Volunteers
We Want YOU!
Our volunteers and partners are the heartbeat of the Forest Service. Stewardship of the national forests is everyone's responsibility. The national forests and grasslands are here for the public to enjoy because of the many people that have served over numerous years to preserve, protect, and improve them.
The Tonto National Forest has identified a variety of projects throughout the forest that need the hard work and dedication from volunteers. Some of these projects require skill and expertise in areas such as facilities maintenance or trail building, while other projects just need an energetic person or group to tackle the project.
NOW is the perfect time to join us to help protect these great lands and keep them in public hands!
Why Volunteer?
The Tonto National Forest is a resource we all own, and volunteering is one way to take an active role in land management by being a steward of the land we all enjoy. There are multiple benefits to volunteering, such as...
- Earning college credits through volunteer internships
- Diversifying your job experience
- Providing community service
- Educating the public about natural resources
- Meeting people and forming new friendships
- Exercising while serving the land
- Having fun
Ways to Volunteer
There are a number of ways you can volunteer on the forest. There are established volunteer groups you can join at any time!! Our River Rangers do an excellent job of cleaning up the river and lakes, as well as looking out for water users that may be in need. Our Wilderness Rangers have helped countless visitors enjoy their time on the trails and out camping. We have trail building and maintenance groups working in every district and Smokeys Friends help us educate the public on how to have a safer, more sustainable recreation experience. Maybe you want to take your kids for a hike and get a riparian photo point for the hydrologist? Maybe you would like to help our wildlife biologist monitor endangered species? Opportunities are everywhere, fun is pretty much guaranteed, and it all starts with you.
Volunteer Opportunities
riverr ranger stuff
Wilderness Stewards are volunteers who provide information and assistance to visitors at Wilderness trailheads. They serve as hosts and act as the “eyes and ears” of the Forest Service – as a visible presence in the Forest -- and collect important information on conditions in the Forest. Wilderness Stewards are responsible for:
- Providing for their own personal safety, in addition to the role they play watching out for others
- Adhering to the requirements for personal protective clothing
- Letting their supervisor know, in a timely manner, when they will be unable to work so schedules can be adjusted
Requirements for Volunteers
- Wilderness Stewards must be good at and enjoy communicating with different people.
- Wilderness Stewards must have hiking experience. Some Wilderness Stewards may hike longer distances and must be prepared for emergencies.
- They must be able to work safely, independently and in pairs.
- They should be prepared to work under varied conditions, including inclement weather and in remote locations.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Greet, register, and deliver an effective message to all visitors arriving at trailheads. Promote wilderness and Leave No Trace (LNT) ethics, and provide current area information.
- Patrol trailheads, trails and campsites to remove all litter and signs of human impact (multiple fire rings, report abandoned gear, etc.).
- Perform basic trail maintenance – light brushing.
- Strive to learn more about the Wilderness, natural and human history, flora and fauna, and the recreation opportunities on the Tonto National Forest.
- Patrol parking lots and Forest Service roadways for litter.
- Tabulate the number of cars and registration data daily, and provide reports to Mesa Ranger District.
- Help direct parking as lots fill.
- Check the condition of bathrooms, assure toilet paper is available, and sweep and wash bathroom floors (if applicable).
- Track and report questions from the public to their Forest Service supervisor.
- Report information on water, incidents, time reports, trailhead issues, trailhead conditions to their Forest Service supervisor.
- Report outfitter guide activities and group sizes greater than 15 people.
- Help recruit volunteers when possible.
- Perform all duties in a conscientious and safe manner and make safety suggestions to others and to the public where appropriate.
Training
Volunteers will be briefed on Forest Service policies and be provided written materials and other training guides on Wilderness ethics and programs such as “Leave No Trace”. Volunteers will be included in formal and specialized training sessions. Most of the training will occur on-the-job, as volunteers draw from the experience of the Forest Service Wilderness Rangers and each other.
