About Volunteer Thornton
In April 1997, the city officially launched its first formal volunteer program - Volunteer Thornton - to oversee ongoing volunteer operations. Volunteer Thornton was created to manage volunteers who assist in implementing programs and services in various city departments. Today, Thornton is distinguished by the spirit of its citizens who are actively involved in promoting the welfare of the community and this spirit of involvement is at the very foundation of our community. Volunteers are essential to preserving Thornton’s quality of life and making it a more rewarding and nurturing place to live and work.
Please click the tabs below to learn more about volunteer programs and opportunities.
Adaptive & Inclusive Recreation (AIR)
Opportunities for volunteers interested in helping with one or more various AIR Programs. This may include assisting with art classes, social activities, gymnastics, dance, archery, or sports. AIR volunteers may also partner with a participant with special needs in various recreation programs to help the program be inclusive of their needs. One hour per week for 5-10 weeks is the general commitment depending on the program.
A brief disability awareness training for all volunteers and background check for volunteers over 18 is required. Click below to apply for current AIR Programs:
Adopt-A-Flowerbed (Horticulture)
The Adopt-a-Flower Bed Program addresses “quality of life” issues for many residents, as it provides an opportunity to beautify our community while simultaneously educating interested volunteers. Adopt-A-Flower Bed Volunteers will learn the various aspects of flower bed design, installation, maintenance, and care. Below are the areas in need of volunteers. Click the link to learn more and apply:
Arts & Culture
Historic Archive Assistant
Volunteers will complete tasks such as sleeving photographs, sorting records, scanning documents, and other hands on tasks. These tasks require careful handing of archival materials, and the ability to closely follow direction. Volunteers will be trained on all tasks by staff, and will work alongside staff in the Thornton Arts and Culture Center. This position requires manual dexterity, attention to detail, and the desire to learn new skills. An interest in history or museums is also appreciated!
Volunteers are expected to abide by the Archive rules and regulations while working in the Archive.
Click here to learn more about this position.
Public Art Panelist
Volunteers are needed to sit on two public art review panels. Volunteers will meet to review, score, and help select the artist (or artist team) that best meets the scope of the project. Click here to learn more about Public Art goals and commission process. The following are 2023 projects in need of panelists:
Special Event & Summer Concert Volunteers
Join the Arts & Culture team! We are looking for individuals to help us promote the arts in a festive and friendly environment. Volunteers will assist and greet the community in an outdoor setting while attending a live concerts or events. Duties include helping set up signs and tables, directing guest traffic and parking, guest greeter and sign in. We will have CVD-19 protocols in place for your safety and comfort.
Click here to learn more.
Boards & Commissions
Want to be involved in the decisions made in your community? If so, consider applying for a position on a Thornton Board or Commission. Please visit the
City Clerk's Webpage to learn more and submit an application.
Current Vacancies
Businesses of Thornton Advisory Commission
Building Code Advisory Board
Development Permits & Appeals Board
Election Commission
Judicial Appointment and Retention Advisory Commission
Local Licensing Authority
Parks & Open Space Advisory Commission
Thornton Active Adult Board
Thornton Arts, Sciences and Humanities Council (TASCHO) Board of Directors
Emergency Management
Community Emergency Response Training (CERT)
CERT is a national preparedness program for all interested community members, 18 years and older, that provides disaster preparedness and response education for all hazards and teaches basic skills in disaster operations, team organization, fire safety, basic first aid, medical operations, and team development. CERT Basic Training is 24 hours of in-person training offered once a year, usually during the Fall/Winter months culminating in a Full Scale Exercise in the Spring. Applicants must complete all 24 hours of training and participate in the exercise meet the FEMA graduation requirement and become eligible to join the Thornton CERT Team. As a CERT Team member you'll have opportunities to participate in specialized trainings, team meetings, leadership opportunities, special events, and deploy to real world emergencies and disasters. For more information visit the
Emergency Management webpage or contact Ryan Doyle, Emergency Manager at ryan.doyle@thorntonco.gov.
Infrastructure
Water Ambassadors
Thornton Water Ambassadors are community members who are passionate about water efficiency. They have taken their passion a step further and volunteered to help the city at events and workshops, talking with other water customers about how to achieve water efficiency. To learn more or apply, please
click here
Storm Drain Marker Program
Storm drain marking involves labeling storm drains with a pre-cast message warning citizens not to dump pollutants into the storm drains. The message is a simple phrase to remind those passing by that storm drains connect to local waterbodies and that dumping will pollute those waters. Storm drain markers have a common message: "No Dumping Drains to River" including a graphic depicting a fish to convey the message. To learn more or apply, please
click here.
Parks
More opportunities coming soon!
Police Department
Victim Advocate
Victim Advocate volunteers provide on-scene crisis supports to victims and witnesses of violent crime, sudden death, and other emergencies. Becoming a Victim Advocate is a big responsibility, but the rewards are immeasurable! The training and experience is a huge asset for those wanting to go into the Criminal Justice Field.
Volunteers must complete 40 hours of initial training, work a minimum of three shifts of shadowing a staff or volunteer advocate, and a minimum of three-hours of shadowing in Dispatch. There will be quarterly in-service training and voluntary attendance of workshops and seminars available through the unit.
Snowbusters
Thornton is looking for volunteers for their Snowbusters program. Snowbuster volunteers remove snow from the public walkways and driveways of seniors and/or residents with a disability during the snow season. This service is for Thornton residents who cannot otherwise arrange for or afford to have their snow removed. Volunteer today and be matched with a qualified citizen in need. Please call 303-255-7831 to get started.
To learn more, please click here.
Sports
Girls Softball
Coaches needed for City of Thornton Girls Softball Program
We are currently recruiting volunteer coaches for the City of Thornton Girls Softball program which will run from April 25- July 29. Age divisions are 4-5 (tee ball), 6-7 (coach pitch), and 8-9, 10-11, 12-13, and 14-17 (player pitch). Please contact Hannah.Tuomi@ThorntonCO.gov if interested or if you have any questions.
To learn more or apply, please click here.