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
24
Saguaros at Sunrise (Registration Required, Limit 25 Participants)
Join Ranger Derik on a hike through the park and learn about the many succulent species that call the Sonoran Desert home. Click program title for more details.
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May
24
Discovery Table: Desert Critters
Stop by the nature center after your morning hikes and learn about the many
insects and arachnids found in the park! Click program title for more details.
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May
24
Creatures of the Night Hike (Registration Required, Limit 30 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
25
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
27
Morning Meander
Enjoy an early morning walk to watch for birds, lizards, snakes, and small animals with Ranger Olivia. Click on program title for more details.
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May
27
Discovery Station: Saguaros in Bloom
Join Ranger Olivia to learn about the beautiful saguaro blooms that are happening right now all around us! Click on program title for more details.
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May
28
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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May
28
Intro to Desert Hiking
Stop by the nature center and learn about how to safely hike in the desert heat with Ranger Derik.
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May
28
Stars and Saguaros (Registration Required, Limit 25 Participants)
Join Ranger Derik on a hike through the park as the sun goes down and the stars come out.
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