Time Commitment
Wilderness Stewards are asked to commit at least two regularly scheduled days per month during high-use days from November through April.
Apply!
Visit Volunteer.gov or Call the Mesa Ranger Station at 480-610-3300 and ask to speak to the volunteer office manager!
NOTE: All volunteers must have a signed agreement or sign in under a group agreement. And anyone under the age of 18 must have written permission from their parent/guardian before volunteering for the National Forest.
Job Summary
Campground Hosts serve as Forest Service as “eyes and ears” in designated day-use recreation sites where camping is permitted in a high-use urban forest setting. Hosts are assigned a camping area where they are assigned a variety of host duties. One of the most important tasks is to greet forest visitors with pertinent local information and reminders of Forest Service rules and regulations. Hosts also inform the public about camper safety, answer question related to local recreational opportunity, and report compliance and maintenance problems to appropriate Forest Service personnel. Hosts are required to keep a daily log of overnight visitors as well as be able to open and close access gates at designated times when determined necessary. The ability to conduct light maintenance, such as monitoring restrooms, picking up ground litter, general painting, and tree trimming/vegetation control is required of all host positions. Volunteers are not to act in a law enforcement capacity.
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.
- Volunteer 24 hours weekly, including weekends, and commit to 90 days contagious service as a host.
- Provide your own personal camping accommodations maintained to be welcoming and approachable by the public.
- Be in good physical condition and 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.
- Represent the Forest Service to the public in a respectful manner.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Hosts represent the Forest Service as “eyes and ears” in designated day-use recreation sites in a high-use urban forest settingand report any questionable or illegal activity to Forest Service Protection Officers or Law Enforcement Officers.
- Hosts greet forest visitors with pertinent local information and reminders of Forest Service camping rules and regulations.
- Hosts are required to keep a daily log (provided) of overnight visitors.
- Hosts are expected to encourage fee compliance and relay fee information to campers.
- Hosts are expected to be able to conduct light maintenance activities, such as monitoring restrooms, picking up ground litter, general painting, and conduct tree trimming and other vegetation control measures to promote an enjoyable recreation experience.
- Hosts recognize and remove hazards which can be considered unsafe for visitors or notify appropriate Forest Service recreation technicians or program manager of liability concerns.
- Hosts may be asked to lock entrance gates in your assigned camping area at 10:00 pm and open them at 6:00 am. For safety purposes, daily hosting activities should conclude at sunset.
- Hosts maintain a positive and helpful attitude towards forest visitors and other volunteers that you may be assigned to work with.
- Hosts accept full responsibility for personal actions and any inappropriate behavior unbecoming to a Forest Service volunteer.
- Hosts set a positive example to other forest visitors by keeping a clean and presentable campsite and encouraging common courtesy throughout the campground.
Additional Information
As a Campground Host you will be looked upon by the visiting public as the first person they will consider for information regarding the area and their National Forest. The Volunteer Campground Host Program is an integral part of the district recreation program in providing quality experience and safe environment to the visiting public Campground Hosts, with all forest service employees, have the responsibility of representing the Forest Service in carrying out the mission “Caring for the Land and Serving people”.
Campground hosts will be required to complete 24 hours of work per week, including weekends when use of the recreation sites is at peak. Furthermore, Hosts need to be able to commit to a consecutive 90-day appointment. Campground fees shall be waived for each host with an active volunteer agreement. Utilities are not available in camping areas and all fuel reimbursements are only considered with prior approval of the program manager. Forest Service key, hat, and vest may be provided (if required) along with any tools and supplies necessary for maintenance of the campground. All property and maintenance equipment checked-out to volunteers shall be adequately secured when not in use and returned to the program manager at the end of the camping season on or before April 15th.
