Search
Dakota County 4-H and University of Minnesota Extension
Dakota County 4-H Outreach Programs
Dakota County Adopt-a-Highway Program
Adopt a Highway Program
The Adopt-a-Highway Program looks for volunteers to collect litter along designated segments of County highways to help keep roadsides clean. Coordination of the program and supplies (safety vests, trash bags and training) are provided by the Dakota County Transportation Department.
One-Time Roadside Cleanups
Help us keep our roadways clean. Volunteers looking to collect litter along designated segments of County highways can help without adopting a section of road or forming a group. Coordination of the program and supplies (safety vests, trash bags and training) are provided by Dakota County Transportation staff.
Dakota County Community Corrections
Internship Opportunities
Community Corrections has a broad range of volunteer and intern opportunities available. We offer unique opportunities, whether you want to contribute to your community or are a student looking for work experience to fulfill academic requirements. Position openings vary throughout the year.
Examples of volunteer and intern opportunities
- Help with juvenile offenders engaged in community projects
- Assist probation officers in juvenile or adult supervision
- Assist juveniles participating in extended day treatment
- Perform computer queries on information systems
- Help manage paperwork
Volunteer Opportunities
Community Corrections has a broad range of volunteer and intern opportunities available. We offer unique opportunities, whether you want to contribute to your community or are a student looking for work experience to fulfill academic requirements. Position openings vary throughout the year.
Examples of volunteer and intern opportunities
- Help with juvenile offenders engaged in community projects
- Assist probation officers in juvenile or adult supervision
- Assist juveniles participating in extended day treatment
- Perform computer queries on information systems
- Help manage paperwork
Dakota County Emergency Response and Disaster Relief
Dakota County staff works closely with federal, state and local emergency preparedness partners to improve our readiness and response to natural disasters and other emergencies.
- The County continually evaluates hazards and seeks ways to keep preparedness at the highest level.
- Detailed response plans are prepared, tested, and modified.
- Training exercises conducted throughout the year help maintain staff proficiency; teach us how to locate, communicate with, and work with our partners; and improve our ability to respond to emergencies.
- The County educates residents, businesses, schools and community organizations about possible emergencies and how to best prepare.
- Our emergency responders are well-skilled and coordinated to provide quick and effective response.
Medical Reserve Corps. - Dakota County
The Dakota County Medical Reserve Corps. (MRC) is part of a national network of volunteers that are trained to assist with emergency and non-emergency public health events. Dakota County Public Health is always looking for engaged and active community members to help strengthen the county’s preparedness capabilities and overall health.
Dakota County Environmental Resources
Master Recycler/Composter Program
The Master Recycler/Composter program provides training on waste reduction, recycling, composting and solid waste.
Graduates agree to volunteer 30 hours putting their skills to work. Graduates have the opportunity to staff informational booths at community events, make presentations, and work on special projects in their neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces.
Water Resources
Protecting Dakota County’s valuable surface water and groundwater resources is an important responsibility for everyone who lives and works here.Dakota County helps protect water quality every step of the way.
Dakota County General Volunteer and Internship Opportunities
Citizen Advisory Committees
Dakota County Citizen Advisory Committees support County government by involving citizens in the decision-making process, meeting requirements of state law, helping to define community norms and standards, providing technical expertise, serving as advocates, offering feedback, and reflecting the diverse interests of County clients and residents.
- Adult Citizen Advisory Committees: Citizen Advisory Committee
- Adult Citizen Advisory Committees: County Special Board of Appeal and Equalization
- Adult Citizen Advisory Committees: Extension Committee
- Adult Citizen Advisory Committees: Library Advisory Committee
- Adult Citizen Advisory Committees: Planning Commission
- Adult Citizen Advisory Committees: Public Art Citizen Advisory Committee
- Adult Citizen Advisory Committees: Workforce Advisory Committee
- Adult Citizen Advisory Committees: Zoning Board of Adjustment Committee
- Youth Citizen Advisory Committees: Extension Committee
- Youth Citizen Advisory Committees: Library Advisory Committee
- Youth Citizen Advisory Committees: Public Art Citizen Advisory Committee
Community Action
Eagle Scout and Gold Award Projects
Ending Homelessness
Heading Home Dakota is a 10 year plan to prevent and end homelessness, which was finalized in 2012. The work to create it included a variety of surveys and focus groups, a community retreat, analysis and utilization of data on homelessness in Dakota County, and the development of a strategic plan and an implementation guide to meet the needs in our community. Please check out our plan and join us in our effort to end homelessness in Dakota County!
Transportation Services
DISCLAIMER: The opportunities listed below are not managed by Dakota County but instead are associated with an organization located in Dakota County. You may have to complete additional steps with the host organization to fully apply for this opportunity. The organizations that host these opportunities take full responsibility for the management of the events listed below.
