Volunteer

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.

Yes, that is OK! If you’ve been accepted as a volunteer and later learn that you have been admitted to the Media Lab, the JW team will fill the open volunteer position.

• 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)