Campground Hosts are by NO means law enforcement officers and will NOT confront Forest visitors as such. There is nothing in your duties as Campground Host worth jeopardizing your safety. If you, as a host, recognize a minor violation then you are encouraged to point it out in a helpful and informative manner to the person in violation. Hosts are NOT to involve themselves in an argument or antagonize the person or persons in violation. In all situations where the likelihood of confrontation is elevated, please contact Forest Service personnel or law enforcement to take appropriate action.
In cases where a host chooses to come in contact with a visitor, it should be no more than a friendly encounter. The potential for hosts to be involved in an unfriendly situation or serious conflict does exist, especially in high-use urban forest settings. This is why we cannot overemphasize your personal safety.
Training
Volunteers will be briefed on relevant Forest Service policies and will be included in formal and other specialized training sessions (when available) at district offices. Volunteers must attend all mandatory safety trainings related to their volunteer position. Eligible volunteers who wish to obtain a Forest Service drivers’ license must take the Forest Service Defensive Driving class and be tested as a federally licensed vehicle operator.
Time Commitment
24 hours of volunteer work per week, including weekends, during a contiguous 90 days commitment.
APPLY!
Visit Volunteer.gov or Call the Mesa Ranger Station at 480-610-3300 and ask to speak to the volunteer office manager!
NOTE: All volunteers must have a signed agreement or sign in under a group agreement. And anyone under the age of 18 must have written permission from their parent/guardian before volunteering for the National Forest.
Trash pick-up events consist of multiple volunteers wanting to pick up litter and debris in a designated area in a safe and efficient manner. These events can be coordinated by the Forest Service or can be initiated by a group or organization for a specific location chosen by the group. If it's a shooting pit a free permit will have to be issues so a closure order can be obtained for safety.
Special Note
While working on the trash pick-up please be aware of and cautious when handling the following hazards:
- Rusted Metal
- Glass
- Needles
- Dehydration
- Insects
- Snakes
- Surroundings (e.g., cactus, water, tree limbs)
Organized trash pick-up events are usually one day and last 4-6 hours depending on the size of the area.
Apply!
Visit Volunteer.gov or Call the Mesa Ranger Station at 480-610-3300 and ask to speak to the volunteer office manager!
NOTE: All volunteers must have a signed agreement or sign in under a group agreement. And anyone under the age of 18 must have written permission from their parent/guardian before volunteering for the National Forest.
We LOVE our Scout Projects!! While many Scouts come to us asking to do a clean-up of some kind, we love the ones that think outside the box and try something new! We have had restoration projects in burn scars or areas where trails were rehabbed. Our Wildlife Biologist has worked with several troops to create micro-habitats in areas devastated by disturbance. We've hosted fuel reduction projects, where scouts remove invasive grasses that spread wildfires here in the desert, an ecosystem that is NOT fire adapted. Trail building and rehabbing, updating signage on the interpretive trail, and built an ADA adaptable loop! The possibilities are endless, so bring your ideas and let's go play outside!
Time Commitment
The time commitment will vary by project. Our initial meeting will be an idea conversation. We'll listen to your ideas and discuss possibilities as well as talk about some of the needs we may have. After you get your plan and have it signed and approved by the troop's leaders, well get you a volunteer agreement and support you every step of the way. Applications must be submitted a minimum of 30 days prior to the preferred project date.
Apply!
Visit Volunteer.gov or Call the Mesa Ranger Station at 480-610-3300 and ask to speak to the volunteer office manager!
NOTE: All volunteers must have a signed agreement or sign in under a group agreement. And anyone under the age of 18 must have written permission from their parent/guardian before volunteering for the National Forest.
Join with the Tonto Recreation Alliance (TRAL) to educate others about responsible off highway vehicle use, and to help improve and maintain dispersed recreation areas and motorized routes within the Tonto National Forest. Visit the Tonto Recreation Alliance.
About Tonto Recreation Alliance - TRAL
TRĀL is a 501(c)3 tax exempt non-profit formed to partner with the Forest to address the following two broad areas:
- Work in cooperation with the Tonto National Forest on education of the general public about responsible off-highway vehicle use and resource conservation.
