Trails Worker

MAKE YOUR VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE MEMORABLE WHILE HELPING GILA CLIFF DWELLINGS!

The park is  looking for trail maintenance help between June and November 2020. Volunteers are asked to commit to 3 months or more during that time frame.

 WHAT WILL YOU DO?

The Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is looking for motivated individuals with a passion for trails, trail work, and landscaping. The volunteer will work alongside other volunteers and park staff in the maintenance, upkeep and construction associated with our trail system and recreation sights. This is a strenuous and rewarding volunteer opportunity.

Applicants should possess the skills, or the willingness to learn the skills associated with trail work and landscaping. Tools such as loppers, axes, rakes, saws, shovels, weed eaters, rock bars, mowers and chisels, etc. may be used on a daily basis. The work will encompass heavy lifting, hard physical work, and up to 6 miles of hiking a day. A strong work ethic and ability to problem solve, communicate, and laugh with others is required.

All of the tools and personal protection equipment will be available for the volunteer. Safety is at the top of our priority list, and it is expected that the volunteer join the culture of physical and emotional safety we have created at the Cliff Dwellings National Monument. The first few days of your stay will be focused on this subject.

All staff and volunteers at the Monument are expected to help with janitorial duties. These duties will not exceed 10% of your time. We embody a team atmosphere, and we all have to help out in areas outside of our job description. At times the volunteer might be asked to help out with covering lunches for the interpretive staff, building maintenance needs, or other duties at the park. 

LOCATION AND LOGISTICS:

The National Monument is located in a remote area within the beautiful mountains of the Gila National Forest and Gila Wilderness Area of southwestern New Mexico.  Enjoy amazing scenery and outstanding local recreational opportunities including hiking, biking, kayaking, wilderness hot springs, wildlife observation, and much more.

A limited number of dorm rooms for singles are usually available as well as some RV sites that may be available.

Volunteers will be living and working at an altitude of about 5700 feet (1737m). Since the park is open year-round and much of the work is outdoors, volunteers will be working in a wide range of weather conditions and temperatures. Other work may require lifting over 40 pounds, working indoors and outdoors, climbing ladders, and using hand and power tools.

Cell phones do not work within the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument area. There is a land-line in the dorm. Free WiFi is available in the housing area. The RV park sites have free utilities, WiFi, quiet, and easy access to hot spring soaking. Staying at the RV park entails a 10-mile round trip drive to the work site in your private vehicle.

NOTE: Couples must complete applications for EACH person.

Due to the remoteness, reliable personal transportation and a valid driver’s license are required.