Campground Host

Bureau of Land Management – Lower Sonoran Field Office

Volunteer Job Description: Painted Rock Campground / Petroglyph Day Use Site

October 2020-May 2021

Job title: Campground Host

The Painted Rock Petroglyph Site and Campground is located approximately 90 miles southwest of Phoenix, Arizona. The site provides visitors the opportunity to view an ancient archaeological site containing hundreds of symbolic and artistic rock etchings, or "petroglyphs," produced centuries ago by prehistoric peoples. There are also inscriptions made by people who passed through during historic times. Several historic trails lie within the campground. The Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail, The Butterfield Overland Stage Route and the Mormon Battalion Trail are three trails that played prominent roles in the history of Arizona and the American West. Visitors can learn about the site and historic trails through professional interpretive panels located on the site.

Location: Painted Rock Petroglyph Site and Campground

Managed by the BLM Lower Sonoran Field Office; 21605 N. 7th Ave.; Phoenix, AZ  85027

Work Environment:  The Painted Rock Campground / Petroglyph Day Use Site sits at an elevation of 150 feet, approximately 90 miles southwest of Phoenix, AZ and 26 miles west of Gila Bend, AZ. The site is EXTREMELY REMOTE & ISOLATED where cell phone coverage can be unreliable depending upon the carrier. All work will be performed in a beautiful outdoor setting. The site provides visitors the opportunity to view an ancient archaeological site containing hundreds of symbolic and artistic etchings, or “petroglyphs,” produced centuries ago by prehistoric peoples. Sixty (60) campsites and two (2) group sites with picnic tables, barbeque grills, fire rings, and two vault toilets are provided for camping and picnicking.  The ramadas are available for group activities.  Camping fees are $8.00 vehicle / night.  Day use fees are $2.00 vehicle / day. Area activities include camping, picnicking, hiking, mountain biking and sightseeing. The nearest grocery store is about a 2-hour drive in Buckeye, AZ. The nearest hardware store, propane, gas station, dump station and telephone are located in Gila Bend, AZ.  There is a small medical facility located in Gila Bend, but the nearest major medical facility is in Buckeye, AZ. Emergency medical assistance can be summoned by calling 911 or the BLM Law Enforcement Dispatch Center.  The volunteer will have the opportunity to meet interesting and friendly visitors, as well as, gain insight into the BLM’s natural resource and recreation programs.

BLM provided amenities to be used by BLM camp host only:

·         Non-potable water

·         Electricity

·         Host specific site and parking

·         Utility vehicle (if available)

Position requirements:

·         Complete background investigation

·         Direct deposit information for reimbursement

·         Presentable shelter (No tents, pop up trailers, etc.)

·         Email address

·         A complete and signed BLM volunteer agreement for each person acting as a camp host

·         Cell phone or contact number

·         Complete assigned BLM trainings

o   OHV safe handling and operation if UTV is provided

o   FISSA, EEO, POSH (sexual harassment), Ethics, Rules of Behavior

o   The Painted Rock Campground is in process of transitioning to an online reservation system and the host may need to complete additional training if the system is implemented this season.

o   Additional on the job training will be provided upon arrival

Job / Duties include but are not limited to:

·         Work closely with Human Resources, Recreation Staff, and Volunteer Coordinator to complete background investigation paperwork in a timely manner.  Completed background investigation paperwork and fingerprints are required three weeks before report date.

·         Greet visitors and provide information regarding directions, nearby services, use of facilities, fee payment, campground regulations, etc. 

·         Perform tasks such as cleaning bathrooms and maintaining their cleanliness daily, restocking bathroom supplies (toilet paper, hand sanitizer) throughout the day, cleaning fire rings, and picking up litter.

·         Inspect and clean campsites after each occupation and remove all trash, keep the entire campground clean and picked up, and keep picnic areas, day-use areas, parking lots, and trails clean and trash-free. 

·         Patrol the campground to encourage but not enforce compliance with rules and regulations pertaining to parking, campfires, noise levels, sanitation, and safety.   

·         Keep information kiosk and brochure racks tidy and stocked and notify Recreation staff when more brochures and camping permits are needed. 

·         Post “Campground Full” sign at entrance when at capacity. 

·         Assist BLM as a fee collection witness at the request of BLM staff.

·         Notify BLM staff when fee tubes need to be swapped out, Camp Hosts are not permitted to handle money or to make change for campers.

·         Records incidents, including illegal activities, vandalism, etc., and notifies supervisor or the Law Enforcement Dispatch as soon as possible. 

Time Commitment:  The campground high use season is from October 1 through May 1 annually.  The day use site remains open throughout the year. The actual number of days and hours worked per day is flexible and depends on level of public visitation.  Volunteers will be expected to work on weekends since this is the peak of activity.

Conduct:  Camp Hosts will be expected to adhere to behaviors and a code of conduct as outlined within the Volunteer Manual.  On duty and/or excessive consumption of alcohol is not permitted.  No changes will be made to the site, no items such as plaques, memorials or rocks shall be placed, no moving of rocks, no removing of rocks.  Violations or non-adherence to established rules can result in termination of the volunteer agreement at any time.  No aggressive animals.  Pets must be on leash at all times.

Uniform: The host serves as a representative of the BLM at the campground and will be required to wear a visible BLM Volunteer Emblem while on duty. Wearing and/or display of personal firearms will not be permitted.