- Help to improve and maintain designated roads and trails used by off-highway vehicles within the Tonto National Forest.
TRAL Projects
TRAL volunteers participate in a variety of projects such as public education through field meet and greet events, informational kiosk installation and upkeep, route marker installation and inventory, fence repair, cleanups, trail maintenance, education patrols, and much more! We are also seeking support for administrative functions and volunteer coordination.
Requirements of Volunteers
TRAL volunteers should be passionate about responsible OHV recreation and working with the Forest Service to conserve our public lands, roads and trails. Volunteers also:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must have a valid Arizona driver’s license to operate a vehicle on maintained roads while working on a volunteer project. Must also have a motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license if operating a motorcycle on maintained roads.
Training
- Volunteers must attend a one hour orientation session to become a TRAL volunteer to participate in field projects.
- Volunteers who wish to participate in projects riding their own motorcycle or ATV must have vehicle specific safety training.
- Additional on-going training sessions such as first aid, radio use and project leadership are available to volunteers.
- TRAL holds special educational sessions utilizing Forest experts on topics like desert plants & wildlife, local archaeology, hydrology and other topics at no cost to volunteers.
Time Commitment
TRAL volunteers are asked to attend at least two scheduled project events per season and are encouraged to attend monthly information meetings.
Contacts
- Rich Smith, TRAL President
- For more information and examples of volunteer projects visit Tonto Recreation Alliance
The Arizona Trail Association works with the Tonto National Forest to help maintain trails. Visit the Arizona Trail Association website for more information on this wonderful volunteer opportunity.
Facility Maintenance consists of one to two volunteers who possess a working knowledge of building repair and maintenance in order to service field restrooms.
Requirements for Volunteers
- Must have knowledge and ability needed to maintain facilities.
- Be proficient with hand and power tools.
- Able to pay attention to detail.
- Must be able to work safely, independently or in pairs.
- Possess a valid drivers’ license and personal vehicle.
- Must be prepared to work under varied conditions, including inclement weather and remote locations.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Repair/replace door handles, locks, toilet paper holders, ADA accessible railings, uprights (toilet seats, lids, base), door hinges, automatic door closers (if existing), windows, window frames, etc.
- Ensure all doors close properly and lock with ease.
- Report any vandalism of restrooms or surrounding area.
- Inventory missing or broken parts and provide a detailed list of parts to be ordered.
- Follow all safety requirements and communication protocol.
- Perform all duties in a conscientious manner and make safety suggestions to Forest Service supervisor.
- Provide a record of work accomplished (including location and number of hours worked) to Forest Service supervisor.
Training
Volunteers will be briefed on Forest Service policies and be provided written materials and other training guides on Wilderness ethics and programs such as “Leave No Trace”. Volunteers will be included in formal and specialized training sessions. Most of the training will occur on-the-job, as volunteers draw from the experience of the Forest Service Rangers and each other.
Time Commitment
Facility Maintenance volunteers are asked to work two days per month; one day to inventory all restrooms and one day to perform necessary repairs.
Apply!
Visit Volunteer.gov or Call the Mesa Ranger Station at 480-610-3300 and ask to speak to the volunteer office manager!
NOTE: All volunteers must have a signed agreement or sign in under a group agreement. And anyone under the age of 18 must have written permission from their parent/guardian before volunteering for the National Forest.
They Started as a Facebook Page, Arizona Hiking Group, and as they continued to grow and explore, they saw a lot of the same issues all over the forest: Unattended campfires, leftover fishing line, discarded trash and dumping. Rather than believe everyone was bad, they chose to believe that the people were uninformed. Fire safety, sustainable recreation and Leave No Trace practices are the goal of this group. They achieve this by Holding outdoor education events, volunteering on the weekends to help walk the beaches at the river and lakes, speaking to all visitors, including our non-English speaking friends. They take time to help the Forest Service better serve the people, by educating everyone they meet on fire restrictions, glass bottles, dogs off leash, parking, first aid and the list goes on.
