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.
Jul
25
Beginner's Bird Walk with Rich Fuhrmann Jr. (Registration Required, Limit 12 Participants)
Join park volunteer Rich Fuhrmann Jr. on a beginner's bird walk followed by an informational program in the Nature Center about the birds of White Tank Mountain Regional Park!
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Jul
25
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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Jul
25
Estrella - 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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Jul
25
Kayak to Castle Creek (Registration required. Limit 8 Participants)
Join Ranger Kevin for a leisurely morning paddle up Castle Creek. Click program title for more details.
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Jul
25
Discovery Station: Meet the Critters
Join Ranger Olivia to meet some of the animal ambassadors that reside at the White Tank Mountain Nature Center! Click on program title for more details.
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Jul
25
Venomous Creatures with Ranger Eric
Stop by the library to see some live snakes, scorpions, and spiders up close as we learn about venomous critters of the Sonoran Desert with Ranger Eric. Click on program title for more details!
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Jul
25
Magnificent Mammals (Registration Required, Limit 20 Participants)
Join Ranger Olivia to learn about the magnificent mammals that live here in Arizona in this classroom presentation. Click program title for more details.
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Jul
25
Scorpion Safari (Registration Required, Limit 30 participants)1
Join Ranger Nikki on an easy 2-mile stroll to search for scorpions and other nocturnal critters. Click program title for more details.
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Jul
26
Discovery Station: Water Safety
Stop by the Discovery Center and learn how to stay safe out on the water this summer with Ranger Derik. Click program title for more details.
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Jul
26
Scorpion Safari (Registration Required, Limit 25 Participants)
Join Ranger Derik on a summit hike to overlook the lake and take in the stars!
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