Training: All training required for the position will be provided by the BLM.

The BLM will provide all tools, supplies and PPE required to complete assigned duties.  Hosts must be certified to operate power tools and machines by the BLM. This should happen shortly after arrival.

On Duty / Off Duty and Working Hours: Since this is a remote site and very minimal direct supervision is provided, the volunteer will be considered on duty each day including holidays.  Normal working hours are 0700 until 1600, although the volunteer is not expected to work during this entire period.  Routine maintenance activities generally can be completed in 2-3 hours per day. Volunteer is not considered to be on duty during trips to town for groceries, mail, or time off. Days off should be scheduled during the middle of the week (Tuesday - Thursday) since the peak of visitor activity occurs from Friday through Monday. Other days off may be arranged, as needed, through the supervisor.

Compensation:  Compensation is not provided.

Authorized reimbursements are by direct deposit only.

Camp Rate Reimbursement

“…camp-rate reimbursement may be provided to the volunteer for the convenience of BLM” (Volunteer Manual 1114-.98B) during the campgrounds open season as approved by BLM.  The rate will be $12.50 per day not to exceed $387.50 per month.

Vehicle Use Reimbursement

Volunteers who choose to drive rather than walk the campground and site are required to use their privately owned vehicles and can be reimbursed at $0.14 per mile (1114-.98A) if approved by BLM. Volunteers may be reimbursed for local car travel to attend host training/orientation and first aid/CPR classes.

Additional Reimbursements

Volunteers with appropriate receipts shall be reimbursed for costs of fingerprints necessary to complete background investigations, and purchase of drinking water if authorized by the Field Manager.

These expenses represent personal costs benefiting the U.S. Government in furtherance of the mission of the Bureau of Land Management.

Satellite and Internet are the Camp Hosts responsibility and will not be provided or reimbursed by the BLM.

Storage: Onsite storage facilities are to be utilized for BLM equipment and materials only unless written authorization is granted by the Field Manager for personal use.

Supervision: Volunteer will be supervised by a Lower Sonoran Field Office Outdoor Recreation Planner. The volunteer is expected to be able to work independently with minimal supervision once all required orientation is provided.

Contacts: Hosts will use the following points of contact if there are issues in the campground:  For policy and planning, or maintenance issues, contact Recreation Planners. For volunteer paperwork and background check documents, contact the Volunteer Coordinator. For law enforcement issues, contact BLM Law Enforcement Dispatch Center:

Cynthia Barrett, Outdoor Recreation Planner, Lower Sonoran Field Office:

Erich Schow, Outdoor Recreation Planner, Lower Sonoran Field Office: 

Lawrence Harper, Volunteer Coordinator, Phoenix District Office:

Melinda Mahoney, Park Ranger, Sonoran Desert National Monument: 

Ed Kender, Lower Sonoran Field Office Manager:

Katie White Bull, Lower Sonoran Field Office Assistant Manager: 

BLM Law Enforcement Dispatch Center: 

Regulations Governing Volunteer Conduct. Volunteers perform work in support of the BLM mission in accordance with the regulations set forth below:

A. Volunteers are required to maintain high standards of honesty, integrity, impartiality, and conduct in the course of, or in relation to, their volunteer service (43 CFR 20.735-2(b)).

B. Volunteers are expected to be courteous., considerate, and prompt when dealing with and serving the public (43 CFR 20.735-2(b)).

C. Volunteers must comply with all applicable federal statutes and regulations issued by the Department of the Interior and/or the Bureau of Land Management.

D. Volunteers must comply with any lawful regulations, orders, policies, and proper requests of the supervisor or other government officials having jurisdiction over the work or project involved (43 CFR 20.735-2(d)).

E. In the course of, or in relation to, their volunteer service, volunteers shall adhere to the policy of the Federal Government that there shall be no discrimination in service based on factors of race, creed, religion, color, national origin, political affiliation, physical challenge, sex, age, and similar matters not related to merit and fitness (43 CFR 20-735-(c)).

F. Volunteers should consult with their supervisors on general questions they may have regarding the applicability of various regulations which may pertain to their service (43 CFR 20.735-2(g)). G. Volunteers shall be held accountable for Government property and monies entrusted to them in connection with their volunteer service. It is each volunteer's responsibility to protect and conserve Government Property and to use it for official purposes only (43 CFR 20-735-15(a)). H. Volunteers shall not use or authorize the use of a Government owned or leased motor vehicle for other than official purposes (43 CFR 20.735.15(b)).

I. Volunteers shall not sexually harass other volunteers, Government employees, or members of the public having business with the Department (43 CFR 20.735-17(a)).

J. Volunteers shall not participate in any gambling activity while on Government-owned or leased property, or while on duty for the Government (43 CFR 20.735-17(d)).

K. Volunteers are prohibited from using alcohol or illegal drugs while on duty as described in the Volunteer Agreement. A volunteer who uses intoxicants while on duty is subject to dismissal and cancellation of his/her Volunteer Agreement (43 CFR 20.735-17(g)).

L. The carrying or transportation of firearms in a Government vehicle or use while on duty is prohibited. The authority to carry a firearm will be given only in a circumstance where a BLM employee would also require a firearm (excluding law enforcement) for safety reasons (e.g., bear count assignment).

Any violation or non-adherence to the rules we have established can result in Termination of the Volunteer Agreement at any time.