Dakota County Historical Society
Dakota City Heritage Village, Farmington
Dakota City Heritage Village is a 1900-era village and museum dedicated to connecting people to the rural past. Located in Farmington, Minnesota, just 30 minutes south of the Twin Cities on the Dakota County Fairgrounds, our five-acre site includes 22 buildings where visitors experience living history firsthand with costumed interpreters and demonstrations. Ahlberg Heritage Center, our museum, houses more than 10,000 artifacts depicting social and rural history, with an emphasis on agriculture. Events throughout the year focus on rural life 100+ years ago, including how residents met their needs for food, clothing, shelter, and social connection. School programs are scheduled throughout the spring and fall, and various group tours are offered. In addition, buildings at Dakota City are available to rent for weddings, family gatherings, and organization events.
LeDuc Historic Estate, Hastings
LeDuc Historic Estate was built between 1862 and 1866 by William Gates LeDuc and his wife Mary LeDuc near the Vermillion River in Hastings, Minnesota. The LeDucs were prominent early settlers of Minnesota and played significant roles in the state's growth from a territory to a state. Take a step back in time and hear stories about the LeDuc family and the history of the 1800s.
1629 Vermillion Street
Hastings, MN 55033
651-438-8480
Get Directions
The Estate is open to the public Thursday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from May 15 through October 25 and on special occasion the rest of the year.
Dakota County Library
*Court-Ordered Volunteer Opportunities
This program is only for individuals who need to perform court-ordered community service hours. Please be aware that any other opportunity within the county library is not eligible for court-ordered community service hours unless otherwise noted.
Minimum Qualifications
- 12-18 years old
- Must be a Dakota County Resident
- Must be willing to work within our schedule, we will not make special arrangements to satisfy deadlines
- We cannot help fulfill hours related to a felony offense or violent misdemeanors
Burnhaven Library, Burnsville
Address
1101 W County Road 42
Burnsville, MN 55306
Phone
952-891-0300
Regular Hours
Monday–Thursday: 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Friday–Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Closed on holidays
Farmington Library, Farmington
Address
508 Third St.
Farmington, MN 55024
Phone
651-438-0250
Regular Hours
Monday–Wednesday: Noon - 8:00 p.m.
Thursday–Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
Closed on holidays
Galaxie Library, Apple Valley
Address
14955 Galaxie Ave.
Apple Valley, MN 55124
Phone
952-891-7045
Hours
Monday–Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 9:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Closed on holidays
Heritage Library, Lakeville
Address
20085 Heritage Dr
Lakeville, MN 55044
Phone
952-891-0360
Regular Hours
Monday–Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Closed on holidays
Inver Glen Library, Inver Grove Heights
Address
8098 Blaine Ave
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076
Phone
651-554-6840
Regular Hours
Monday–Wednesday: Noon – 8:00 p.m.
Thursday–Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
Closed on holidays
Pleasant Hill Library, Hastings
Address
1490 South Frontage Rd.
Hastings, MN 55033
Phone
651-438-0200
Regular Hours
Monday–Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Closed on holidays
Robert Trail Library, Rosemount
Address
14395 S. Robert Trail
Rosemount, MN 55068
Phone
651-480-1200
Regular Hours
Monday–Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Closed on holidays.
Wentworth Library, West St. Paul
Address
199 East Wentworth Ave
West St. Paul, MN 55118
Phone
651-554-6800
Regular Hours
Monday–Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Closed on holidays.
Wescott Library, Eagan
Address
1340 Wescott Road
Eagan MN 55123-1029
Phone
651-450-2900
Regular Hours
Monday–Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Closed on holidays
Dakota County Parks
County Partners - Natural Resources
These positions are not with Dakota County Volunteers but with another organization located in Dakota County. You will have to complete any documentation with that organization to register for these opportunities.
Dakota Woods Dog Park
Help maintain your dog's mental and physicals health by getting them outside to roam. Dakota Woods Dog Park is a 16-acre, fenced-in, wooded park that is a great place to let your dog run and exercise on and off-leash. The park is centrally located in Dakota County, just east of Rosemount and north of Farmington.
Lake Byllesby Regional Park
Lake Byllesby Regional Park is nestled in the scenic Cannon River Valley on Lake Byllesby Reservoir, the largest lake in southern Dakota County. This beautiful park offers vast open space for a variety of year-round activities including cooling off in the splash pad or lake, staying overnight in our campsite, or taking a boat ride to take in the sheer cliff facings on shore that are hundreds of years old. Make sure to catch a glimpse of the Lake Byllesby Dam before you leave.
Lebanon Hills Regional Park
Lebanon Hills Regional Park is the crown jewel and largest park in the Dakota County park system. Containing almost 2,000 acres, the park offers miles of trails and many lakes for year-round outdoor sports, recreation and environmental education. The Lebanon Hills Visitor Center, located in the eastern section of the park, offers park information, interactive nature displays, courses and programs for all ages, and equipment rentals.
