Volunteers

The Forest Service (FS) welcomes you and thanks you for your interest in our volunteer program. Please let us know if there is anything that we can do for you. Your success is our success!

• Attitude: The Volunteer Program needs people who have a genuine interest in helping the Forest Service pursue its mission: “Caring for the land and serving people.” Volunteers who get the most from the program are those that have a true Volunteer Spirit and do what they do for the satisfaction of knowing they make a difference in the lives of our Forest visitors and to the long-term care of our public lands.
• Status: Volunteers are viewed as regular FS employees; their treatment and job performance should reflect this status. This includes civil rights, ethics and conduct, sexual harassment and representing the Forest Service in a professional, positive light.
• Supervision: Each volunteer will be supervised by one FS employee. The supervisor is the primary contact for the volunteer once assigned and will establish continuity of work assignments.
• Uniforms: Those with regular public contacts should be in uniform or appropriate presentable attire (as designated by the supervisor), presenting a neat and professional public image. When a uniform is required the Forest Service will provide this at no cost to the volunteer.
• Worksite: In order to minimize disruptions to other volunteers and employees, off-duty hours are not to be spent at the work site (field or office).
• Vehicles: Those who drive government vehicles need to take the defensive driving (DD) course every three years and have a valid driver’s license for any State. Until the course is attended, each FS supervisor will train and test each volunteer on vehicle use. This test will be documented.  If the DD course is attended, please provide a copy of certificate card to the volunteer coordinator. Vehicle use is based on job assignments and work needs. All vehicle use is arranged by prior agreement/schedule only.
• Buildings: FS facilities are available to active volunteers for use (e.g. showers, exercise room, etc.).
• Personal Use of Government Equipment and Facilities: When in doubt, ask. In general: phones can be used for local calls and for card calls where no amount of the call can be billed back to the Forest Service. However, personal calls should not be made on duty and should be done after normal office hours, as each office has a limited number of outgoing lines. Exceptions can be made for:
• Emergencies and special time considerations: Calls should not interfere with the work of other employees and volunteers. Computers, faxes, copiers, scanners, etc. are not for any personal use. The local library has computers available with Internet access. Office Max across the street has all the other services available.
• Horses: All contact with the horses must be from outside of their corral unless the annual horse training has been attended. Horses are not to be ridden or used outside of assigned duties.
• Safety: Volunteers are not to work alone with heavy or dangerous equipment or in remote settings. Volunteer must attend monthly District safety meetings unless scheduled to be off or at another duty site. Volunteers may also initiate and/or attend Tailgate Safety Sessions. Your regular duties will require you to be involved with several safety meetings over the course of your stay with the Forest Service.
• Radios: It is very important for all persons going into the field to have communications with a District Office or Dispatch at all times in case of an emergency. Instruction will be given on basic two-way radio use, and all volunteers will have radios when in the field.
• Termination: FS has the right to discontinue volunteer agreements at any time.
• Probation: Volunteers will be in a probationary period for the first month of their 3-to-7-month commitment. After one month, the supervisor and volunteer(s) will: discuss the probation period; determine if it is working well; identify and address any necessary changes; or if the situation is not in the best interest of either party, then the agreement should be terminated.
• Orientation/Training. Each volunteer must attend an annual volunteer/employee orientation to learn FS policy and procedure and how to work safely in the FS work environment. If you are asked to work on a project where you have not had training and/or a safety session, ask your supervisor to get you the proper training, don’t be shy. Volunteering should be safe, happy, productive and fun!

The Flagstaff-area Roving Rangers is a partnership team composed of both rangers and volunteers from the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service. The Rangers’ mission is to provide fun and free ranger programs in and around the Flagstaff area. Rangers volunteer mostly at the three local national monuments, and throughout the Coconino National Forest. The Rangers bring understanding and inspiration to all ages, prompting visitors to cherish our natural world, and conserve natural and cultural resources. The Roving Rangers Partnership was created in 1991 by John Nelson, a Forest Service employee, and Kim Watson, a National Park Service employee.

