Volunteer Campsite Steward

FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a09SJ00000MATdZ

ADDRESS: 3005 East Camino del Bosque  Silver City, New Mexico, 88061

DATES: 4/1/2026 – 12/31/2026

DEPT: Forest Service

JOB DESCRIPTION:

DESCRIPTION

The Gila National Forest is seeking an independent caretaker for a remote campsite on the Quemado Ranger District. Head-of-the Ditch campground is a beloved campsite just a few miles east from the Arizona state line. At the site, caretakers will be responsible for light maintenance (e.g., grounds-keeping, cleanup, restocking of the facilities, painting, etc.); and working with FS recreation staff on restoration projects. Caretakers will be placed at a Forest Service work center in Luna, NM.

This opportunity will recruit until all sessions are filled, so apply today!

NUMBER OF OPENINGS

1-2, seasonally, March through November. Preferred commitment is minimum 2 months, and extension is possible. Maximum commitment is 6 months.

SPECIAL SKILLS

Must be self-reliant and willing to work independently after orientation. Preference given to those demonstrating strong ability to communicate with the public; general handyperson skills are advantageous.

FACILITIES

Site host need to provide their own accommodations (ie: camper, trailer, tent, etc.). Amenities include a 14’ x 22’ trailer pad which can accommodate RVs/trailers up to about 30’ in length and 10’ in height. Hookups are provided for well water (chlorinated and tested weekly by the Forest Service), standard RC/trailer electrical power (120VAC at 30 amps), septic system with a standard sewer line hook-up, and propane (Two 125-gallon tanks adjacent to the trailer pad). More detailed information will be provided to applicants selected for the project. Digital connection and phone service is limited due to area location.

NEAREST TOWNS

Luna, NM (housing site); Alpine, AZ (14 mi, 17 min); Reserve, NM (20 mi, 25 min)

DUTIES

Caretakers will be responsible for the maintenance of Head of the Ditch Campground. Regular maintenance, including facilities cleaning, restocking, trash collection/pickup, groundskeeping, and light carpentry, will be the bulk of duties. Caretakers will be responsible for greeting the public and answering questions, and reporting any larger maintenance needs to Forest staff.

QUALIFICATIONS

Must be self-reliant and willing to work independently after orientation; preference given to those with general handyperson skills and willing to communicate with the public.

SKILLS

Carpentry, Landscaping, Conservation Education, General Assistance, Visitor Information, Ability to work with others (volunteers, FS staff) and interact with the public

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This caretaker site is located 2 miles west of Luna, New Mexico and 6 miles east of the Arizona state line. Caretakers will be housed at Luna Work Center, a Forest Service facility located in the village of Luna. Luna sits at 7,000’ of elevation, making it a prime location to escape the summer heat.

Luna offers easy access to the Gila Wilderness to the east, the White Mountains of the Apache-Sitgreaves to the west, and the Blue Range Primitive Area to the south. Hiking, fishing, bicycling, backpacking, birdwatching, and hunting opportunities abound in this quiet, undiscovered corner of New Mexico.

There are no services in Luna itself, but the nearby full-service towns of Reserve and Alpine offer gas stations, locally-owned grocers, restaurants and breweries. Big-box stores can be found in Springerville AZ and Silver City NM beyond.

JOB HAZARDS

May include misuse of housekeeping products; slip, trip, and fall hazards; equipment use or maintenance; bee or insect stings.

**BACKGROUND CHECK REQUIRED

Tagged as: Volunteer