Campground Host

Spend a season enjoying the solitude and beauty of the Chihuahuan Desert! Apply today to be a site host at Aguirre Springs Campground in the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument!

The BLM Las Cruces District Office is looking for volunteer Site Hosts for the Aguirre Springs Campground for the 2024 summer/fall season. Located a half-hour drive from the city of Las Cruces on the east side of the Organ Mountains, Aguirre Springs is a popular weekend destination for recreationists in southern New Mexico and west Texas. The campground is nestled beneath the towering 8,000 ft. high spires of the Organ Mountains with dramatic views of White Sands National Park and the Tularosa Basin to the east. A network of strenuous hiking trails leads from the campground through dense hills of sotol, juniper, and oak to the upper reaches of the Organ Mountains, where there are perennial springs and pine groves.

The campground has 55 camping and picnic sites that are available on a first-come, first serve basis and two group sites that are available by reservation. There is no water, electricity, or hook-ups available at the campground. There is water available for the public at the campground host site, located on the entrance road 4 miles before the campground. There is a $5 day-use fee for visitors hiking in the area.

The Aguirre Campground site host is a 6-month position, with opportunity to volunteer up to a year on the Las Cruces District. The primary duties of site hosts are to assist with fee compliance, monitor the campground and recreation facilities, open and close entrance gates, and perform light cleaning duties. If interested, hosts may also assist with other duties such as educational programs or maintenance. Hosts are expected to perform all duties while presenting a professional and polite image to the public and other BLM staff.

Site hosts will work up to 6 days per week (including weekends) and be supervised by a BLM park ranger. Because of the remote nature of the site, BLM employees may not be available every day to assist. Hosts should be able to work independently and adapt to new situations. There will be a government vehicle available for official duties exclusive to the site host volunteers.

Volunteers will be reimbursed $27 per day for the primary host, and $12 for the secondary. Reimbursements are paid out once a month, but there can be extended delays subject to the workload of employees processing payments. Reimbursements are not stipends, salaries or wages. Site hosts will need to complete a defensive driving training course paid for by the BLM. Background checks are required.

Volunteers will live 4 miles east of the campground at the host site. The host site has a fenced-in yard that includes: a 30/50-amp RV electrical system, large and shaded pad for RV, water, sewage, washer, dryer, refrigerator, and freezer. Pets are welcome with prior approval.

Grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and other amenities are located 30 minutes west in Las Cruces, or 45 minutes east in Alamogordo. Expect hot summers with average temperatures in the high 90s and occasional thunderstorms. In the spring, high winds of 60 mph or above are common. Winter temperatures range from lows in the 30s to highs in the 60s. Rattlesnakes are common in the area.

We are looking to fill a position for the following dates: April 2024 thru October 2024. Couples encouraged to apply.