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.
Apr
14
Morning Fitness Hike (Registration Required, Limit 15 Participants)
Join Ranger Derik on a fast-paced hike through the desert and take in
sweeping views. Click program title for more details.
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Apr
14
Discovery Station: Pollinator Garden Tours
Come out and meet Ranger Kevin and receive a tour of our amazing pollinator garden. Be inspired by the possibilities that native plants present! Click program title for more details.
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Apr
14
Life Along the Gila Hike (Registration Required, Limit 12 Participants)
Join Ranger Kevin for an informative hike about the history and significance of this desert river. Click program title for more details
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Apr
16
Native Plant Hike (Registration Required, Limit 12 Participants)
**STRENUOUS** Join Ranger Kevin for a challenging and informative hike to meet a wide variety of native plants that call the Sonoran Desert home. Click program title for more details.
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Apr
16
Guided Bird Walk (Registration Required, Limit 10 Participants)
Learn about the resident and migrant birds of desert riparian areas on this guided walk with Ranger Eric. Click on program title for more details.
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Apr
16
Homeschool Happenings: It’s Homeschool DAY!
Homeschool families – Water, Earth and Sky adventures await you! Get on board an Arizona nature learning journey with Rangers Jacque, Nikki and Olivia in ongoing 30-minute workshop sessions throughout the morning. Get up close and personal with microscopic organisms, become familiar with some of our desert feathered friends and fine-tune your observation skills with a hands-on citizen science adventure. Click program title for more details.
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Apr
16
City Nature Challenge Practice Hike (Registration Required, Limit 20 Participants)
Learn about the April 24-27 City Nature Challenge and free smartphone apps that can help you identify plants, animals, and more, while helping contribute to science! Click on program title for more details.
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Apr
16
Evening Fitness Hike (Registration Required, Limit 20 Participants)
Get your legs moving as the sun sets and the stars come out as you take in sweeping views of the mountains with Ranger Derik! Click program title for more details.
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Apr
17
Cave Creek - Invasive Species Removal
Desert Defender volunteers needed! Join us in removing invasive species and reducing the wildfire risk in Maricopa County Regional Parks.
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