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.
Nov
2
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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Nov
2
Fitness Hike
***Cancelled due to safety risks associated with flooding, including poor road and trail conditions.***
Kick off the 100 Miles in 100 Days Challenge strong with Ranger Jacque on this scenic trek along the Agua Fria River! Registration required. Click program title for more details.
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Nov
4
Creatures of the Night Walk - Registration Required, Limit 12 Participants
Join Rangers Eric and Jacque for an after-hours prowl of the Preserve trails to look for nocturnal animals and scorpions! Click on program title for more details.
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Nov
5
Running Event at MMRP 11.5.26
McDowell Mountain will be hosting a running event on November 5th – 7th. The Competitive Track and 4 Peaks Trailhead will be closed to the general public for this event.
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Nov
5
Guided Bird Hike - Registration Required, Limit 10 Participants
Learn about birds of the Sonoran Desert on this guided hike with Ranger Eric. Click on program title for more details!
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Nov
5
McDowell - Seed Toss Event
It is time to toss our seed pellets! Join us!
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Nov
5
Bird Meet-Up
Join us to observe and identify various birds at our bird feeders.
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Nov
5
Discovery Arizona Homeschool Day
Homeschool families – Join us for a hands-on learning adventure that focuses on super cool (and super-hot!) Arizona basics led by Rangers Olivia, Shaun and Derik in ongoing 35-minute workshop sessions throughout the morning. Explore how geology, the ingenuity and creativity of prehistoric peoples, and the resilience of our desert wildlife make our state a uniquely amAZing place. Click program title for more details.
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Nov
5
Butterfly Walk at the Pollinator Garden - Registration Required, Limit 10 Participants
Learn about butterflies, other pollinators, and native plants on this easy stroll with Ranger Eric. Click on program title for more details.
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Nov
5
Discovery Station
Discovery Station: 100 Miles in 100 Days Challenge - Looking for a challenge? Look no further. Ranger Kevin has all the details about the annual hiking, running, biking and horseback riding challenge presented by Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department. Click program title for more details.
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