Volunteer Activities
• Archaeology
• Conservation Education
• Historical Preservation
• Trail/Campground Maintenance
• Visitor Information
• General Assistance

Photo Courtesy of NPS

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Must wear provided volunteer uniform that is kept clean and professional.
• Complete initial training.
• Promote Bandelier National Monument (BAND) by providing the basic natural, cultural, and geologic history of BAND/Tsankawi to visitors and up to date information on park activities.
• Promote responsible and safe recreation in the outdoors.
• Promote the protection and preservation of the natural and cultural resources at BAND by ensuring visitors are aware of and abiding by park rules and regulations.
• Perform basic trail maintenance activities such as covering social trails and maintaining pathway, and picking up micro trash.
• Ensure you are equipped with a radio or cell phone to inform law enforcement officials if visitors are not abiding by park rules and regulations or if there is an emergency situation.
• Provide water, sunscreen, or band aids to visitors in need.
• Inspect area and inform visitors of any danger.
• Review and follow “Interpretive Roving at Tsankawi” Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), including collecting information on pink cards.
• Report back to staff how many informal and formal visitor contacts are made during a shift, the day of the week and time.
• Turn in volunteer hours to park staff supervisor by the 5th of each month.
• Turn in monthly pink card data to lead volunteer.
• Volunteer must sign they have read and understand Director’s Order 16E “Anti-Harassment Policy & Procedures”
• Must adhere to all park policies.

Requirements: A background investigation will be required for this position in order to have access to a government building. Communication skills required. This position is heavily reliant on rule compliance. Volunteer must be comfortable speaking to the public and conveying park rules and regulations in a friendly, yet stern manner. A 1-2 day training will be required for this position.

Training Provided: New Site Steward volunteer orientation training with staff will be required once a year. This will include basic roving, trails, Leave No Trace, radio training, and a history of Tsankawi. Some self-guided training may be required to familiarize yourself more with BAND and this training can be done at your own pace at home and the hours can be counted toward your volunteer hours.

Physical Demands: *This position is not limited to roving. There are options to stay at the kiosk in the shade and interact with incoming visitors, or hike to the Pueblo and interact visitors there.

Hiking. Standing for long periods of time. Weather may vary, but this trail has little shade and can be very exposed in the summer.

Time Commitment: At least 2-4 hours, twice a month.

Benefits: Make a difference at Bandelier in resource protection by ensuring visitors know all rules and regulations. Opportunity to volunteer outdoors in a National Park Setting and interact with a diverse group of visitors. Spend time at the beautiful Tsankawi unit for free!

Use of Personal or Government Equipment/Vehicles: The volunteer may use a government vehicle located at the Visitor Center, if one is available. If not, the volunteer will be authorized to use their own personal vehicle to drive directly to Tsankawi.

Supervisor:   Sally King sally_king@nps.gov

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Not Available

Fort Union National Monument is looking for a well-organized, detail-oriented person to help maintain and operate its park library.

Duties include caring for books and reference files, checking books in and out, helping maintain a variety of historical files and researching answers to queries from the public and park staff. A long-time volunteer now manages the library. New volunteers would be trained by and work under the guidance of the senior volunteer librarian. The work is indoors and involves periods of time filing, standing and bending. We are looking for a regular time commitment of at least one day (five to seven consecutive hours) every two weeks. Library experience is not required.

There is no housing available at the monument, so this position would only be suitable for people within commuting distance of Watrous, NM. Volunteers may have to pass a federal background check. 

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Not Available

Volunteer Activities
• Campground Host
• Construction/Maintenance
• Other
• Trail/Campground Maintenance
• Tour Guide/Interpretation
• Visitor Information
• General Assistance

Photo Courtesy of BLM

BLM Campground Host or Host Couple: Fort Stanton – Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area (NCA), at Rob Jaggers Campground and Equestrian Trailhead

NCA Website:      https://www.blm.gov/visit/fort-stanton-snowy-river-cave-nca

Address:  Rob Jaggers Campground is located 1 mile south of the intersection of Hwy 380 and Hwy 220; OR approximately 10 minutes east of Capitan, NM OR 10 minutes west of historic Lincoln, NM (Billy the Kid sites, etc.)  The campground sits at approximately 6,500’ elevation and visitors enjoy cool summers and moderate winters.

Contact:  Beau Truitt, btruitt@blm.gov or cell: (575) 626-3268

Availability:  7/31/2019-1/31/2020 (could be extended if BLM and hosts desire)

Created:  12/11/2018

Suitability:  Adults, Seniors

Difficulty:  Average

Direct Link:

Volunteer Activities:

• Campground Host
• Trail/Campground Maintenance
• Tour Guide/Interpretation
• Patrol Rec Areas
• Maintain and stock vault toilets
• Visitor Information
• General Assistance
• Assist with recycling program

Description

Campground Host or Host Couples can inquire to Beau Truitt at the BLM, btruitt@blm.gov or call BLM cell at 575-626-3268. If you have internet access please email Beau and provide a short bio, discuss your background and interests, and any questions you may have. 

Host(s) will reside on site and work 5 days a week (Thursday to Monday). If hosts are a couple, only one person expected to be on duty (and can receive a financial reimbursement for days worked).  RV site has full hook-up, propane, water, sewage, shaded grill area and fenced in yard. Hosts will be expected to go through defensive driving class and background checks. Hosts will routinely operate a UTV in the campground and occasionally may operate BLM vehicle or small equipment.