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Where We Work

During the summer, from Memorial Day Weekend through early September, the Roving Rangers lead programs each weekend at three local campgrounds. The partnership also provides an interpretive ranger at the top of the Arizona Snowbowl Scenic Gondola to answer questions and describe the natural history and panoramic views amid the spectacular San Francisco Peaks. You can also join a ranger on guided walks in Flagstaff’s three local national monuments and throughout the hidden trails of the Coconino National Forest.

The Partnership

The partnership is an example of a working public/private relationship. Both Arizona Snowbowl and ExplorUS work as private partners alongside both the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service. ExplorUS is contracted to run the local Forest Service campgrounds and also to provide quality interpretation at three campgrounds with amphitheaters:

• Pine Grove Campground (about a mile past Upper Lake Mary)
• Bonito Campground (adjacent to the entrance of Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument)
• Dairy Springs Campground (west side of Mormon Lake)

This partnership helps ExplorUS and Arizona Snowbowl to fulfill their program goals and objectives, while enabling the NPS and USFS to provide visitors with quality experiences.

Get More Information

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For more information or questions about this program, and how to become a Roving Ranger contact Michael Kruse.

The Camp Elden Volunteer Program is designed as a “full-time” volunteer program to help support the Recreation and Facilities Departments on the Flagstaff Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest in Flagstaff, Ariz. A Forest Service employee supervises all positions listed, and all positions work with a mix of Forest Service employees and other volunteers. All positions require people who are self-motivated, have a strong work ethic, and the ability to work in teams of two or more people. 

This program is geared toward volunteers who have their own recreational vehicle, fifth-wheel, or camper to live in, as Camp Elden consists of 13 campsites at the Flagstaff Ranger Station with full hook-ups. The program allows for pairs and singles to work for a minimum of three months up to a maximum of seven months for free utilities (water, sewer, electric and propane) and one of the 13 spaces. Singles in a site must work a minimum of 24 hours per week and pairs at a site must work a minimum of 36 hours per week (even if only one person volunteers).

Information and application:

Matt Sommer, Volunteer Coordinator
Flagstaff Ranger District
5075 N US Hwy 89
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
928-527-8290
Email: matthew.sommer@usda.gov.

Volunteer Job Descriptions for Camp Elden Volunteers

Volunteer Program Goal: The Flagstaff Ranger District will have a volunteer program that is manageable, efficient and does not exceed the district’s capacity to supervise effectively.

Trails and Wilderness

Position description: Assist the Recreation Program in moderate trail maintenance, recon patrols, and visitor contact/education on the Flagstaff Center trails and trailheads. Duties include but are not limited to: driving to trailheads on paved and rugged gravel roads occasionally towing a utility/horse trailer; hiking in the general forest area (including the urban interface) and in designated wilderness; making visitor contacts to answer questions and educate forest users about the area; install and maintain appropriate signs; encourage visitors to practice Leave No Trace techniques; maintain the trail registers; perform maintenance at trailhead facilities; perform light to moderate maintenance on trails; report conditions, visitor numbers, problems and daily activities to the designated supervisor. The volunteer will always have a professional, courteous and helpful attitude when dealing with all members of the public, fellow volunteers and Forest Service employees. The volunteer will be trained in and adhere to all Forest Service Safety and Customer Service Procedures. This position requires a uniform, which will be provided to you at no cost.

Required skills and abilities:

• Read and speak English well
• Good communication skills with visitors and co-workers
• Positive, helpful and friendly attitude
• Good hearing for interacting in face-to-face contacts
• Ability to drive on gravel, dirt and paved roads in all weather conditions for several hours
• Ability to dig holes and repair wood and wire fencing
• Hike and horseback ride 8 to 15 miles a day on rugged terrain
• Lift 35 to 80 pounds to shoulder level (example: saddles, packs, tools, logs, etc.)
• Good communication skills with visitors and co-workers
• Able to do a variety of tasks using common tools (i.e. fence repair, digging, installing signs and posts, bucking up downed trees with cross-cut saw, shoveling manure, etc.)
• A valid driver's license and good driving record

Other helpful (not required) skills and abilities:

• Area familiarity
• Familiar with the Leave No Trace Program
• Current Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
• Speak and/or read other languages (esp. Hopi, Navajo, Spanish, American Sign Language)

