Volunteer Recreation Steward

FROM: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a09SJ000008ed7h

ADDRESS: 11776 Highway 337  Tijeras, New Mexico, 87059

DATES: 2025-05-01

DEPT: Forest Service

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The mountains are calling! Head to the Sandia Ranger District on the Cibola National Forest for an extended season in 2025. The Sandia Mountains are one of the most visited mountains in New Mexico, offering a vast spectrum of recreation opportunities, and are an important part of Albuquerque’s unique sense of place. One of New Mexico’s sky islands, the Sandias rise above 10,000 feet offering panoramic views from the top of Sandia Crest accessed by the Sandia Crest National Scenic Byway, the Sandia Peak Tram or hiking through the Sandia Mountain Wilderness. Right in Albuquerque’s backyard, experience all that Albuquerque has to offer, including the International Balloon Fiesta, while being nestled in the peaceful solitude of the mountains. Please consider spending some time with us! 

Recreation Steward volunteers play a vital role in assisting recreation management in a variety of tasks. The primary duty is to assist Forest Service recreation staff in maintaining day use sites and providing high quality recreational opportunities for visitors. Recreation volunteers may work independently or alongside recreation staff.

This work requires walking, standing, bending, lifting, and carrying up to 20 pounds or more. This work requires average agility and dexterity.

Requirements for Volunteers

• Be a U.S. citizen and provide a permanent mailing address.
• Pass a background check and possess a valid state driver’s license.
• Provide your own personal camping accommodations or live within an area of a 30 minute commute.
• Have a positive and helpful attitude.
• Be able to work safely without daily supervision.
• Be prepared to work under varied conditions, including inclement weather.
• Provide a professional reference to verify experience, if requested.
• Represent the Forest Service to the public in a respectful manner.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists recreation staff in maintaining developed recreation sites which could include routine bathroom cleaning, picnic site cleanup (trash pick-up, fire ring cleaning), grass cutting, weed eating, and other basic maintenance tasks.
• Repairing minor damage of recreation signs, information signboards, picnic tables, toilets buildings, and other minor structures.
• Reporting any repair needs or hazards to recreation staff.
• May be asked to lock the gate in the evenings.
• Maintain a positive and helpful attitude towards forest visitors and other volunteers that you may be assigned to work with.
• Represent the Forest Service as “eyes and ears” in designated areas.
• Report any questionable or illegal activity to Forest Service Protection Officers or Law Enforcement Officers.
• Communicate to forest visitors: pertinent forest information and reminders of safety.
• Encourage compliance with required fee by providing payment information and instructions.
• Maintain high standards of integrity and accountability of personal actions.

Additional Information

• 6-month commitment preferred between the months of May to October
• Minimum of 24 hours/per week negotiable days between the hours of 7:30am and 6:00pm.
• Applicants with prior experience or knowledge of outdoor recreation, natural resources, maintenance and public lands are encouraged to apply.
• Obtaining a government Driver’s License and operating a government vehicle may be required.

Camp Facilities and Area Information

RV sites are available, but amenities available are dependent on site. Site locations are:

• Sandia Ranger Station (full amenities). To learn more about the Sandia Ranger Station: fs.usda.gov/recarea/cibola/recarea/?recid=64050
• Cienega Picnic Area (sewer hookup only). To learn more about the Cienega Picnic Area: fs.usda.gov/recarea/cibola/recarea/?recid=64202
• Doc Long Picnic Area (sewer hookup only). To learn more about the Doc Long Picnic Area: fs.usda.gov/recarea/cibola/recarea/?recid=64144
• Capulin Spring Picnic Site (sewer hookup only). To learn more about the Capulin Spring Picnic Site: fs.usda.gov/recarea/cibola/recarea/?recid=64196

Recreation Stewards will receive fee-free RV camping as well as reimbursements for items like propane or heating and cooling fuel and possibly field per diem. The US Forest Service Enchantment Pass, which provides fee-free day use in New Mexico’s National Forests, is provided to Recreation Stewards after their first 24 hours of service.

Safety

The Recreation Site Steward will be expected to review and adhere to all applicable safety requirements set forth for duties performed. This work requires the use of safety equipment such as gloves, goggles, and hardhats. Tools, equipment, and PPE is provided by the Forest Service. Long pants, long-sleeves, and appropriate footwear to be provided by volunteer as applicable. Forest Service volunteer uniform components and training will be provided. 

Tagged as: SPRING '25, SUMMER '25