Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers serve in a variety of ways to enhance Pima County’s Environmental Education programs. At Agua Caliente Park, Ranch House Tour Guides lead visitors through the renovated Ranch House and interpret the history of the property. Volunteer Naturalists lead nature walks and staff informal interpretive stations. Youth Programs Volunteers assist with the delivery of hands-on activities for students visiting the park from area schools. In addition to park programs, volunteers may assist in tabling at community events or deliver outreach talks to community groups. Volunteers are required to attend a Volunteer Training Course but can apply to begin their volunteer service at any time. The next Volunteer Training Course at Agua Caliente will be held in the fall of 2009. A new Volunteer Training Course is scheduled for the fall of 2008 in Tucson Mountain Park (see below).  If you are interested in volunteering, please contact eeducation@pima.gov or fill out an application.

Tucson Mountain Park Volunteer Training Course
Beginning on October 17, a six-week Volunteer Training Course will be offered in Tucson Mountain Park that will cover various aspects of desert ecology. Sessions will be offered on local wildlife, native vegetation, geology, birdlife, and invasive species. Upon completion of the training, volunteers can choose to lead nature walks, give informal talks for park visitors, present prepared talks for community groups, or join invasive species eradication efforts. The weekly classes will be held on Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon at the SASI (Sonoran Arthropod Studies Inc.) offices near the intersection of Kinney and Gates Pass Rd. Fee of $25. For information or to register, call 615-7855 or email eeducation@pima.gov

Expectations and Benefits for Volunteers

Volunteers are expected to:

• Complete a six-week Volunteer Training Course.
• Choose an area(s) of service and commit to approximately 8 hours per month for at least one year. (Extended time off in summer is OK)
• Complete the training required for their area of service. 
• Wear a volunteer badge, dress appropriately, and represent the county in a positive and professional manner.
• Record their hours on each day they worked or attended a training session.
• Attend the monthly volunteer meetings and field trips to continue learning about the natural and cultural history of the region.

Volunteers will experience and receive:

• An in-depth learning experience about the natural and cultural history of the Sonoran Desert region.
• Opportunities to meet and socialize with other like-minded individuals through their participation in the Volunteer Program.
• Opportunities to meet and interact with visitors from all walks of life and many parts of the world.
• Opportunities to continue learning about the natural and cultural history of the Sonoran Desert region through ongoing classes and field trips.
• Opportunities to contribute to their community and enrich the lives of others through their volunteer service.
• The monthly Volunteer Newsletter containing news and items of interest to volunteers.
• Annual volunteer recognition events hosted by the Environmental Education staff to honor the service of volunteers.

Buffelgrass Action Volunteers
Pima County Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation works with several partners to identify and control invasive plant infestations in Pima County Parks and natural open space. The principal focus is in the mapping and control of buffelgrass and fountain grass. Much of the work involves assisting the all-volunteer Sonoran Desert Weedwackers with hand-pulling invasive grasses from areas in Tucson Mountain Park. Buffelgrass Action Volunteers participate in trainings in specific areas of interest to become confident in delivering education presentations, coordination of buffelgrass pulling teams, or mapping of infestations.