Front Desk and Office Assistance

Position description: Assist the Front Desk/Customer Service staff in daily operations of the front desk. This includes but is not limited to: answering phones, answering questions from walk-in visitors, making copies, taking messages for district personnel, selling books, maps and other items, using a cash register, stocking brochures, etc. Assist the District staff in daily office tasks. This includes but is not limited to: making copies; filing; typing using computer and Word, Excel Spreadsheets, etc.; faxing; data entry for field data collected by others; etc. The volunteer will always present a neat, professional appearance and wear appropriate uniform components and name plate while working in the public eye and on official duty. The volunteer will always have a professional, courteous and helpful attitude when dealing with all members of the public, fellow volunteers and Forest Service employees. The volunteer will be trained in and adhere to all Forest Service Safety and Customer Service Procedures. This position requires a uniform, which will be provided to you at no cost.

Required skills and abilities:

• Read and speak English well
• Good communication skills with visitors and co-workers
• Positive, helpful and friendly attitude
• Good hearing for answering phones and interacting in face-to-face contacts
• Always have a neat, professional appearance
• Standing and sitting for long periods
• Light to moderate lifting, bending and pulling as with filing drawers, or lifting boxes of books, etc.

Other helpful (not required) skills and abilities:

• Speak and/or read other languages (esp. Hopi, Navajo, Spanish) including American Sign Language
• Local area familiarity
• Educator, interpreter, cashier/reception background
• Office worker experience such as file clerk, secretary, etc.
• Proficient with various computer programs used in office setting

Interpretation/Environmental Education Services

Position description: This position is part of a very special partnership with the National Park Service and the Forest Service, which allows the volunteer to work with employees of both agencies and present summer education programs at the Arizona Snowbowl (Sky Ride) and campgrounds on the Coconino National Forest as well as the local National Monuments. The volunteer will assist the Interpretive Staff in the daily operations of the environmental education program. This includes but is not limited to: developing and presenting professional interpretive programs to the visiting public; taking visitors on short, high elevation hikes and answering questions about the local area; teaching Leave No Trace principles; putting on programs for schools and other groups upon request; assist in the care and maintenance of any vehicles used for to perform duties. The volunteer will always present a neat, professional appearance and wear appropriate uniform components and name plate while working in the public eye and on official duty. This position requires a uniform, which will be provided to you at no cost. The volunteer will always have a professional, courteous and helpful attitude when dealing with all members of the public, fellow volunteers and agency employees. The volunteer will be trained in and adhere to all Forest Service Safety and Customer Service Procedures. This position occasionally requires presenting programs after dark and driving at night.

Required skills and abilities:

• Read and speak English well
• Good communication skills with customers and co-workers
• Positive, helpful and friendly attitude
• Basic familiarity with natural resources and ecology
• Good hearing for interacting in face-to-face contacts
• Always have a neat, professional appearance
• Standing and sitting for long periods
• Hiking/walking in rough terrain at elevations ranging from 4,000’ to 11,500’ for 6-8 hours (must be in very good to excellent physical condition) in inclement weather (wind, sleet, snow, cold, heat) up to 5 miles
• Not fearful of public speaking
• A valid driver's license and good driving record

Other helpful (not required) skills and abilities:

• Speak and/or read other languages (esp. Hopi, Navajo, Spanish) including American Sign Language
• Area familiarity (especially in the areas of recreation, flora, fauna, geology and local services)
• Educator background
• Familiar with the Leave No Trace Program
• Previous experience developing and presenting interpretive programs

Wood Shop: Sign/Kiosk Construction

Position description: Assist the Recreation and Facilities Programs with the making or refurbishing of signs, and occasionally other wooden structures such as kiosks, cabinets, decking, stairs, etc. Duties include use of power tools to cut, route, sand and drill wood, paint and otherwise treat wood for weather and appearance, take down and install signs in the field using hand/power/cordless tools. The volunteer will always have a professional, courteous and helpful attitude when dealing with all members of the public, fellow volunteers and Forest Service employees. The volunteer will be trained in and adhere to all Forest Service Safety and Customer Service Procedures.

Required skills and abilities:

• Standing and sitting for long periods
• Light to moderate lifting, 15 to 40 pounds
• Not adversely effected by dust, loud noise, paint and chemical fumes
• Familiar with common power tools such as router, table saw, etc.

