Volunteer
Job Description
FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a09SJ00000Mn4x3
ADDRESS: 1 Panther Junction Big Bend National Park, Texas, 79834
DATES: 5/4/2026 – 9/30/2026
DEPT: National Park Service
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Description of Duties:
This position is in the River District of Big Bend National Park and is supervised by the River District Ranger. The minimum time commitment is 32 hours per week. A RV site will be provided at Panther Junction.
· Shuttle or arrange shuttles for the River Rangers within the boundaries of Big Bend National Park as well as driving out of Big Bend to put in/take out locations along the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River.
· Maintain the River Cache equipment which includes rafts, canoes, hover craft, jet boats, motorboats and all related equipment like paddles, PFDs, tents, dry bags, folding chairs, etc.
· Pack for river trips as requested
· Keep the River Cache clean and all equipment in working order
· Do river patrols as time allows after the above duties are under control
· Be available and willing to help on multi night overnight trips 1-8 days on the river at a time and multiple times a month
· Get to know all new/returning VIPs/SCAs/Seasonal Rangers by attending as many activities as possible and maintaining a document of contact info for folks who can help with shuttles
· Involve as many VIPS/SCAs/Seasonal Rangers as possible in shuttles and river patrols, coordinating with the Rio District Ranger
· Do Backcountry patrols as time allows and involve VIPs/SCAs/Seasonal Rangers when possible
· Other duties as required such as scraping/painting, mapping river access points, pickup/delivery of equipment to/from nearby cities, accompanying River Rangers on patrols, etc.
· Volunteers may complete special projects, possibly with resource management, trail maintenance, backcountry patrols, recycling or other projects based on the needs of the park and the abilities and interests of the volunteer. Volunteers may research, develop and conduct interpretive programs. Volunteers may drive a government vehicle and assist on river shuttles and patrols.
· Volunteers may drive a government vehicle and assist on river shuttles and patrols within the official park boundaries (BIBE and RIGR) as well as outside of the park when on official business. Examples include driving a vehicle to Alpine, Midland, El Paso, or other cities to pick up and/or drop off supplies and vehicles. This also covers the need to drive outside of the park boundaries when traveling to and from river shuttle locations.
· Volunteer Program Standards – Volunteers must put personal opinions aside and represent agency perspective and policy courteously with visitors. Volunteers are prohibited from engaging in partisan political activity while acting in an official volunteer capacity or wearing the volunteer uniform.