The main duties will be to engage with the visitors, monitor fee requirements, conduct patrols of the campground and trails, assist with the recycling program, maintain and stock vault toilets, keep campground presentable and grounds maintained to increase visitor's positive experience, and other duties as assigned.  Occasionally assist with special events held at the Jaggers campground as well as patrol the NCA’s other campground (small primitive camping area near the entrance to the NCA cave) as well as the NCA bunkhouse.  Plumbing/mechanical experience is a plus as there is frequent monitoring and maintenance of the aging campground water system (feeds campsites, horse troughs, and irrigation of trees).

Rob Jaggers Campground is located within the Fort Stanton – Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area, with views of both the Capitan Mountains to the north and Sierra Blanca to the southwest.  Since the NCA is located in Southern New Mexico the winters are mild despite 6,500’ elevation and summers are cool and pleasant.   It is also only a few miles north of historic Fort Stanton, one of the most scenic and intact military forts in the entire southwest, and just a few minutes west of Lincoln, site of Billy the Kid and Lincoln County Cattle Wars.  There are over 70 miles of non-motorized trails and approximately 22 miles of motorized roads within the NCA.  The NCA receives frequent visitation for horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, birding, and hunting.  There are also numerous petroglyphs and archaeology from both historic and pre-historic native peoples as well as the US Army.

HOUSING & AMENITIES

Type: Trailer/RV Pad

Description: Full hook-up, RV pad, sewage, water, laundry (available at NCA bunkhouse), propane, fenced yard and postcard views!

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Type: Trailer/RV Pads
Description: Full hook-up, RV pad, sewage, water, laundry (available at NCA bunkhouse), propane, fenced yard and postcard views!

Volunteer Activities
• Campground Host

Photo Courtesy of BLM

BLM Campground Host or Host Couple: Fort Stanton – Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area (NCA), at Rob Jaggers Campground and Equestrian Trailhead

NCA Website:      https://www.blm.gov/visit/fort-stanton-snowy-river-cave-nca

Address:  Rob Jaggers Campground is located 1 mile south of the intersection of Hwy 380 and Hwy 220; OR approximately 10 minutes east of Capitan, NM OR 10 minutes west of historic Lincoln, NM (Billy the Kid sites, etc.)  The campground sits at approximately 6,500’ elevation and visitors enjoy cool summers and moderate winters.

Contact:  Beau Truitt, btruitt@blm.gov or cell: (575) 626-3268

Availability:  3/1/2019—5/1/2019

Created:  12/11/2018

Suitability:  Adults, Seniors

Difficulty:  Average

Direct Link:

Volunteer Activities:

• Campground Host
• Trail/Campground Maintenance
• Tour Guide/Interpretation
• Patrol Rec Areas
• Maintain and stock vault toilets
• Visitor Information
• General Assistance
• Assist with recycling program

Description

Campground Host or Host Couples can inquire to Beau Truitt at the BLM, btruitt@blm.gov or call BLM cell at 575-626-3268. If you have internet access please email Beau and provide a short bio, discuss your background and interests, and any questions you may have. 

Host(s) will reside on site and work 5 days a week (Thursday to Monday).If hosts are a couple, only one person expected to be on duty (and can receive a financial reimbursement for days worked).  RV site has full hook-up, propane, water, sewage, shaded grill area and fenced in yard. Hosts will be expected to go through defensive driving class and background checks. Hosts will routinely operate a UTV in the campground and occasionally may operate BLM vehicle or small equipment.

The main duties will be to engage with the visitors, monitor fee requirements, conduct patrols of the campground and trails, assist with the recycling program, maintain and stock vault toilets, keep campground presentable and grounds maintained to increase visitor's positive experience, and other duties as assigned.  Occasionally assist with special events held at the Jaggers campground as well as patrol the NCA’s other campground (small primitive camping area near the entrance to the NCA cave) as well as the NCA bunkhouse.  Plumbing/mechanical experience is a plus as there is frequent monitoring and maintenance of the aging campground water system (feeds campsites, horse troughs, and irrigation of trees).

Rob Jaggers Campground is located within the Fort Stanton – Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area, with views of both the Capitan Mountains to the north and Sierra Blanca to the southwest.  Since the NCA is located in Southern New Mexico the winters are mild despite 6,500’ elevation and summers are cool and pleasant.   It is also only a few miles north of historic Fort Stanton, one of the most scenic and intact military forts in the entire southwest, and just a few minutes west of Lincoln, site of Billy the Kid and Lincoln County Cattle Wars.  There are over 70 miles of non-motorized trails and approximately 22 miles of motorized roads within the NCA.  The NCA receives frequent visitation for horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, birding, and hunting.  There are also numerous petroglyphs and archaeology from both historic and pre-historic native peoples as well as the US Army.

HOUSING & AMENITIES

Type: Trailer/RV Pad

Description: Full hook-up, RV pad, sewage, water, laundry (available at NCA bunkhouse), propane, fenced yard and postcard views!

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Type: Trailer/RV Pads
Description: Type: Trailer/RV Pad Description: Full hook-up, RV pad, sewage, water, laundry (available at NCA bunkhouse), propane, fenced yard and postcard views!

