Community Volunteer Positions
Community Volunteers are an integral component of our operations. These individuals live at their own residence in the Phoenix metro area (year-round or seasonal) and are seeking a regular, reoccurring role within the Park system. Community Volunteers can work at one park or choose to assist at different parks. Community volunteer positions are generally on a set schedule with regular duties. This commitment will be agreed on as part of the application and placement process.
To learn more about community volunteer opportunities with our system, we invite you to contact the Volunteer Coordinator to schedule a telephonic volunteer orientation; parkvolunteer@maricopa.gov or (602) 506-9500.
Park Hosting Positions
Unlike community volunteers that live in the areas surrounding a park, Park Hosts reside in their own RV within the park. In exchange for a designated RV host site, the host couple agrees to work a minimum of 40-hours per week. Single hosts agree to work 30-hours per week. Each host site is provided with free utilities (water, sewer, electricity) and laundry facilities are available in most or our parks. Please note, Park Host couples will be required to have an individual email address for each person that serves as a volunteer.
Host positions are highly competitive and our preference will be given to applicants who meet the following service timeframes:
- Fall/Winter Season –Mid-October to the end of April.
- Summer/Off-season – Early March to late September/mid October.
- Year-Round – Park Host resides at the park and volunteers year-round.
To apply for a Park Host position, please submit your application: Volunteer Application Form
RETURNING PARK HOSTS – DO NOT SUBMIT A NEW APPLICATION. Please CLICK HERE for additional information.
FALL/WINTER PARK HOST OPPORTUNITIES:
The Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department has Park Host openings at the following parks for the upcoming fall/winter season:
- Estrella Mountain Regional Park,
- Desert Outdoor Center at Lake Pleasant
- Hassayampa River Preserve,
- San Tan Mountain Regional Park,
- Usery Mountain Regional Park,
- White Tank Mountain Regional Park
A five-month commitment is required from our Park Hosts, and all hosts are required to pass a criminal background check and driving history check. Park Hosts must complete a training program prior to starting their volunteer duties. Children under the age of 16 are not authorized to reside in the parks as part of the Park Host program. Volunteers must have their own RV or camper that is in good working order.
If you have any questions about the specific duties and requirements for our Park Hosts, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at parkvolunteer@maricopa.gov.
Jun
16
Scorpion Safari (Registration Required, Limit 15 Participants)
Join Ranger Shaun for an evening of adventure as we set off in search of
scorpions. Click program title for more details.
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Jun
18
Bird Walk
Join Ranger Nikki on an easy walk to look for and identify our desert feathered friends and their homes. Click program title for more details.
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Jun
18
Cave Creek - Native Seed Garden
It is time to harvest seeds! Join us for a celebration of native seeds!! As we strive to improve native biodiversity within the parks.
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Jun
18
Bird ID Basics - Indoor Presentation
Learn about ways to identify birds that you see in your backyard and along hiking trails with an indoor presentation from Ranger Nikki. Click program title for more details.
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Jun
18
America 250: Scales of the Southwest
Join Ranger Jacque for a special America 250 Lunch n' Learn! Explore the
complex history and symbolism of desert reptiles in the American story, from revolutionary flags to Hollywood legends. Click program title for more details.
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Jun
18
Discovery Station: Meet the Critters
Join Ranger Jacque to meet some of the animal ambassadors that reside at Estrella’s Nature Center! Click on program title for more details.
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Jun
18
Creatures of the Night Walk (Registration Required, Limit 20 Participants
Look for scorpions and other nocturnal wildlife with Rangers Kevin and Eric! Click on program title for more details.
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Jun
18
Creatures of the Night Hike (Registration Required, Limit 15 Participants)
Join Ranger Olivia on a night hike to search for all things creepy and crawly. Click program
title for more details.
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Jun
19
Saguaro Walk
Help commemorate America 250, the initiative to honor our Country’s 250th birthday, by taking an easy hike with Ranger Nikki to learn all about saguaro cactus, the iconic symbol of both our State and of the Southwest. Click program title for more details.
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