We recognize that many visitors to the Tonto are from out of state, and often out of the country. And while we welcome all to enjoy their time here on the Tonto, sometimes language barriers, cultural differences as well as a change in ecosystems can make all the difference. And people don't know what they don't know.
If you are interested in joining Smokey's Friends
Training
Volunteers will be briefed on Forest Service policies and be provided written materials and other training guides on Wilderness ethics and programs such as “Leave No Trace”. Volunteers will be included in formal and specialized training sessions. Most of the training will occur on-the-job, as volunteers draw from the experience of the Forest Service Rangers and each other.
Apply!
Visit Volunteer.gov or Call the Mesa Ranger Station at 480-610-3300 and ask to speak to the volunteer office manager! Or look them up on Facebook and join an event!
NOTE: All volunteers must have a signed agreement or sign in under a group agreement. And anyone under the age of 18 must have written permission from their parent/guardian before volunteering for the National Forest.
Partner Groups
Join with the Tonto Recreation Alliance (TRAL) to educate others about responsible off highway vehicle use, and to help improve and maintain dispersed recreation areas and motorized routes within the Tonto National Forest. Visit the Tonto Recreation Alliance.
About Tonto Recreation Alliance - TRAL
TRĀL is a 501(c)3 tax exempt non-profit formed to partner with the Forest to address the following two broad areas:
- Work in cooperation with the Tonto National Forest on education of the general public about responsible off-highway vehicle use and resource conservation.
- Help to improve and maintain designated roads and trails used by off-highway vehicles within the Tonto National Forest.
TRAL Projects
TRAL volunteers participate in a variety of projects such as public education through field meet and greet events, informational kiosk installation and upkeep, route marker installation and inventory, fence repair, cleanups, trail maintenance, education patrols, and much more! We are also seeking support for administrative functions and volunteer coordination.
Requirements of Volunteers
TRAL volunteers should be passionate about responsible OHV recreation and working with the Forest Service to conserve our public lands, roads and trails. Volunteers also:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must have a valid Arizona driver’s license to operate a vehicle on maintained roads while working on a volunteer project. Must also have a motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license if operating a motorcycle on maintained roads.
Training
- Volunteers must attend a one hour orientation session to become a TRAL volunteer to participate in field projects.
- Volunteers who wish to participate in projects riding their own motorcycle or ATV must have vehicle specific safety training.
- Additional on-going training sessions such as first aid, radio use and project leadership are available to volunteers.
- TRAL holds special educational sessions utilizing Forest experts on topics like desert plants & wildlife, local archaeology, hydrology and other topics at no cost to volunteers.
Time Commitment
TRAL volunteers are asked to attend at least two scheduled project events per season and are encouraged to attend monthly information meetings.
Contacts
- Rich Smith, TRAL President
- For more information and examples of volunteer projects visit Tonto Recreation Alliance
For additional projects open to the general public, visit the website Volunteer.Gov.
If none of these opportunities spark your interest, or if you have your own idea on how you want to volunteer for the Mesa Ranger District, let us know!
Visit Volunteer.gov or Call the Mesa Ranger Station at 480-610-3300 and ask to speak to the volunteer office manager!
NOTE: All volunteers must have a signed agreement or sign in under a group agreement. And anyone under the age of 18 must have written permission from their parent/guardian before volunteering for the National Forest.
Special Notes
Certain positions may have special requirements that may include:
- A background check
- A collection of fingerprints
- Using your personal vehicle
- Completing the process to obtain a government driver’s license
- Wearing a government issued uniform
- An age restriction- All volunteers under the age of 18 must have written permission from their parent/guardian before volunteering for the National Forest
Already a volunteer?
Thank you for all of your hard work!