Volunteer Activities
• Computers
• Office/Clerical
• Other
• General Assistance

Photo Courtesy of NPS

If you have graphic design skills we would like you to contact us. As a graphic designer you may be involved in the stylization and presentation of existing words or use pre-existing, image, and imagery. We are seeking someone who can utilize designing elements which can be incorporated in both traditional and digital form. This person may be  involved in the use of visual arts, typography, and imagery page layout techniques. As a graphic designer the volunteer will organize pages and optionally add graphic elements. Volunteer will use designers digital tools, such as interactive multimedia. Designers need communication skills to engage a wide variety of audience designs.

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Type: Other
Description: Housing is a possibility prospective volunteer should be willing to work a minimum of 32 hours per week.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serves as a member of Interpretation and Education staff.
• Roves cave trails assisting visitors as needed
• Presents short interpretive talks on various subjects while in the cave.
• Verbally enforces cave rules as needed.
• Staffs Visitor Center Information Desk (answering the phone, making public announcements etc.)
• Assists with visitor count on at cave elevators assuring visitor understands directions for calling and loading elevator to ride up to visitor center 
• Presents cave orientations to visitors.
• Operates elevator control at Visitor Center
• Understands and accurately dispenses information about the park’s history, geology, natural habitats, and operations.
• Treats coworkers and visitors in a polite, professional manner.
• Follows schedules in a timely manner.
• Will be issued schedules in two week increments with assigned duties to volunteer duties will fluctuate on a daily basis.  
• Volunteer will be scheduled  three (3) lieu days per week
• Volunteer will volunteer minimum 32 hours per week
• Volunteer may assist park rangers with off-trial tours some may require hiking, strenuous activity, navigating tight places and working in the dark for three to four hours at a time.

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Description: Housing is available as long as we do not have housing designated for park employees. Housing is available to volunteers working 128+ hours per month.

Volunteer Activities
• Campground Host
• General Assistance

Photo Courtesy of NPS

There are many benefits to working as a campground host in Chaco, a World Heritage Site, an International Dark Sky Park and a National Historical Park in New Mexico: 

• A complimentary campsite in the  campground, including electric, water and sewage. 
• Access to abundant back country hiking opportunities. 
• Within a day's drive of numerous NPS sites and other recreational opportunities in the Four Corners Region. 
• The opportunity to live and work in arguably the most important archaeological and cultural site in the United States. 
• Within a day's drive of restaurants that serve the iconic New Mexican cuisine. 

Gallo Campground has 49 campsites: 25 tent/RV combination sites, 12 tent only sites and four RV only sites, which can accommodate trailers/campers up to 35 feet. The campground is very busy at the beginning and end of the season and slows down during the hottest part of the summer. Throughout the season there will be many guided programs of archaeological sites, night sky programs and special events which you can attend. 

Duties for Camp Hosts include: 

• Greet and introduce yourself to our campers as they arrive, confirm their reservations and inform them of Chaco's camping rules, park and camp fees and information about the park. Hosts are expected to assist visitors who stop by the host campsite.
• Maintain a clean and orderly campground: pull expired reservation slips, remove ashes from fire rings, pick up trash throughout campground as needed and pull weeds. Notify Maintenance of any problems that may exist, such as toilet and sink issues.
• Ensure visitors comply with rules and notify Law Enforcement of any violations and/or emergencies. 
• Use a handheld radio to communicate with staff and other volunteers in a professional manner. 

A minimum commitment of two months is requried and we are looking for hosts for the months of March through October.

Please note that Chaco Culture National Historical Park is in the high desert of New Mexico and is very isolated. Access to common ameneities, such as grocery stores and hospitals is limited. Volunteers will have to drive 75 miles one way to reach the closest stores. Weather during the season can include snow in March and April, monsoon rains in July and August, high temperatures between June and September and cool nights during September and October. 

For more information, contact supervisor of the Campground and Campground Hosts, Chief Ranger Jeffrey Gardner at jeffrey_gardner@nps.gov 

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Type: Trailer/RV Pads
Description: RV hook ups are available for hosts. This includes sewage, electric and water. An Airstream Trailer is available for hosts to live in if they do not have their own RV or trailer, but the availability is limited.

Volunteer Activities
• Tour Guide/Interpretation
• Visitor Information
• General Assistance

Photo Courtesy of NPS

Be the first point of contact for visitors and make their day!

Begin their visit to Petroglyph National Monument with a friendly greeting and warm smile as they enter the visitor center. Provide them with general park information, a description of each of our petroglyph viewing trails, then driving directions to a trail of their choice. Answer visitor questions and help them plan their visit based upon their physical ability and time frame. General knowledge of the Southwest is also helpful as many visitors fly into Albuquerque to begin their Southwest vacation and may ask about other public lands in the regional area. Review completed Junior Rangers activity booklets and distribute Jr. Ranger awards to children. Volunteers also operate Western National Parks Association retail sales equipment in order to conduct sales. Volunteers may also be asked to assist NPS staff in numerous special events throughout the year.

Shifts of 3-4 hours at least one day a week. An official VIP Uniform and name bar will be issued and must be worn while volunteering.

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Description: Park housing is not available. Most of our volunteers currently live in Albuquerque, NM. All prospective volunteers must make their own housing arrangements at their own expense.

