Volunteer Contributor/ Reporter

Volunteer Remote Position

Watch Duty is a non-partisan, nonprofit organization that provides real-time public-safety information during emergencies. Our mission is to publish verified, factual information that gives communities true situational awareness when it matters most. Volunteers are central to this work.

About the role

Volunteer Contributors and Reporters help gather, verify, and synthesize information related to active wildfires. This includes monitoring multiple sources such as scanner traffic, fire cameras, official agency updates, user-submitted intel, and automated detections within Watch Duty.

Working alongside other reporters in real time, you’ll help confirm details and craft clear, accurate alerts that reach millions of people during critical moments. Training, guidelines, and ongoing support are provided, and most volunteers grow into the role over time.

What we’re looking for

• A strong sense of responsibility and community service
• The ability to remain calm, focused, and detail-oriented in fast-moving situations
• Comfort collaborating in real time via Slack (our internal messaging platform)
• Willingness to learn and follow structured reporting guidelines

Helpful experience (not required)

• Prior experience listening to or monitoring emergency communications
• Background in fire, dispatch, law enforcement, or emergency response
• Experience sharing time-sensitive information with a public audience (e.g., social media, community groups)
• Familiarity with radio scanners, mapping tools, or technical systems
• FEMA ICS Courses
• Willingness to assist with coverage beyond your immediate local area when needed

Most volunteers contribute a few hours per week, with flexibility depending on availability and incident activity.