Other helpful (not required) skills and abilities:

• High skill level in use of common power tools such as router, table saw, etc.
• Woodworking, carpentry, or sign maker background

Administrative and Recreation Facilities Maintenance

Position description: Assist the Facilities and Recreation Programs with the operation and maintenance of Forest Service facilities and small structures. This includes but is not limited to: cabin maintenance, building sheds/shelves/cabinets, plumbing, refinishing logs, glazing windows, roofing, painting/staining, welding, grounds work (digging, mowing, watering, planting, seeding), building/refurbishing picnic tables, repairing toilets and kiosks, tracking work and reporting to the designated supervisor; assist in the care and maintenance of any vehicles used for to perform duties; etc. The volunteer will always have a professional, courteous and helpful attitude when dealing with all members of the public, fellow volunteers and Forest Service employees. The volunteer will be trained in and adhere to all Forest Service Safety and Customer Service Procedures.

Required skills and abilities:

• Standing for long periods of time
• Moderate to heavy lifting, 25-50 pounds
• Not adversely effected by dust, loud noise, paint and chemical fumes
• Skilled with common hand and power tools
• Skilled handy-person knowledge and abilities
• A valid driver’s license and good driving record

Other helpful (not required) skills and abilities:

• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)/heavy equipment operations and able to operate a Bobcat, Backhoe, Dump Truck, pull equipment hauling trailers, etc.
• Highly skilled as electrician, carpenter or plumber (currently certified or had been recently)

Trailhead Patrol and Forest Clean-up

Position description: Assist the Recreation Program in patrolling and maintaining National Forest trailheads. Duties include but are not limited to: driving to several trailheads in a day on paved and rugged gravel roads; making visitor contacts to answer questions; educate recreationists about the area; install and maintain appropriate signs and kiosks; encourage visitors to practice Leave No Trace techniques; maintain the trail register boxes and forms; perform maintenance at trailhead facilities; clean-up trash around the trailheads, clean toilets along patrol route, dispersed campsites and other forest areas; report conditions, visitor numbers, problems and daily activities to, the supervisor; assist in the care and maintenance of any vehicles used for to perform duties. The volunteer will always have a professional, courteous and helpful attitude when dealing with all members of the public, fellow volunteers and Forest Service employees. The volunteer will be trained in and adhere to all Forest Service Safety and Customer Service Procedures. This position requires a uniform, which will be provided to you at no cost.

Required skills and abilities:

• Read and speak English well
• Good communication skills with visitors and co-workers
• Positive, helpful and friendly attitude
• Always have a neat, professional appearance
• Good hearing for interacting in face-to-face contact
• Frequent bending/stooping and Light to moderate lifting, 10-50 pounds
• A valid driver’s license and good driving record
• Ability to drive on gravel, dirt and paved roads in all weather conditions for several hours
• Ability to alternate standing, sitting and light walking throughout the day for several hours
• Ability to hike 1-3 miles in high elevation, uneven terrain
• Ability to dig holes and repair wood fencing
• Ability to paint and maintain trailhead kiosks

Other helpful skills and abilities:

• Speak and/or read other languages (esp. Hopi, Navajo, Spanish, American Sign Language)
• Area familiarity
• Educator background
• Familiarity with the Leave No Trace Program

Grounds Maintenance and Recreation Rental Cabin Cleaning

Position description: Assist the Recreation Program and the Districts in maintaining the Ranger Station grounds and the grounds of the two recreation rental cabins as well as cleaning one of the cabins once a week. Duties include but are not limited to the following: mowing with push mower and riding mower; pulling and digging up weeds; applying common over-the-counter fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides; clipping/trimming trees and shrubs; planting trees, shrubs, and other plants; digging with a variety of tools; raking gravel; maintaining automatic sprinkler systems; hand watering; wood, wire, and steel fence maintenance; occasional painting; use of a variety of common gardening tools, hand tools and some power and gas operated tools such as mowers and weed whackers; mopping; standard house cleaning such as dusting, broom sweeping, scrubbing showers/toilets/sinks, washing windows and surfaces; beating mattresses; laundry; mouse traps; assist in the care and maintenance of any vehicles used for to perform duties; etc. The volunteer will always have a professional, courteous and helpful attitude when dealing with all members of the public, fellow volunteers and Forest Service employees. The volunteer will be trained in and adhere to all Forest Service Safety and Customer Service Procedures.