Volunteer Activities
• Construction/Maintenance
• Trail/Campground Maintenance
• Visitor Information
• Back Country/Wilderness

Photo Courtesy of FS

The Pecos Wilderness is a beautiful place to volunteer your time! Come join the team responsible for protecting and monitoring this wilderness resource. Duties include clearing trails with a crosscut saw (an extremely rewarding activity), making contacts with the public to educate and inform about trails and wilderness character, documenting user trends, rehabilitating campsites, documenting invasive weed species, removing trash, plus sign inventory and installation.

If you are experienced with backcountry camping, backpacking, Leave No Trace, map, compass, and GPS, and have a desire to volunteer as a land steward, this may be the opportunity for you!

Field reimbursement will be provided for 3 months in the backcountry with the possibility of additional reimbursement past the three month mark. Rangers are expected to be in the backcountry 15 nights/month. Each primitive backcountry trip will range from 3-8 days in length ($25/night). The ideal candidate will be able to carry personal gear, food, and tools while hiking in remote areas of the Pecos Wilderness.

Crosscut training will be provided. Current First Aid/CPR training is preferred.

Start/end dates are somewhat flexible.

Do you need an internship? This is great opportunity for gaining experience in natural resource management.

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Type: Cabins
Description: Rustic cabin--reimbursement for daily expenses is provided when volunteers are camping in the back country and performing required ranger duties.

Volunteer Activities
• Construction/Maintenance
• Trail/Campground Maintenance
• Visitor Information
• General Assistance

Photo Courtesy of FS

Become a Rio Chama Steward this summer and spend your days taking in the beautiful views along the river!  

What does a Rio Chama Steward do?  

• Routine maintenance and care of recreation areas in the Chama River Canyon Wilderness and the Coyote Ranger District.
• Clean exterior and interior facilities (particularly bathroom buildings).
• Interact with the public by greeting guests, answering questions, providing information about the local area, etc.
• Act as the "eyes and ears" for identifying problems when Forest Service employees are not present.
• Some use of basic hand tools for light maintenance.
• Other duties as assigned.

What about using a Government vehicle?

• Complete the Defensive Driving training and be government licensed before operating a vehicle.
• Safely commute in Forest Service vehicle to work site and abide with New Mexico State Laws.
• Communicate with Coyote Ranger Station and Santa Fe dispatch before going out to the field and upon return.

Schedule: Will work flexible hours from 0800-1700 on Wednesdays through Sundays between office hours. Will have Mondays and Tuesdays off and requests for additional days off will be approved by supervisor prior to leave. 

Accommodations:  An RV pad is provided at the District office with electricity, water, and trash service.  This is a remote site without phone or Wi-Fi service available.  Volunteer is allowed $100 reimbursement for allowed expenses per week.

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Type: Trailer/RV Pads
Description: An RV pad is provided at the District Office with electricity, water, and trash service. This is a remote site spotty cell service.

Volunteer Activities
• Conservation Education
• Office/Clerical
• Other
• Tour Guide/Interpretation
• Visitor Information
• General Assistance

Photo Courtesy of NPS

Purpose: To provide opportunities for park visitors to experience ancestral Pueblo history, make lasting memories, and nurture stewardship ethics. This mission is shared between volunteers, interns and park rangers alike. Volunteers play a critical role in accomplishing this goal for each visitor who walks through the doors. We couldn't do it without you.

Logistics: This 60 day volunteer position is within the Interpretive and Visitor Services division, and VIPs will volunteer 32 hours/week. The available range for this volunteering opportunity is April - December.  For new volunteers, a simple NPS background check may be required. This is a uniformed position, with shirt, jacket, nameplate and hat provided by Aztec Ruins.

Position Description:

This volunteer will work primarily at the Visitor Center. This is the season when our visitation is the highest, along with outreach programs, field trips, special events, bus tours and Junior Ranger camps.

The Interpretive component (estimated 2 hrs/day) will be outside in/near the ruins.

• Volunteers lead daily "spot talks", which are fun and engaging, with an activity for kids and intriguing content for the adults. Existing "spot talks" are available, or volunteers can create their own based on their talent/interest. 
• Daily roving is either in the ruins or near the river, sharing information and answering questions.
• April-May: Volunteers have the opportunity to interact with field trips, leading a "Pueblo Games" program or a "Timeline" program. 
• June-September: Aztec Ruins is also piloting a "Voluntourism" program as well, with a goal of 2-3 opportunities a week for visitors to join an official VIP for a short orientation and 10 minute volunteer project. RV Volunteers will be leading pre-designed and piloted opportunities for everyone to help care for this special place.

The Visitor Center component (about 4 hrs/day) typically includes helping staff the Visitor Center and assisting with visitor orientations. VIPs will be trained on the NPS register, and will process entrance fees and sell NPS passes. VIPs will also be trained on the WNPA register, and will conduct sales. VIPs coordinate information mailouts (Junior Ranger patches!), Flat Stanley requests, and assist with stocking brochures. These volunteers actively participate in special events as well (ex: American Indian Cultural Arts Festival, full moon tours, East Ruin tours, summer solstice archeoastronomy alignments, Lecture Series events). The Visitor Center is the hub of the whole park, and can be a busy place!

Other park projects may be available as well (about 1 hr/day), based on park needs/resources and the volunteer's interest/experience. Other project areas include: administration, natural resources, cultural resources, preservation, or facility management. This can be a great way to diversify your experience at Aztec Ruins.

