Volunteer Site Host

FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a09SJ00000LiiXV

ADDRESS: 300 West Congress Street  Tucson, Arizona, 85701

DATES: 3/5/2026 – 5/31/2026

DEPT: Forest Service

JOB DESCRIPTION:

DESCRIPTION

We are seeking friendly and independent caretakers for a historic site on the Nogales Ranger District, Coronado NF. Kentucky camp is a historic mining site located 1-1/4 hours SE of Tucson. At the site, caretakers will be responsible for greeting the public and answering questions; light maintenance (e.g., light trail work, adobe patching, minor carpentry, grounds-keeping, cleanup and restocking of the facilities, etc.); and working with FS recreation staff and archaeologists on interpretive and preservation projects.

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

NUMBER OF OPENINGS

Seasonally, throughout year. Preferred commitment is minimum 2 months, and extension is possible.

SPECIAL SKILLS

Must be self-reliant and willing to work independently after orientation. Preference given to those interested in history and willing 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

Sonoita, AZ 10 miles/20 minutes; Sierra Vista, AZ 40 miles/1 hour; Tucson, AZ 50 miles/1-1/4 hours.

DUTIES

Caretakers will be responsible for greeting the public and answering questions. Caretakers are also responsible for maintenance (e.g., Light trail work, adobe patching, light carpentry, grounds-keeping, cleanup and restocking of the facilities, etc.) working with FS recreation and archaeologists on stabilization and interpretive projects. A rehabilitated adobe cabin at the site is available to the public for rental; caretakers will inspect it after renters have left and tidy up if needed. All reservations are handled online through www.recreation.gov.

QUALIFICATIONS

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

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 in the foothills on the eastern slope of the Santa Rita Mountains, situated at about 5,000’ elevation. Due to the elevation, this site has the added benefit of being cooler in the summer than surrounding areas. 

The neighboring city of Sonoita has a few restaurants, gas station & auto repair, post office, Dollar General, etc. Bigger cities including Sierra Vista and Tucson offer many big box stores, restaurants, hospitals, and other services you would expect to find in any city. The Santa Rita Mountains range from 4,500’-9,500’ elevation, with many miles of trails on the district. Nearby Madera canyon is a world-renowned birding area; Nogales, Mexico is less than an hour away. 

JOB HAZARDS

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

**BACKGROUND CHECK REQUIRED

FRIENDS OF KENTUCKY CAMP INFORMATION

Established Friends group that is primarily focused on restoration and maintenance of the historic Kentucky Camp located in the Santa Rita Mountains of the Coronado National Forest.

Tagged as: SPRING '26, SUMMER '26