Required skills and abilities:

• Standing for long periods
• Light to moderate lifting, 15 to 40 pounds
• Able to work primarily outdoors in sun, wind and dry climate with cool morning and evening temperatures and hot daytime temps
• Not adversely effected by dust, loud noise, paint and chemical fumes
• Familiar with common tools.
• Familiarity with common plants and gardening techniques.
• A valid driver’s license and good driving record
• Ability to drive on gravel, dirt and paved roads in all weather conditions for a few hours at a time
• An eye for aesthetics and attention to detail

Other helpful (not required) skills and abilities:

• High skill level in use of common tools and some specialty tools
• High level of gardening/landscaping skills

Recreation Field Maintenance

Position description: Assist the Recreation and Facilities Programs: the installation and/or removal of signs and other wooden structures such as kiosks around the forest; painting signs, kiosks, restrooms, picnic tables, fences, sheds, etc. at recreation sites. Duties include but are not limited to: use of power tools to cut, route, sand and drill wood; take down and install signs in the field using hand/power/cordless tools; painting preparation such as washing and scraping; protecting ground and other surfaces from paint splatter with the use of ground cloths, painter’s tape, etc.; painting with brushes, rollers, spray cans, etc.; cleanup of site and equipment; cleaning toilets and removing trash in recreation sites; assist in the care and maintenance of any vehicles used for to perform duties. The volunteer will always have a professional, courteous and helpful attitude when dealing with all members of the public, fellow volunteers and Forest Service employees. The volunteer will be trained in and adhere to all Forest Service Safety and Customer Service Procedures.

Required skills and abilities:

• Standing and sitting for long periods
• Light to moderate lifting, 15 to 50 pounds
• Not adversely effected by dust, loud noise, paint and chemical fumes
• Familiar with common power tools.
• A valid driver’s license and good driving record
• Ability to drive on gravel, dirt and paved roads in all weather conditions for a few hours at a time, occasionally towing a utility trailer

Other helpful (not required) skills and abilities:

• High skill level in use of common power tools such as router, table saw, etc.
• Woodworking or sign maker background
• Professional painting experience

Notes and Considerations

Volunteers are selected on a variety of factors. Experience is preferred but not required. We understand that a major draw for Volunteers is to learn new skills, see new places and meet new people. Do not let any perceived shortcoming in experience ever deter you from applying for a volunteer position in the Forest Service. After all, variety is the spice of life.

The Flagstaff Ranger District provides an annual Spring Orientation for volunteers, and employees, where we provide everyone with a good overview of the Forest Service and our expectations. The supervisor for each department will further train volunteers in their individual jobs (and some volunteers train us in new skills). Other special training opportunities occasionally occur through the field season. We demand that all volunteers stay committed to a safe and enjoyable experience when they sign up with us.

Volunteers Assigned to RV/Trailer Sites

The RV camp, affectionately named Camp Elden, is managed for volunteers, with other use by special exception only. The reason for this management focus is due to a limited number of spaces available, and we are not able to provide employee housing. Trailer space is allocated fairly based on District needs. Facilities such as these are under close scrutiny, and we must be careful how we manage and care for them or we might lose them.

Things You Need to Know:

