals are provided by the Summit. In addition, the Jackson Lake Lodge has a cafeteria with meals for purchase that volunteers can access.

  • Before departing for Jackson Hole, we highly recommend packing everything you’ll need for the week. The Jackson Lake Lodge is located in Grand Teton National Park and is a little secluded, about 50 minutes away from town. The Lodge does have a small convenience store. 

  • If you have a food allergy, please note this on your application. While the Jackson Lake Lodge cannot wholly guarantee an allergy-free kitchen, Jackson Wild and the Lodge’s staff will do our best to ensure a safe environment based on the specific allergy. The Summit meals also include labels with ingredients.

  • Yes! One of the benefits of volunteering is sitting in on the different sessions that occur during the week. We can’t guarantee that you’ll be able to attend every session you’d like, but if there’s one you’d like to see, you may be able to find another volunteer to cover your shift. Some of the sessions will be recorded for your viewing later.

  • Absolutely! Applicants based outside of the US are encouraged to apply. Most countries must have an ESTA or a visa when visiting the US. For more information on obtaining a visa, please visit the visitor visa page on the US State Department website.

    If helpful, Jackson Wild can also provide letters of support to accepted applicants.

    • Bring business cards for your moments to network with other volunteers and attend sessions in your off-time.

    • Be open and flexible around the Summit dates, and maybe explore the surrounding national parks a few days before or after (with your new summit buddies). Many memories are ready to be made there.

  • There will be a virtual information session held sometime in July or August. The official orientation will take place in person on Sunday, September 28. After the orientation, volunteers will break off into their assigned roles and meet with their volunteer managers / JW staff member to learn more about their volunteer duties. 

  • All volunteers will receive a volunteer T-shirt, which must be worn during their shift.

  • One of the best perks of volunteering is meeting and connecting with all the volunteers. You’ll build strong relationships with your peers throughout the week, potentially leading to future collaborations. In addition to the virtual introduction session, a WhatsApp group will also be created.

  • Leading up to the event, your primary point of contact will be the Volunteer Coordinator. During the week of the Summit, the Volunteer Coordinator will still be your primary contact, but you’ll also work closely with your volunteer manager/JW staff member.

  • Volunteer schedules will be sent out a few weeks before the Summit.

  • Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. Any volunteer under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

    • Having been in the industry for a couple of years, Jackson Wild was on my radar as a must-attend event to connect with others in the field. Getting the opportunity to volunteer was incredible. I met amazing colleagues, made great friends with fellow volunteers, and had the chance to network with and learn from some really inspiring folks in the field. The summit itself was truly incredible, being surrounded by so many people who share the same passions and who become your support systems for your career. The Summit had workshops which were fantastic, and you got to get your hands on some awesome gear. Not to mention, Jackson itself is a breathtaking place to visit! I can't recommend the summit enough, whether you're volunteering or attending, at any stage in your career. I'm already looking forward to the next time I get to go! - Chelsie Xavier-Blower (Summit Volunteer in 2023)

    • Volunteering at the Jackson Wild Summit was an invaluable opportunity to learn from industry leaders in wildlife filmmaking, while also collaborating with some of the kindest and most hardworking volunteers I've ever had the privilege of working with. The summit provides a chance for new talent to get an all access peek into the inner workings of the industry while completing manageable and often fun tasks that keep the conference running smoothly. It has been such a privilege to get to see some of the friends I made during my week of volunteering go on to create amazing work and find their path in the wildlife filmmaking world. I had the most amazing time and would jump at the opportunity to volunteer again in the future. -Andrew Motte (Summit Volunteer in 2023)