Interpretive Volunteer

FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a09SJ00000LPclx

ADDRESS: 26 JIM BRADFORD TRAIL  Mimbres, New Mexico, 88049

DATES: 4/1/2026 – 5/29/2026

DEPT: National Park Service

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Overview

Are you interested in exploring the operations of a National Park Service unit and contributing to visitor services? Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument offers volunteers the opportunity to gain hands-on experience while supporting the park’s mission. Volunteers assist with visitor services, provide regional orientation and information, and support interpretive activities in a supportive, supervised environment. This is a physically active position in a remote wilderness setting, ideal for individuals seeking unique experience with the National Park Service.

Duties
Provide visitor center support, including greeting visitors, answering questions, and distributing park information and brochures.
Assist with informal interpretation of park resources under staff supervision.
Support the park in daily visitor services tasks to enhance the visitor experience.
Participate in park operations and special projects as needed.
Physical Requirements
Position is physically demanding: volunteers live and work at an altitude of approximately 5,800 feet (1,780 m).
75–100% of work is outdoors, exposed to variable weather conditions and temperatures.
Staffing certain areas requires standing for 2–3 hour blocks.
Accessing the cliff dwellings involves a steep one-mile loop trail, with an elevation gain/loss of 185 feet (equivalent to climbing 18 flights of stairs) without handrails. Volunteers must be able to hike the trail multiple times per day while carrying a 5-pound first aid kit.

Housing
Trailer site available with full hookups and concrete pad.
Wi-Fi available via Starlink (no data cap, free for VIPs). Wi-Fi calling works; landline phones available in case of power outage.
Park housing is located 44 miles from Silver City, NM, in a remote wilderness setting.

Note: All trailers, camper vans, or Sprinter vans must be self-sufficient. Volunteers must provide make, model, year, and length. Showers and toilets are not provided at individual sites.

Benefits
Hands-on experience with NPS operations and visitor services
Opportunity to learn about park resources and interpretive practices
Access to high-speed internet for volunteer use
Unique experience living and working in the Gila Wilderness
Requirements
Must provide three references with phone numbers.
Reliable personal transportation and valid driver’s license required.
Ability to work safely in a remote wilderness setting.
Physically able to meet trail and outdoor requirements.
Recreational Opportunities

Enjoy amazing scenery and recreational activities including hiking, biking, photography, wildlife observation, and exploring wilderness hot springs.

Tagged as: SPRING '26