Volunteer Preserve Visitor Center Site Host

Volunteer Position Description

The Nature Conservancy in Arizona

Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve

Title of position:        RV Site Host Volunteer

Statement of the Position:

The Nature Conservancy is looking for volunteers with a strong interest in environmental conservation to serve as RV site hosts at the Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve. RV site hosts live on site at one of the preserve’s two RV pads. They should be self-motivated, adaptable, and creative team players. They must be willing to work a flexible schedule that may include weekends. Strong candidates will have an interest in birding and feel comfortable leading nature or natural history walks.

Essential Functions:
Opens, closes, and staffs the visitor center.
Fee collection and visitor orientation
Administrative duties including: answering phones, and closing out registers
General chores including: filling feeders, cleaning restrooms, and trail and garden maintenance

Minimum Qualifications:
Physically fit – able to walk a couple miles of trails.
Valid Driver’s License.
Ability to pass a background check for youth safety.
Experience using computer applications such as Word, Excel and web browsers.

Preferred Qualifications:
Current in First Aid/CPR certification.
Ability to operate TNC equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
Knowledge of basic plumbing, electrical and carpentry skills.
Experience in trail maintenance and/or retail sales and inventory management.
Birding skills a plus
Desire to help The Nature Conservancy advance its conservation objectives.

Responsibility & Scope:
May work with limited supervision.
Interacts with the general public on behalf of The Nature Conservancy.

Time Required: Minimum of 25 hours/week for each volunteer.

ORIENTATION/TRAINING:
The manager and volunteer coordinator will deliver a thorough orientation of the preserve’s programs to site hosts.
A general TNC training is provided for all new volunteers
Volunteers will receive training for all special activities or tools required.

Start time and length of assignment: This is a seasonal volunteer opportunity. Maximum stay is 3.5 months but may be extended longer pending an agreement between the preserve manager and the site hosts.

Reports to the Preserve Manager.

To apply or for questions, please email us at: aaron.mrotek@tnc.org or call (520) 394-2400.

Why Volunteers Matter

The Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve, Arizona’s first Nature Conservancy preserve, was acquired in 1966. The success of the preserve’s programs depends in large part on the active involvement of our volunteers. Volunteer site hosts give us the ability to provide a superior birding experience while conserving a perennial stream that supports an astonishing diversity of flora and fauna.

Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve Site Host Rules and Regulations

This position serves at the discretion of the preserve manager.
This position will be overseen by the preserve manager and appointed staff.
Site host(s) might be asked to leave with no given cause.
Signing a SITE HOST Waiver and Release Agreement is required.
Background screening required.
Maximum stay is 3.5 months, but may be extended longer pending an agreement between the preserve manager and the site hosts
Site Hosts must work a minimum of 25 hours per week and can be worked together.
Any pets must live inside your RV (not tied, free ranging or kenneled outside).
Site host position cannot accommodate young children.
Respect flora, fauna and riparian areas while living on the preserve.
No selling of goods or services on the premises for personal gain.
No loud or aggressive behavior.
No smoking while at the visitor center or on the trails.
No collecting of historical artifacts.
No use of illegal drugs. Alcohol is allowed at the RV sites while the preserve is closed.
No firearms or weapons allowed on the property.

Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve Info

One 50 amp and one 30 amp RV site available.
Water, Sewer & Power hookups available.
Wi-Fi is available in the Visitor Center.
Cell phone service: AT&T and Verizon.
There is no TV hookup available at the RV sites.
The closest town for extensive goods and services is Nogales which is 18 miles away. Tucson and Sierra Vista are 50-60 miles from Patagonia.
Nearest laundry facility is in Patagonia at Tiny Bubbles or at the RV Park on Harshaw Road.
The preserve has one paid staff on site.
The high visitor seasons are October – November and March – mid-May.
For more information about the preserve, please visit our website.

Preserve & Area Amenities

Volunteers receive a discount on bookstore items and books.
873 + acres of beautiful riparian and mesquite bosque habitat to enjoy on the preserve.
Only a mile from the town of Patagonia. Patagonia Amenities include: Two grocery stores, The Patagonia Market and Red Mountain Foods (which has a good supply of organic produce and other healthy options), Ovens Bakery, 5 eating establishments, various indoor and outdoor musical events, a great library, museum, arts and crafts, Global Arts Gallery which features clothing, accessories and goods from around the world, a butterfly garden and close access to the Arizona Trail as well as other hiking trails.
Weather: It is usually very pleasant at most times of the year. It does get hot during the months of May and June but since the visitor count drops off you’ll have more time to spend experiencing all that the preserve has to offer. July and August are considered “monsoon” season and you’ll enjoy watching the afternoon thunderstorms. During the winter overnight temperatures regularly drop below freezing, but daytime temperatures are normally pleasant.
Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve is in many books as a premier birding site. You will learn a lot about birds!