Interpretative Volunteer (March - May)

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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 perfect opportunity.

• 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.
• Training is provided.

Volunteers are asked to make a 32 hour a week minimum commitment, for March, April and May of 2022. There is flexibility in start and end dates. Longer stays are possible if both parties find it beneficial to extend the term of service.

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.

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, sometimes more than once each day.

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

Cell phones do not work here. 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 access to hot spring soaking.

NOTE : Please include three references (with phone numbers) Couples must complete applications for EACH person.

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

Start Date - 2022-03-01

End Date - 2022-05-31

Activities include: Archaeology;Back Country/Wilderness;Conservation Education;General Assistance;Tour Guide/Interpretation;Visitor Information

Difficulty_Level: Strenuous

Hosts Housing Amenities: Bunk House;RV/Trailer Pads