Dripping Springs Natural Area Site Host

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The BLM Las Cruces District Office is looking for volunteer Site Hosts for the Dripping Springs Natural Area for the 2024 winter and 2025 spring/summer season!

3-6 month positions available starting December 1st, 2024. Housing provided.

Located a short drive from the city of Las Cruces in the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument, Dripping Springs is one of the most popular recreation sites in southern New Mexico. Over 150,000 visitors come each year to explore miles of hiking trails, visit well-preserved historic sites, and experience the unique flora and fauna of the Chihuahuan Desert.

Dripping Springs has a small visitor center that sells permits and acts as a point of contact for the BLM. The visitor center is open year-round and is primarily staffed by the Site Hosts and other volunteers. On average, the visitor center receives from 75-100 visitors per day but can see as many as 300 visitors during busy weekends.

The primary duties of site hosts will be to manage the visitor center (including scheduling), open and close entrance gates, staff the visitor center, monitor recreation sites, and perform light maintenance/cleaning duties. If interested, hosts may also assist with other duties such as educational programs or maintenance. Hosts are expected to perform all duties while presenting a professional and polite image to the public and other BLM staff.

Site hosts will work 3-4 days per week and be supervised by a BLM park ranger. There will be a government vehicle available for official duties exclusive to the site host volunteers. A valid state driver's license is required. Site hosts will need to complete defensive driving, provided by the BLM before going on duty. Background checks may be required.

Volunteers will be reimbursed $12 per day. Reimbursements are paid out once a month, but there can be extended delays subject to the workload of employees processing payments. Reimbursements are stipends, not salaries or wages.

Housing is provided at Dripping Springs in furnished residences with central air/heat. An RV storage spot is also available but does not have hookups. No pets are allowed. There is limited cell phone coverage but no Wi-Fi on site. Grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and other amenities are located a short drive away in Las Cruces. There is no public transportation from Dripping Springs to Las Cruces. Volunteers with a personal vehicle and cell phone to assist with site host duties strongly preferred.

Expect hot summers with average temperatures in the high 90s and occasional thunderstorms. In the spring, high winds of 60 mph or above are common. Winter temperatures range from lows in the 30s to highs in the 60s.

Come stay and explore the beautiful Chihuahuan Desert this year! Couples encouraged. 3-month minimum required, preference given for six-month commitments.

Start Date - 2024-12-01

End Date - 2025-09-30

Activities include: Campground/Site Host;General Assistance;Planning Office/Clerical;Visitor Information