Housing: For this position, the volunteer must have a trailer or RV. Two RV spaces are available, and they are quite close together but with great views of the neraby archeologic site.  Computer access will not be available onsite through NPS computers and no WiFi is present within the park. Cell coverage is good, and multiple WiFi areas are present within a 5 minute drive. Basic weather information and links to additional weather and area information are found at: http://www.nps.gov/azru/planyourvisit/things2know.htm

References: Two references are requested with your application.

Echo the footsteps of ancestral Pueblo people - invest a part of your journey here at Aztec Ruins! 

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Type: Trailer/RV Pads
Description: The volunteer will bring their own RV or trailer. Electric/sewer/trash provided onsite. Cell reception is good. WiFi and laundry facilities are not available onsite but they are available nearby in Aztec.

Volunteer Activities
• Botany
• Conservation Education
• Other
• Soil/Watershed
• Timber/Fire Prevention
• Tour Guide/Interpretation
• Visitor Information
• Natural Resources Planning
• Fish/Wildlife
• Science
• General Assistance
• Weed/Invasive Species Control

Photo Courtesy of NPS

Aztec Ruins National Monument is the keeper of a remarkable community of ancestral Pueblo ruins, and a range of ecosystems, habitats and species as well! 

The Natural Resource park ranger would appreciate educated and/or interested volunteers to care for the Heritage Garden during the summer. This garden is planted in a separate plots by groups of volunteers in April-July (one plot every 2-3 weeks) and is cared for by a dedicated Heritage Garden volunteer. 

The Heritage Garden volunteer is a 32 hr/week position which qualifies for the use of a park RV space.  Volunteer hat/shirts/jacket will be provided. Major position duties will include watering the garden, weed identification (letting wild edibles grow) and weeding, assistance with harvesting the produce, and clearing the garden space for preparation for next year's garden. This volunteer leads Heritage Garden tours and/or demonstrations twice weekly during the growing season, and interpretive program training will be provided. This volunteer will also work with the volunteer coordinator and other teams to host twice weekly "voluntourism" opportunities for park visitors to help water/weed/learn about ancestral Pueblo garden plants. During the heat of the day, other projects or Visitor Center assistance time are a part of this position's duties.  

Additional opportunities for a variety of park science projects will exist to enliven the experience at Aztec Ruins! Although the main purpose for this position is the Heritage Garde, fun opportunities also exist for riparian management, park bioblitzes, invasive species, game monitoring, birdwatching/documentation, and more.

Also, all park volunteers assist with special events at Aztec Ruins, including solstice events, summer lecture series, American Indian Cultural Arts Festival, full moon tours, etc., so there will be lots of opportunities for a range of activities. 

*Note: this position also works well as a split position - example: "Half Heritage Garden, Half Volunteer Visitor Guide". If you're interested in a split, feel free to let us know in your application.

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Type: Trailer/RV Pads
Description: An RV space is available for this 32 hrs/week position. Water/sewer/trash/electric are supplied. WiFi is not provided, but cell service is good. Laundromats are available in the town of Aztec, as is a public library, grocery store, Urgent Care, etc. A reasonable number of pets are welcome as long as they stay on a leash whenever they are outside of your RV. Please note that the two RV spaces are very close together, because they are adjacent to unexcavated ruins areas.

Volunteer Activities
• Archaeology
• Other
• Tour Guide/Interpretation
• Visitor Information
• General Assistance

Photo Courtesy of NPS

Make Your Volunteer Experience Memorable for Yourself and for the Visiting Public!

WE NEED YOUR HELP! Especially from January 2019 to September 2019.

USE YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE TO HELP VISITORS DISCOVER GILA CLIFF DWELLINGS NATIONAL MONUMENT AS AN INTERPRETIVE VOLUNTEER

Limited dorm rooms in a shared house are available as well as RV spots with full utilities.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The park is seeking interpretive volunteers throughout the year.

Have you ever wanted to find out what it's like to be a park ranger? Are you seeking to learn and expand your skills as an interpreter? Then Gila Cliff Dwellings may be the volunteer place for you!

• Volunteers seeking or having experience presenting interpretive communications for the cliff dwellings are welcome!
• Volunteers also provide informal interpretation related to surrounding cultural and natural resources.
• Volunteers staff the Gila Visitor Center providing regional orientation and information to visitors. Working at the visitor center includes selling items through the Western National Parks Association store and operating a computerized cash register.
• Training is provided.

NO campground host opportunities exist at Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument.

Volunteers are asked to make a 3 month/32 hour a week minimum commitment. Longer stays are possible if both parties find it beneficial to extend the term of service. Shorter terms may also be available depending on your background and experience!

LOCATION AND LOGISTICS:

The National Monument is located in a remote area within the beautiful mountains of the Gila National Forest and Gila Wilderness Area of southwestern New Mexico.  Enjoy amazing scenery and outstanding local recreational opportunities including hiking, biking, photography, wilderness hot springs, wildlife observation, and much more.

A limited number of dorm rooms for singles are usually available and there are many RV sites with hookups provided.

Volunteers live and work at an altitude of about 5800 feet (1780m). Since the park is open year-round and much of the job is outdoors, volunteers will be working in a wide range of weather conditions and temperatures. Staffing the cliff dwellings requires standing for extended periods of time. It also means  hiking an unpaved one-mile loop trail that is steep and strenuous several times a day fairly quickly. The 185-foot elevation gain (and loss) traveling to the dwellings is the equivalent of climbing 18 flights of stairs. All volunteers must be able to walk the trail fairly quickly, sometimes more than once each day.

