Volunteer
Job Description
FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a09SJ000006LpKD
ADDRESS: 1313 East Highway 160 Monte Vista, Colorado, 81144
DATES: 4/1/2025 – 10/31/2025
DEPT: Bureau of Land Management
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Zapata Falls Campground
Campground Host Position Description
The San Luis Valley Field Office, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is seeking a campground host at the Zapata Falls Campground for the summer of 2025. Campground hosts are on-site representatives of the Bureau of Land Management. This position begins in mid-April and continues through October. A season-long commitment is preferred (4-5 months).
Volunteers will receive an orientation to the area and training to fulfill all assigned duties, including:
- All hosts must have enthusiasm for working with the public and must provide a welcoming environment to campers in the campground.
- Being prominently located as a resource for campers; this includes providing accurate, concise information to the public and communicating the information in a professional manner. Hosts are expected to assist visitors who stop by the host campsite.
- Performing “rounds” in the campground at least twice a day (typically early morning and evening) by foot or by vehicle for the purpose of answering visitor questions, checking fee compliance, performing maintenance and educating visitors on area resources and regulations.
- Informing visitors of area regulations in a friendly manner.
- Assessing situations and reporting emergencies or major violations to Law Enforcement staff.
- Assisting visitors with campground fee payment procedures. This position does not collect fees.
- Delivery of emergency messages to visitors.
- Notifying Bureau of Land Management staff of campground maintenance needs or resource damage.
- Hosts are expected to perform maintenance duties such as cleaning restrooms and consolidating trash at the campground and day use areas.
- Volunteers are prohibited from carrying personal firearms while on duty.
- Marijuana (including medical) is not allowed on site.
Benefits to the host:
ü A complimentary campsite in the host’s assigned area, including water spigot, sewage dump, picnic table and firepit. Electrical hook-ups are not provided.
ü Meeting new people and becoming more familiar with the Sangre De Cristo Mountain area.
ü $38/day stipend paid monthly.
Location:
The San Luis Valley is one of the undiscovered jewels of Colorado. Situated roughly 4 hours south of Denver and 4 hours north of Albuquerque, NM, the valley’s 3 million-plus acres of public lands offer recreation for all ages and fitness levels. Located at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Zapata Falls Campground sits at 9,000 feet and offers 23 single sites and one group site in addition to the one campground host site. The campground offers sweeping views of the San Luis Valley and the nearby Great Sand Dunes National Park—plus spectacular sunrises, sunsets, and night skies. A half-mile hike leads from the campground to a 25’ waterfall named Zapata Falls, which gives the campground its name.
Shopping, medical facilities, and major amenities can be found 30 miles away in Alamosa, CO.