Visitor Center and Interpretive Host Volunteer

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Description

The BLM Socorro Field Office is looking for Interpretive volunteer Site Hosts for the Fort Craig Historic Site for the 2024 fall and 2025 spring season!

Position available October 1st. Volunteer hosts must own their own accommodation (RV/Camper/Motorhome) to live on site; tents are not permitted. Utilities (electric, sewer, potable water) available. When applying to this position please provide at least 3 professional references (e.g., supervisors, coworkers, business contacts, others who know your work ethics and skills).

Located a short 45 minute drive South from the city of Socorro, Fort Craig is a very popular historic recreation site in central New Mexico. Numerous visitors come each year to explore and visit the historic site and experience the unique Northern edges of the Chihuahuan Desert.

Fort Craig has a small visitor with a small gift shop and acts as a point of contact for the BLM. The visitor center is open year-round (closed Christmas and Easter) and is primarily staffed by the Site Hosts. On average, the visitor center receives from 10-20 visitors per day but can see as many as 50-60 visitors during busy weekends.

The primary duties of site hosts will be to manage and staff the visitor center. Greeting visitors; Hosts are often the first and only contact so they should be friendly, personal and neat. Some light maintenance and general housekeeping such as opening and closing entrance gates, monitor recreation sites, cleaning the restrooms and restocking when needed. Hosts may also assist with other duties such as educational programs and interpreting historic and natural features and answering questions. 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 5 days per week with 2 days off and be supervised by a BLM Recreation Specialist. A valid state driver's license is required. Site hosts will need to complete defensive driving and collection officer training, both of which will be provided by the BLM before going on duty. Background checks may be required.

Volunteers will be reimbursed $30 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.

There is limited cell phone coverage, depending on cell provider with Wi-Fi on site. Grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and other amenities are located a short drive away in Socorro or Truth of Consequences, New Mexico . Volunteers with a personal vehicle and cell phone to assist with site host duties strongly preferred. Pets are only permitted if approved by BLM supervisor PRIOR to accepting the position.

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 - 2024-10-01

End Date - 2025-03-31