FOJ

(D)a year under the sign of nature

Have you finally finished school and don't want to jump straight into training or studying?
Do you need some time to orientate yourself and gain experience?
Are you ready to do something for the environment and your region?

Then join our team and complete a course

Voluntary ecological year

About the FÖJ

The FÖJ, the Voluntary Ecological Year, is a one-year voluntary service.

If you have completed your compulsory schooling, are between 16 and 27 years old and would like to work for nature and the environment for 12 months, the FÖJ is exactly the right thing for you. You can orientate yourself and gain practical professional experience.

In the five seminars spread throughout the year, you will delve even deeper into the topics of the environment and nature. There you will also get to know the other volunteers and can exchange ideas with them. Friendships often develop that last beyond the FÖJ.

Of course your work will be rewarded. Pocket money of 650 euros per month is paid. Your place of employment pays your contributions for health, pension, nursing care and unemployment insurance.

Your tasks with us

Your tasks at the nature park can be found in general administrative tasks within the office.

You support the team with...

... the development of environmental education programs
... the preparation and implementation of events such as trade fairs and festivals
... marking hiking trails
... fisheries management measures
... everyday office work

FÖJers report...

"I decided to do a year of voluntary service because I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do after graduating from high school. Since I've always been interested in nature, I definitely wanted to do something in this direction. There's an FÖJ for that offered at the nature park.

I particularly liked the public relations and environmental education, because there you can pass on your enthusiasm for nature to other people and create awareness of why we need to protect and preserve our nature."

Marius Bänfer, FÖJ 2021/22

"After school I needed some time to get my bearings. I've always found the environment and nature conservation exciting, the decision for the nature park was not difficult.

I was accepted into a very nice team and was able to gain insights into a wide variety of areas, which was a very valuable experience."

Hannes Weingarten, FÖJ 2022/23

you have completed your compulsory schooling
you are between 16 and 27 years old
you are interested in nature and environmental topics
you already have a driver's license
you have nothing planned from September 1st to August 31st of next year :-)

You can find further information about the FÖJ and the application here..

The ecological volunteer services run through this Hessian State Office for Nature Conservation, Environment and Geology (HLNUG). Therefore, you send your application to the Hessen Nature Conservation Academy. Then forward these to us!

We are looking forward to you!