Visitor Center Host

Do you enjoy interacting with a diverse group of people? Is sparking an interest in learning what motivates you? Would you like to volunteer in a beautiful setting atop the tallest Sky Island in Arizona which towers above the desert below? Come join our team on the Safford Ranger District!

The Safford Ranger District is seeking one Forest Service Visitor Center Host to volunteer at Columbine Visitor Center on Mount Graham in Safford, AZ. To be a volunteer here is to help visitors relate to the natural and cultural history of Mount Graham, tell the story of the Forest Service, and provoke learning of the many aspects of the Coronado National Forest. The Host is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Visitor Center and should have a background in or passion for educational and interpretive experiences.

10,724-foot Mount Graham is the second tallest mountain in Arizona and home to all developed recreation sites in the Safford Ranger District. Recreation is a main activity on the District, which includes two reservoirs, five trout species, several perennial streams, large trees and great hiking, camping, fishing and hunting opportunities. It also permits numerous special uses, including the world’s largest telescope.

About the Columbine Visitor Center:

The Columbine Visitor Center was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1935 and is part of the larger Columbine Work Station, still used as a Forest Service administrative center today. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Safford Ranger District’s only visitor center is a hidden gem that welcomes thousands of visitors each summer. The building acts as a hub for educational opportunities on the mountain, instilling visitors with a “sense of place” through interpretive exhibits, videos, and presentations. The building sits at approximately 9,500 feet in a forested oasis, on average about 30 degrees cooler than the desert below. The interior was renovated in 2022 with a new paint scheme, updated educational exhibits, and an improved children’s discovery room. A new roof and a custom mural by a local Gila Valley artist showcasing the flora and fauna of Mt. Graham are to be completed prior to opening this summer.

Schedule and Logistics:

This is a part-time flexible position which may vary from 20 to 40 hours per week depending on the scheduling needs of the volunteer. We are seeking one host that is available from Memorial Day to Labor Day, but actual starting and ending dates are negotiable. A personal RV is required to be a Visitor Center Host (Recommended 22 feet or less due to challenging switchbacks along AZ 366). A trailer pad with water and electrical hookups conveniently located next to the Visitor Center will be provided at no cost to the volunteer. Satellite internet is available for personal use. The Forest Service will provide propane and will reimburse for mileage incurred traveling to and from the assigned campground. The volunteer is not required to open the Visitor Center every day of the week, but can if they so choose. The Visitor Center must be open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday each week plus major holidays from 8 am to 4 pm.