Cell phones do not work within the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument area. A land-line phone at the visitor center lets people reach you in an emergency. Free (limited) WiFi and laundry is available in the housing area. Nearby RV park has access to hot spring soaking, WiFi, and pull-through spaces for volunteers.

NOTE: Please include three references (with phone numbers) in section 19 of the application. If you apply online, you can enter information into section 19 by using the final entry block at the end of step 4 of the application.  Couples must complete applications for EACH person.

Due to the remoteness, reliable personal transportation and a valid driver’s license are required.

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Type: Trailer/RV Pads
Description: Housing may be available including RV pads with full hookups; or private dorm rooms with shared kitchen, living room and bath facilities, Wi-fi, and laundry. A small trailer may be available for volunteers with a pet.

Volunteer Activities
• Campground Host
• Trail/Campground Maintenance
• Visitor Information

Photo Courtesy of FS

Oasis in the desert! Sitting Bull Falls is a hidden gem; a 150 foot waterfall tucked into a rugged desert canyon. Visitors often can’t believe that a place like this exists in the high desert of eastern New Mexico. Does this sound like the kind of place you’d like to visit? What about the kind of place you’d like to live? Do you enjoy solitude, hiking, wildlife, geology, caving, clear skies and beautiful starlit nights? What about meeting new people, and helping to ensure that they enjoy their time in a beautiful place? If so, this may be the place you are looking for.

The Guadalupe Ranger District of the Lincoln National Forest is seeking hosts for the Sitting Bull Falls Recreation Area. Sitting Bull Falls is a day use area, open from 8:30am to 6:00pm. This small but stunning desert riparian area offers visitors an opportunity for a beautiful, relaxing retreat. Climate is generally dry, with low humidity. Winters are cool but sunny, summers are hot, with occasional monsoon rainfall. The site has eight shaded pavilions, barbecue grills, flush toilets, drinking water, accessible concrete trails and a viewing deck, hiking trails, cool, shady pools both above and below the falls, and paved road access.

Host duties will include greeting visitors, answering questions, daily cleaning of site and restrooms, and maintenance including mowing and trimming vegetation. The schedule is five days on, two days off. The Forest will provide full RV hookups, a shade pavilion, and internet and phone service. Pets may be permitted.

The ideal hosts will be self-motivated, professional, customer service oriented, positive attitude, and team players who enjoy interacting with people and helping the U.S. Forest Service to manage this special place.

Sitting Bull Falls is located 43 miles west of Carlsbad, New Mexico. The area has diverse recreational opportunities, including hiking, boating, caving, swimming, fishing, and enjoying both Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountains National Parks. The best part is that, as a day use area, the hosts will have the natural beauty of the falls all to themselves after hours.

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Type: Trailer/RV Pads
Description: Full RV hookups available

Volunteer Activities
• Conservation Education
• Tour Guide/Interpretation
• Visitor Information
• General Assistance

Photo Courtesy of NPS

El Morro National Monument is looking for friendly, motivated people to assist our visitor services program.

The Volunteer position(s) runs from mid-January 2019 to April 1, 2019. Beginning and ending dates are somewhat flexible. Note: one or more Volunteer positions may be filled from this announcement.

DUTIES: Our volunteers aid seasonal and permanent staff with a variety of duties. These include: staffing the visitor center, opening and closing facilities, roving the trails, assisting park visitors, and helping with special projects. Physical requirements include the ability to hike a 2 mile, moderately strenuous park trail that climbs 250 feet and crosses uneven terrain.

Special projects may include, but are not limited to, rockfall and inscription monitoring, campground patrols, assistance with interpretive displays and publications, library tasks, and invasive species control. We are also very supportive of volunteers creating special projects based on their interests and skills.

SKILLS: Customer service experience, cash handling experience, ability to hike trails of uneven terrain including moderately steep switchbacks, and the desire to learn about El Morro.

ORIENTATION: Volunteers new to the area will have work time to explore nearby parks and attractions, as well as quiet time in the library to become familiar with the natural and cultural history of the national monument.

HOUSING: Furnished housing is available on site. 

LOCATION: El Morro is located in a rural area and is considered a remote duty station. The town of Grants, NM (population 10,000) is located approximately 50 miles east of the monument on Highway 53. Due to the distance to super markets, gas stations, and other services, a personal vehicle is required. Cell phone reception and computer access can be somewhat limited. 

DESCRIPTION OF EL MORRO NATIONAL MONUMENT: All other rocks in America do not together hold so much history as do those of El Morro National Monument. Rising 200 feet above the valley floor, this massive sandstone bluff was a welcome landmark for weary travelers. A reliable waterhole hidden at its base made El Morro (or Inscription Rock) a popular campsite. Beginning in the late 1500s, Spanish explorers and soldiers, followed by American surveyors, immigrants and soldiers, passed by El Morro. While they rested in its shade and drank from the pool, many inscribed their signatures, dates and messages. Ancestral Puebloans, living in an 800-room pueblo on top of the bluff over 700 years ago, began this trend by carving hundreds of petroglyphs. El Morro was proclaimed the second National Monument in the National Park system on December 8, 1906. The vast continuum of human history inscribed upon the rock and preserved in the ancient ruins makes El Morro National Monument a handbook of cultural history of the Southwest. The majestic bluff, shady pool, high desert forest (7200 ft.), and sweeping vistas make this a natural wonder as well.