Miesville Ravine Park Reserve
Miesville Ravine Park Reserve is a large nature preserve that provides miles of trails for you to enjoy the picturesque Cannon River Valley. Located at the confluence of Trout Brook and the Cannon River near Miesville, this beautiful park offers the feel of scenic southeastern Minnesota in our very own backyard.
Spring Lake Park Reserve
Enjoy the feel of northern Minnesota from this scenic park that overlooks the Mississippi River. A rest stop along the Great River Road, Spring Lake Park Reserve is the "hidden jewel" of the Upper Mississippi River Valley. The Schaar’s Bluff Trailhead and picnic area provide a scenic overlook of the Mississippi River Valley as well as access to summer hiking and winter ski trails.
Thompson County Park
This charming 57-acre park provides a quiet get-a-way in the midst of West St. Paul. The park features a large picnic and playground area that overlooks Thompson Lake and miles of wooded trails that link Thompson County Park to Kaposia Park and to the Mississippi River Regional Trail. Thompson County Park is also the home of the Dakota Lodge — a four-season event center that is perfect for weddings, reunions, meetings, banquets, retreats, parties and much more.
Volunteer Trail Patrol Teams
Enjoy the outdoors while assisting park visitors with questions, directions, and providing an extra support measure in case of emergencies. Our patrol units offer a vital service to our county parks by providing trained individual assistance to our park users, helping to keep everyone happy and safe on our park and regional trails. Volunteer while personally enjoying the trails yourself, so easy and fun!
Whitetail Woods Regional Park
Whitetail Woods Regional Park is located in Empire Township in the center of Dakota County, one mile north of the Vermillion River. Whitetail Woods provides year round fun from sledding down hill in the winter to enjoying a walk through the flowering prairie during the spring to taking in the relaxing sounds of an outdoor concert during the summer. Looking to get away for a weekend? Unique cabins for rent offer year-round comfy lodging for you and your family to explore the outdoors.
Uncategorized
Dakota County Public Health
American Red Cross - On-site Blood Donations
The American Red Cross and Dakota County partner to offer onsite blood donations at our main building locations throughout the county.
Internship Opportunities
The Public Health Department provides a limited number of opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students from educational institutions that have a current agreement or contract with Dakota County.
- Preference will be given to students living in Dakota County.
- Preference may be given to students currently enrolled at local schools, or schools within Minnesota.
- A written agreement/contract must be in place between Dakota County and the college/university before the student will be accepted.
- An interview may be requested before accepting a student.
- Written and verbal contact from the school instructor is required before placement.
The following dates will serve as guidelines in making placement decisions:
- Fall Semester - Request must be received by June 1
- Spring Semester - Request must be received by November 1
- Summer Semester - Request must be received by March 1
Contact us at Public.Health@co.dakota.mn.us or 651-554-6156 if you have any questions.
Medical Reserve Corps - Dakota County
The Dakota County Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is part of a national network of volunteers that are trained to assist with emergency and non-emergency public health events. Dakota County Public Health is always looking for engaged and active community members to help strengthen the county’s preparedness capabilities and overall health.
Public Health Community Partnerships
Dakota County Sheriff's Office
Explorer's Program
The Dakota County Sheriff's Explorer Program, run by the Dakota County Sheriff's Office in partnership with Learning For Life, is a non-profit organization dedicated to introducing young adults (14 - 20 years of age) to Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice careers. Explorers are trained by department advisors in law enforcement techniques, community policing, crime prevention and first aid. This program helps prepare participants for a career in law enforcement and beyond.
Internship Opportunities
The Dakota County Sheriff’s Office enhances the training and education of students pursuing careers in law enforcement, corrections and criminal justice, so students gain practical experience. Interns have the opportunity to shadow deputies within various divisions in effort to provide them with a holistic view of the many opportunities available at the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office.
Operations
Dakota County Social Services
.Social Services Internship Opportunities
Dakota County Social Services Internship Program
The Dakota County Department of Social Services provides broad range of programs and services that enhance the well-being of individuals and families in the community. We offer a limited number of internships for associates, undergraduate and graduate degree students looking to fulfill academic degree requirements.
General Process
- Submission of an online application, resume, and cover letter.
- Successful completion of a criminal background check.
- A brief interview conducted by county staff.
- A written agreement between Dakota County and the college or university prior to acceptance.
- Meeting between the school contact and intern supervisor prior to start date.
2022-2023 Schedule
For fall 2022 internships, the recruitment window has closed. Please check back here February 1, 2023 for all available spring internships.
Dakota County Veterans Services
Dakota County Veterans Services
Veteran Services provides benefit counseling, advice and assistance for veterans and their family members filing claims for the state and federal benefits. The county also assists veterans and their families with a variety of other programs and provides referrals to community resources.
