Volunteer Camp Host

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The Mountainair Ranger District of the Cibola National Forest in central New Mexico is looking for volunteer camp hosts for some of our developed and dispersed campgrounds!

We are looking for an individual or a couple to live at and work in our beautiful campgrounds. The position is available typically from late April through October. The dates are flexible due to weather conditions in spring and fall. The work schedule is typically Thursday through Monday as most people recreate and visit public lands on the weekend. Two days off in the middle of the week can be spent relaxing in the campground or spent exploring the amazing landscapes in and around the forest. General tasks include posting reservations, cleaning and maintaining campsites and facilities, ensuring safety and compliance of regulations and acting as a liaison between the public and the US Forest Service. These positions are reimbursed volunteer positions and are not to be considered employment with the US Forest Service or US Government.

Host(s) will be covering:

• Red Cloud Campground
• 4th of July Campground
• Red Canyon Campground
• Other sites as listed below

Duties:

Volunteer Camp Host duties include but are not limited to:

• Campground Patrols and Maintenance: Clean up camp sites, shovel out fire pits, ensure safety at each site,
• Facilities Maintenance: Clean, sweep, mops, sanitize restrooms and as well as other light facility maintenance
• Campsite Reservations: Post current reservations, ensure reservations are up to date and correct, ensure site and fee compliance
• Campground Compliance: Ensure regulations are followed--fees, parking, fires, etc--and report to Forest Service personnel
• Forest Service Liaison: Work with Forest Service personnel to ensure public safety, campground maintenance, compliance and resources needs are managed

Qualifications

Volunteer Camp Candidates should have:

• US Drivers License
• Social Security Number
• Bank account for online reimbursement payment transfers
• On-site Accommodations: RV, Trailer, Tent, etc.
• Some form of vehicle, (4x4 or high clearance recommended especially for the 4th of July area)
• Available Late April to October
• Interpersonal communication skills
• Love of the outdoors and public lands

Skills:

• Drivers License
• General Assistance
• Map Reading
• Visitor Information
• Working with People

Work environment:

Volunteer Campground hosts live and work in our campgrounds. Our campgrounds range in elevation from 7500 feet above sea level to just under 10,000 feet above sea level. All the campgrounds are situated in flat areas with heavy to moderate tree cover except for Capilla which is largely exposed mountaintop. Temperatures vary widely from below freezing (spring and fall) and have highs around the mid-80s to low 90s (Fahrenheit). Weather can also vary and change rapidly in mountain settings and range from sunny, to snow, hail, wind, and heavy rains, however for the most part the weather is fairly sunny and calm. Each campground is unique in its setting and environment and layout. Our campgrounds in this area have anywhere from 11 to 22 individual sites.

Housing:

Forest Service will be provided an RV site. The applicant must have their own vehicle and accommodations. This will be either at Red Canyon, Red Cloud or 4th of July.

Electricity & Propane:

No electric or propane available. Vaults at camp host site for sewer (may not be the site with most shade).

Water:

No water on-site. Closest water to Red Canyon or 4th of July can be found at the town of Mountainair, Mountainair Ranger Station. Closest water to Red Cloud will be at the Town of Corona, NM.

Camp Host will receive fee-free RV camping as well as reimbursements for items like propane or heating and cooling fuel at a fixed daily rate. Possible field per diem may apply. The U.S. Forest Service New Mexico Enchantment Pass, which provides fee-free day use in New Mexico's National Forests, is provided to the Camp Host after their first 24 hours of service.

Start Date - 2025-05-01

End Date - 2025-10-31