Join a nationwide network of Watch Duty volunteers providing critical support when it matters most.
Volunteer Openings
Every reporter begins as a volunteer contributor. Contributors who support behind the scenes play a critical role in keeping timely, reliable information flowing during incidents. Volunteers contribute to our 24/7, real-time, human-verified wildfire and flood tracking and are crucial to Watch Duty’s mission-driven, rapid-response alert system.
Monitoring radio traffic and official sources
All information is shared and verified in real time using established standards and workflows. And every volunteer follows a strict Code of Conduct to ensure accuracy, professionalism, and trust.
This team is incredibly supportive. It’s rare to find a group that’s both highly skilled and genuinely eager to help others grow. I’ve felt nothing but welcomed — no gatekeeping, no competition.
Our team at Watch Duty makes collaboration feel so seamless. We truly support each other with the common goal of providing accurate information, and as a retired dispatcher, I really value this.
We are a passionate team who collaborate well under pressure. Many of our team have experienced evacuations due to fast-moving wildfires. Others come from emergency services backgrounds, with team members spanning active wildland firefighters, retired fire personnel, retired dispatchers, other emergency responders, journalists, engineers, firefighter family members, and avid radio scanner listeners who want to ensure their families and neighbors are aware and alerted to dangers.
What unites everyone is a shared commitment to public safety, integrity, and teamwork.
Submit a volunteer application below
Meet the team
Submit a volunteer application
How we work, what to do, and what not to, report on
Experience with scanner traffic is helpful, but not required. We provide structured training and ongoing learning opportunities. FEMA certifications are encouraged, but optional.
I am grateful to be part of such an incredible team, and look forward to contributing wherever I am needed.
