Fee Ranger

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is the largest of the last remaining intact wetlands of the historic floodplain of the Rio Grande. A small group of staff work hard to re-create the processes of the river and provide food and rest for thousands of overwintering birds in what is now a world-famous nature tourism destination. Each year the Friends of Bosque del Apache hosts a large festival (Festival of the Cranes) which draws about 6,000 visitors and spans multiple days. RV volunteers are critical to supporting staff at this busy station.

Bosque del Apache strives to maintain a Queer/LGBTQA+ and BIPOC-friendly space and work environment. Working and living at this station requires the ability to work with, take direction from, and live near people of all ages, backgrounds, and personality types. Positive outlooks and flexibility are key to success at this large and active station. We welcome RV volunteers of all backgrounds to apply!

We are seeking individuals and/or couples to serve as fee rangers for the October 22, 2023, through February 29, 2024, season. All applicants must be available for the entire season; single individuals are encouraged to apply. We will consider couples if we can find an appropriate position for your partner. RV pads are the only available housing.

The Fee Ranger Position requires that you work three days per week (eight hours per day) October 22, 2023, through February 29, 2024. Your lunch break will be one hour off duty near the midpoint of the day.

Selected individuals must be able to reach out a fee booth window to carry out transactions. The fee booth is furnished with office-style chairs so that you can rest between vehicles and read a book or work on your own laptop or other electronic device.

Must have basic math skills for handling transactions involving money. This is a great position for someone who enjoys working independently and takes pleasure in the quiet time in between the little rushes of visitors.

You may be required to have a federal background investigation completed for this position. If you had a favorably adjudicated federal background investigation completed, please indicate the year and agency on your application.

Please list at least two volunteer or professional work references on your application.

Important Information to Know:

We currently only have RV pads available for the season, all volunteers must have a self-contained RV. There are about 18 RV pads and a community building that includes laundry facilities, a kitchen, and a lounge.  Due to the nature of our site, we require that all individuals using shared amenities be full-time RV volunteers (24 hours/week).

The nearest city is Socorro (30 minutes drive). The station is considered connected but cell service and internet are weak and fluctuate frequently, with a number of power outages and periods of limited cell coverage. Working and living here offers a feeling of moderate separation from the bustle of the world without being entirely disconnected.