• Facility Manager. The RV/trailer site manager will be designated at the beginning of the field season and will be responsive to maintenance needs.
• Work Hours. Schedules vary dependent on the program each volunteer is enrolled in and are discussed in negotiations with the Volunteer Coordinator and the Volunteer’s Supervisor.
• Time Keeping. Volunteers will be required to track their work hours on forms provided by the Volunteer Coordinator. The Volunteer’s supervisor or the Volunteer Coordinator will provide direction of hour hours are tracked for Forest Service purposes.
• Period of Stay. Minimum of three months stay between May and September for the summer program. Occupancy must correspond directly with volunteer work.
• Storage. Stored personal equipment will be kept to a minimum, as approved by the site managers, and in such a way that it is not an eyesore or detracts from the overall visual appearance of the facility.
• Decorating. Sites will be maintained in a neat manner, and improvements, additions, signs, decorations, gardens, etc. must be approved by the site manager prior to their being constructed or installed.
• Standards. The RV camp will be managed to FS facility standards. The Forest Service will provide information and direction for improvements, utilities, natural resource protection, and personal equipment.
• Appearance. The site will be managed so as to appear to be a natural forest setting, (e.g., as a FS campground would appear) and vegetation will be protected as necessary to meet that goal.
• Utilities. Because of the susceptibility of below-ground utility lines (water & sewer) to damage due to freezing and other factors, the engineer and facility manager will determine standards for utility system management, including necessary protection measures, seasons of use, etc.
• Mail. Personal mail (letters, magazines, packages, etc.) cannot be accommodated through Forest Service Offices. If volunteers wish to receive mail during their service time they must make their own arrangements through a local post office or private mail service. Due to past difficulties with local mail services needing proof of a volunteer’s situation and location of temporary residence, the Volunteer Coordinator has a letter that you can request, addressed to the Postmaster, which makes this process much easier. (A similar situation exists with the local Library for use of computers and issuance of library cards for book checkouts. A letter can be requested for this as well.)
• Pets. Camp Elden is located within Coconino County and adjacent to the City of Flagstaff; pertinent county pet laws and leash laws will be followed. Problem animals may be reason to discontinue volunteer agreement. Pet owners are required to clean up after their pets within the camp. Pets that must be kept outside at all times or during the course of the owner’s workday will not be permitted.
• Community Respect. Because all our RV/Trailer facilities are arranged in a way that all residents are close together, in close proximity to an administrative work site, school and private homes, it is imperative that each resident respect the community atmosphere, each person’s privacy, and understand that everyone has different worktime/off-time schedules and personal preferences.
• Visitors. Overnight visitors are limited to a one-week stay in camp with notification given in advance to the volunteer’s supervisor and the Volunteer Coordinator, unless other arrangements are made (i.e. finding accommodations in town). Visitors should respect the nature and purpose of the RV/Trailer camp, respect all other residents’ space and keep noise to a minimum especially in morning and evening hours. Visitors will not be allowed to work with volunteers and should not be visiting administrative facilities where the general public is not allowed.
• Fire Restrictions. It is not uncommon for this area to be placed under various levels of Fire Restrictions and Forest Closures in the summer season. Camp Elden is part of the Peaks Ranger Station Administrative Site, which sits on part of the boundary between the City of Flagstaff and the Coconino National Forest. Camp Elden will be subject to the same fire restrictions as the public. One example would be if campfires and barbeques with wood or charcoal were prohibited on the Forest, they would also be prohibited in Camp Elden. Camp Elden has a group barbeque and fire pit for get-togethers and individual use by District volunteers and employees.

Note: Fire restrictions and forest closures can significantly alter volunteer duties some years. Volunteers may be limited in their duties or duties may change to aid the closure or restrictions effort. Volunteers will not be put in law enforcement or firefighting situations, nor will they be put near a fire setting where specially trained, certified, and paid employees are required. Any changes in a Volunteer’s duties must be agreed upon by the Volunteer, her/his Supervisor and the Volunteer Coordinator.

A dedicated group of volunteers motivated to help the Forest Service maintain, protect, and restore natural and cultural resources for the enjoyment of all generations. This diverse, solution, oriented group consists of volunteers from all ages and backgrounds, each bringing a unique skill and ability. All share a love of being outdoors and protecting and enhancing our forests.

Visit Site

In addition to using Volunteer.gov, you may also print an application and mail it to:

Attn: Volunteer Coordinator
Mogollon Rim Ranger District
8738 Ranger Rd.
Happy Jack, AZ 86024

Friends of the Forest Sedona provides teamwork and financial resources to assist the Forest Service in its day-to-day operations by assisting with visitor services, education, trail maintenance, and many other aspects of operations of the Red Rock District.

Visit Site

In addition to using Volunteer.gov, you may also print an application and mail it to:

Volunteer Coordinator
Red Rock Ranger District
P.O. Box 20429
Sedona, AZ 86341