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Type: Other
Description: Furnished housing is available on site. Housing may be an efficiency apartment (suitable for 1 person) or shared housing in a bunkhouse. The bunkhouse is a 3-bedroom house. The volunteer has their own bedroom, but the kitchen, dining room, and living room is shared (0 to 2 other housemates possible).

Tasks/Responsibilities:

• Promote Valles Caldera National Preserve by providing the basic natural, cultural, and geologic history of VALL to visitors and up to date information on preserve activities.
• Promote responsible and safe recreation in the outdoors.
• Assist visitors with hiking recommendations, fly fishing ties and tips, and mountain bike safety if needed.
• Promote the protection and preservation of the natural and cultural resources at VALL by ensuring visitors are aware of and abiding by park rules and regulations.
• Ensure you are equipped with a radio and inform law enforcement officials if visitors are not abiding by park rules and regulations or if there is an emergency situation.
• Provide water, sunscreen, doggy bags, or band aids to visitors in need (these items will be provided).
• Report back to staff how many visitor contacts are made during a shift, the day of the week and times, and which trails or streams see more visitor use.
• Must wear approved volunteer uniform that is kept clean and professional.
  • We will provide you with polo shirts (long &/or short sleeve) and a ball cap or field hat (optional unless working outside). Men’s and women’s options available. 
  • Jackets/coats also available. Patches that can be attached to own personal jacket/coat/sweater are available; however the personal item must be brown or black in color.
  • You must provide your own pants. Pants should be suitable for being in the outdoors.
  • Shoes should be comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots and should be closed-toed (no sandals). 
• Complete initial training.
• Turn in volunteer hours to park staff supervisor by the 5th of each month.
• Must adhere to all park policies.

Required Knowledge/Skills: Communication skills and basic knowledge of the preserve.

Training: New volunteer orientation training with a staff member will be provided including radio training. Some self-guided training may be required to familiarize yourself more with VALL and its resources. Reading materials will be provided. For the most part, this training can be done at your own pace at home and the hours can be counted toward your volunteer hours.

Physical Demands: Hiking or walking will be involved, possibly driving on rough road; distances, terrain, and weather may vary.

Time Commitment: 2-4 hours at least, 8 hours the most in a day, several days in the summer is ideal. Site stewards are welcome to choose their own schedule.

Benefits: Make a difference at Valles Caldera in resource protection by ensuring visitors know all rules and regulations. Opportunity to volunteer outdoors in a National Park Setting and interact with a diverse group of visitors.

Use of Personal or Government Equipment/Vehicles: The volunteer will be required to use a government vehicle if one is available. If not, the volunteer will be authorized to use their own personal vehicle. If the volunteer decides to use their own personal equipment, such as binoculars, cameras, backpacks, etc., the National Park Service and Valles Caldera National Preserve will not be liable for any lost, damaged, or stolen items.

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Not Available

Volunteer Activities
• Campground Host

Photo Courtesy of FS

E.V. Long Campground is a great little campground in Gallinas Canyon. It is semi-primitive and in need of a great host or host couple for summer 2018!  

Campground host duties include greeting and providing information to visitors/campers, cleaning restrooms and fire rings, making rounds through the campground in the morning and evening, cleaning up trash, and representing the Forest Service as stellar volunteers!

E.V. Long includes:  3 vaulted toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, and a total of 14 camping units, It's a beautiful little campground in the mountains!

The host RV site is suitable for campers up to 30 ft. long.  Amenities include electric, propane, sewer at the host site and water spigot in the campground.  A portable water tank will also be provided.  The host site now has a landline! 

This campground is approximately 40 minutes up the canyon from Las Vegas, New Mexico.  Host reimbursement for allowed expenses is $50/week, with Mondays and Tuesdays designated as days off. Cell service is not available.  

Dates are flexible.

Please contact Jennifer Sublett if you'd like to enjoy your summer as a campground host in the mountains!  

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Type: Trailer/RV Pads

Volunteer Activities
• Campground Host

Photo Courtesy of FS

Holy Ghost Campground is in need of a great host or host couple for summer 2018!  Plus, the wildflowers are amazing through the Holy Ghost Canyon!

The duties include greeting and providing information to visitors and campers, cleaning restrooms and fire rings, making rounds through the campground in the morning and evening, cleaning up trash, representing the Forest Service as stellar volunteers!

Holy Ghost Campground includes 3 vaulted toilets, picnic tables, fire rings/grills, and a total of 24 camping units and one group site.

The host RV site is suitable for campers up to 30 ft. long.  Amenities include water (portable water container provided), propane (reimbursed for your propane tank fuel), and sewer.  The campground host at this campground will need to be self-contained for electricity and cell service is not available in the canyon.  

This campground is approximately 20 minutes up the Pecos Canyon; the nearest town is Pecos, NM.  Host reimbursement is $50/week with Mondays and Tuesdays designated as days off.  

Dates are flexible.

Please contact Jennifer Sublett if you'd like to enjoy your summer as a campground host in the beautiful Pecos Canyon!  

