Volunteer
Job Description
FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a09t000000CC4EIAA1/three-rivers-petroglyph-campground-hosts
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ADDRESS: Las Cruces District Office
DEPT: Bureau of Land Management
DATES: 10/15/2021 – 5/15/2022
DESCRIPTION:
Are you interested in embarking on a new adventure by becoming a campground host? Consider hosting for the Bureau of Land Management, Las Cruces District Office, Three Rivers Petroglyph site! The Las Cruces District Office manages approximately 5.4 million acres of public lands in the southwestern New Mexico. Come and experience the beauty of the southwest and learn about the fascinating culture and archaeology of a unique site that is home to over 21,000 petroglyphs!
The Three Rivers Petroglyph Site is one of the few locations in the Southwest set aside solely because of its rock art. It is also one of the few sites giving visitors such direct access to petroglyphs. The number and concentration of petroglyphs here make it one of the largest and most interesting petroglyphs sites in the Southwest. More than 21,000 glyphs of birds, humans, animals, fish, insects and plants, as well as numerous geometric and abstract designs are scattered over 50 acres of New Mexico’s northern Chihuahuan Desert. The petroglyphs at Three Rivers, dating back to between about 900 and 1400 AD, were created by Jornada Mogollon people who used stone tools to remove the dark patina on the exterior of the rock. A small pueblo ruin is nearby and Sierra Blanca towers above to the east. A detailed petroglyph guide is available at the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site.
Three Rivers is a developed recreation site that has hiking, camping, and picnicking amenities. The site offers five shelter sites with picnic tables and cooking grills (one is handicap accessible); one group site that has three picnic tables under a shelter and two grills; two RV sites have covered picnic tables and grills and water and electric hookups. Five locations are also established for tent use, within defined boundaries. One of the tent locations is at the handicap accessible site. Restrooms and drinking water are available. Pets are allowed in the campground (on leash) but are not allowed on the trails.
The campground hosts will reside at the campground host site. They will be in 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. There is also extra storage space in the fenced-in area for use by BLM employees to store equipment and supplies. If a couple, one host will be reimbursed at $27 per day and the other host will be reimbursed at $12 per day. If only one individual, they will be reimbursed at $27 per day. Reimbursements are paid out once a month, but there can be extended delays subject to the workload/availability of employees processing it. Reimbursements are not stipends or salaries/wages.
Expect hot summers with temperatures usually in the high 90s and occasional thunderstorms during our monsoon season. Winters range from a low in the 30s to a high in the 60s. In the summer, you may encounter a rattlesnake within the developed site. We ask that you relocate or kill it in a humane manner.
Area Attractions: White Sands National Monument, Prehistoric Trackways National Monument, Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Monument, Lincoln National Forest, Trinity Site, Ruidoso, NM
DUTIES
The basic work week will be a minimum of 40 hours per week per Host depending on the work schedule. On workdays, Host couples are both expected to be present at their recreational site, unless previously discussed with their Supervisor. The days of the workweek may be adjusted as necessary to better meet the needs of the Hosts and the BLM.
The Hosts must reside at the recreation area, excluding days off and vacations. Prior approval for vacations is required from their Supervisor in order to ensure coverage for the recreation area.
The main duties will consist of the day-to-day management of the recreation area to ensure positive experience to visitors. Hosts will represent BLM in a professional manner; providing needed information or aid to the public; and ensuring their compliance with area rules and regulations. Hosts will not be expected to pursue fees from argumentative or belligerent visitors. No confrontation or hazardous work will be required.
The Hosts will staff and clean the visitor center; monitor fee deposits; conduct patrols of the campground and trails; clean and stock restrooms; pick up and remove trash; perform light maintenance work; and open and close the visitor center.
Hosts may perform other duties within the ability of the host. Hosts are required to communicate other duties assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
· Defensive Driving certification, BLM online training available
· Be able to work independently and adapt well to new situations. BLM employees will not be available every day to assist.
· Be professional and courteous with campground visitors.
· Wear a BLM volunteer shirt and badge.
· Fill out timesheets, reimbursement forms, data collection forms, and truck usage forms in a timely manner.
· Must be willing to learn about Three Rivers Petroglyph Site to provide accurate information to visitors.
· Keep the campground host site clean and tidy.
· Volunteer for at least 6 months with an opportunity to volunteer up to a year. If volunteering for a year, campground hosts will be able to return after 6 months.
The BLM is an Equal Employment Opportunity federal agency. Everyone is welcome to apply. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age (over 40), disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, and reprisal.
After you submit your application, you will receive a response within one or two weeks, and a decision in the next few months while we wait for more applicants. Thank you for your interest and patience! Hopefully, we get to work together in the future. Feel free to contact us with questions.