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.
May
4
Lake Pleasant Monday Clean-Up Crew
Lake Pleasant is creating a Monday clean-up crew. If you are available on any Monday, please join us as we pick up litter along the shoreline.
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May
4
America 250 Sunset and Saguaros: Hiking the American Desert (Registration Required, Limit 25)
Join Ranger Jacque for a special sunset hike to celebrate our nation's 250th anniversary year while exploring the iconic saguaros that have stood as sentinels over the American desert since before our country's founding. Click program title for more details.
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May
5
America 250 Scales of the Southwest – A Live Reptile Demo
Join Ranger Jacque for a special America250 live reptile demonstration! Meet the scaly residents that have called the American Southwest home since long before our nation's founding.
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May
5
America 250 Iconic Saguaro: A Symbol of the Southwest
Celebrate America's 250th anniversary year with Ranger Jacque by discovering the fascinating world of the iconic saguaro cactus—a living symbol of the American Southwest that has stood as a silent witness to our nation's history for centuries.
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May
7
America 250: Southwest Bird Walk (Registration Required, Limit 10 Participants)
Learn about the diversity of birds of the American Southwest this guided walk with Ranger Eric. Click on program title for more details.
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May
7
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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May
7
America 250: Southwest Reptile Hike (Registration Required, Limit 20 Participants)
Learn about reptiles and amphibians of the American Southwest on this guided hike with Ranger Eric. Click on program title for more details.
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May
7
Creatures of the Night Hike (Registration Required, Limit 12 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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May
8
White Tank - Native Seed Harvest
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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