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Type: Trailer/RV Pads
Description: (see Opportunity description)

Volunteer position description: Interpretive Park Ranger volunteers are responsible for providing informal interpretive visitor contacts and  programs at the El Malpais Visitor Center in Grants, NM. Duties may include, but are not limited to, staffing a visitor center desk, answering informal visitor questions, issuing cave permits, roving trails and roadways, photography for park publications, and if interested, assist with astronomy and bat outflight formal programs.

The goal of this position is to provide additional staff to assist with visitor services operations at El Malpais National Monument. A creative, self-motivated individual who is interested in volunteering with and learning about the NPS is encouraged to apply.

Skills preferred: Volunteer must be comfortable working with the general public to provide excellent customer service. An interest in El Malpais National Monument, learning about interpretation in the NPS, and a willingness to be coached with feedback is a must. Volunteer must be comfortable with public speaking in a variety of settings with a diverse audience of all ages. This position requires a professional and friendly demeanor that is excited to represent the NPS.

Prior to entering on duty, applicants must submit and pass an agency background check.

Working Conditions: This position requires standing, walking, for extended amounts of time in both indoors and outdoors settings. VIPs will work in a variety of weather conditions that may include wind, rain, thunderstorms, bright sun, and snow. Volunteer may need to lift/move a load of 30 pounds. This is a uniformed position which will be provided. Working on weekends and holidays may occur.

Number of volunteers needed: 1-2

Time Commitment: Residential VIPs (living in park housing) must commit to 32 hours per week.  Ability to commit to at least 3 months of volunteering is preferred.

Housing: Free, shared, co-ed park housing is available for volunteers working 32 hours per week. Housing is located in Grants, NM. Pets are not allowed.

Stipend: There is no stipend for this position.

Description of El Malpais National Monument: Located in beautiful Northwestern New Mexico, El Malpais, Spanish for “the badlands” is a land shaped by ancient lava flows. Under the extensive lava are over 400 lava tube caves, some of which are open to the public with a free cave permit. The unique geology has created fascinated habitats for diverse plants and wildlife to call home. Humans have called this area home for thousands of years, including past and current American Indian cultures, Spanish explores in the 1600’s, homesteaders, and today’s NPS visitors. A land of extremes at over 6,000 feet elevation, the high desert landscape at El Malpais will have sunny hot summers, and cold winters with snow.

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Type: Bunk House
Description: Shared housing is available for single volunteers in the town of Grants, NM. Pets are not allowed. Each volunteer has his or her own bedroom, but share a bathroom, kitchen, and common areas. Housing is co-ed.

Volunteer Activities
• Construction/Maintenance
• Visitor Information
• General Assistance
• Weed/Invasive Species Control

Photo Courtesy of NPS

MAKE YOUR VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE MEMORABLE WHILE HELPING GILA CLIFF DWELLINGS!

 Positions are open year-round. The park is particularly looking for help between January 2019 and September 2019.

There are NO campground host positions at Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument.

 WHAT WILL YOU DO?

Applicants should possess professional experience and skills in areas such as: basic carpentry, tilework, roofing, plumbing, carpet cleaning, housing repairs and rehab, interior and exterior painting. experience and skills in general maintenance practices including janitorial, basic repairs, and trash collection. Other work will include basic janitorial and maintenance, but this is secondary to the professional level work.

The volunteer carries out professional maintenance/construction/repair duties and works on other projects as needed. The filling of this position is based on the current needs of the park. The jobs performed may vary widely depending on the park's needs, but bathroom cleaning and general maintenance are guaranteed regular tasks.

Other duties may include work such as: exterior and interior painting; electrical, plumbing, carpentry, and other repair or replacement; gutter cleaning, repair, and installation; trail improvement, landscape and gardening work; housing repairs and cleaning, appliance repair and replacement, and other similar duties depending on the park's need at the time.

LOCATION AND LOGISTICS:

The National Monument is located in a remote area within the beautiful mountains of the Gila National Forest and Gila Wilderness Area of southwestern New Mexico.  Enjoy amazing scenery and outstanding local recreational opportunities including hiking, biking, kayaking, wilderness hot springs, wildlife observation, and much more.

A limited number of dorm rooms for singles are usually available. Prospective volunteers with RVs are encouraged to apply since there are ample RV sites available.

Volunteers will be living and working at an altitude of about 5700 feet (1737m). Since the park is open year-round and much of the work is outdoors, volunteers will be working in a wide range of weather conditions and temperatures. Working at the cliff dwellings may require standing for extended periods of time and hiking an unpaved one-mile loop trail that some may consider steep and strenuous. Other work may require lifting over 40 pounds, working indoors and outdoors, climbing ladders, and using hand and power tools.

Cell phones do not work within the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument area. There is a land-line in the dorm. Free WiFi is available in the housing area. The RV park sites have free utilities, WiFi, quiet, and easy access to hot spring soaking. Staying at the RV park entails a 10-mile round trip drive to the work site in your private vehicle.

NOTE: Please include three references (with phone numbers) in section 19 of the application. If you apply online, you can enter information into section 19 by using the final entry block at the end of step 4 of the application.  Couples must complete applications for EACH person.

Due to the remoteness, reliable personal transportation and a valid driver’s license are required.

HOUSING & AMENITIES
Type: Trailer/RV Pads
Description: Housing may be available including RV pads with full hookups, or private dorm rooms with shared kitchen, living room and bath facilities, Wi-fi, and laundry.