Volunteer
Job Description
FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a09SJ000000BVTV
ADDRESS:
1808 CR 7950
Nageezi, New Mexico, 87037
DATES: 3/1/2025 – 10/31/2025
DEPT: National Park Service
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Would you like to work in one of the most significant archaeological sites in New Mexico? How do desert sunsets, refreshing monsoon rains, and more stars than you can imagine sound?
If your interest is peaked, then you are in luck. Chaco Culture is looking for campground hosts for the 2025 season.
There are many benefits to working as a campground host in Chaco, a World Heritage site and an International Dark Sky Park:
- A complimentary campsite in the campground, including electric, water, and sewage hook-ups. (Please be advised that camp hosts will need to supply their own RV/trailer/etc.)
- Access to abundant back-country hiking opportunities.
- Within a day’s drive of numerous NPS sites and other recreational opportunities in the Four Corners Region.
- The opportunity to live and work in arguably the most important archaeological and cultural site in the United States.
- Within a day’s drive of restaurants that serve the iconic New Mexican cuisine.
Gallo Campground has 32 campsites: 27 tent/RV combination sites, 5 RV only sites (which can accommodate trailers/campers up to 35 feet), and 2 group sites. Throughout the season there will be many guided programs of archaeological sites, night sky programs, and special events which you can attend. These special events include special programs at the spring and fall equinoxes and the summer solstice.
Duties for camp hosts include:
- Greet and introduce yourself to our campers as they arrive, confirm their reservations, and inform them of Chaco’s camping rules, park and camp fees, and information about the park. Hosts are expected to assist visitors who stop by the host campsite.
- Maintain a clean and orderly campground: update each campsite post from/to reserved/available each day, remove ashes from fire rings, pick up trash throughout the campground as needed, and pull weeds. In addition, notify maintenance staff of any problems that may exist, such as toilet and sink issues.
- Ensure visitors comply with rules and notify park personnel of any violations and/or emergencies.
- Use a handheld radio to communicate with staff and other volunteers in a professional manner.
A minimum commitment of 2 months is required, and we are looking for hosts for the months of March through October.
Please note that Chaco Culture National Historical Park is in the high desert of New Mexico and is very isolated. Access to common amenities, such as grocery stores and hospitals, is limited. Volunteers will have to drive 75 miles one way to reach the closest stores. Weather during the season can include snow in March and April, high temperatures between June and September, and cool nights during September and October.
For additional questions regarding the position, please contact the current supervisor of the campground hosts, Sharon Hull at sharon_hull@nps.gov, or the volunteer coordinator, Kelli Housley at kelli_housley@nps.gov.