Volunteer
Job Description
FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a093d000000WBCoAAO/catwalk-recreation-area-interpretive-hosts
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ADDRESS: Gila National Forest; 18 Ranger Station Drive; Glenwood, New Mexico
DEPT: Forest Service
DATES: 5/23/2022 – 10/1/2022
DESCRIPTION:
The Gila National Forest is looking for interpretive site hosts at the famous Catwalk National Recreation Area.
Gila National Forest is comprised of 3.3 million acres of forested hills, majestic mountains, and wide-open spaces. It is best known for its wilderness areas, including the Gila Wilderness – the world’s first designated Wilderness. The Gila National Forest is also renowned for its night skies, opportunities for solitude, and ample recreational opportunities year-round.
Site hosts are the public face of the Forest Service and represent the agency. Host positions are necessary to ensure visitors have an enjoyable visit by providing information, a positive experience, and assisting in maintaining facilities
This position is located in beautiful Southwestern New Mexico on the Gila National Forest.
**Personal RV/camping trailer or tent is required for all positions. No housing is provided
Site Hosts are expected to be on-duty (actively communicating with visitors and maintaining the campground) for at least 20 hours per week. Daily host activities are required 4 days/week, primarily over weekends and holidays.
Daily tasks include:
- Greet visitors, provide information, and display a courteous and helpful demeanor when rendering assistance to visitor questions
- Walk the Catwalk trail, picking up trash, making contact with visitors
- Occassionally assist with restroom cleaning
- Encourage visitors to do the right thing by following all Forest Service rules and regulations
Grounds and facility maintenance activities, other than the daily activities listed, occur on an as-needed basis. There is also room to be creative! If you enjoy teaching leave no trace or another skill, you would be welcome to share with visitors. Catwalk is an very popular site during the spring/summer season with many visitors experiencing hiking or playing in the creek for the first time. The host will be there to help those visitors connect with the resource, be safe, and have the information they need to recreate responsibly.
QUALIFICATIONS
A positive attitude and desire to talk to people are required. Experience with teaching and or interpretation skills is a plus. Hosts should be in good physical condition and be able to work in a variety of weather conditions including rain and wind.
- Backpacking/Camping
- Carpentry
- Conservation Education
- Drivers License
- Hand Power Tools
- Visitor Information
- Working with People
Catwalk hosts will have a site with electricity and water, located a 6 mile drive from Catwalk site. The recreation trail is in a lush riparian zone, with large sycamores and a year-round creek. The area is exceptional for bird-watching and wildlife viewing.
- General housekeeping
- Slip, trip, and fall hazards
- Equipment operation
- Equipment maintenance
- Yes