National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service:  U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
Big Bend National Park1950s road sign advertising the park
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
Big Bend National Park
Volunteer
Drabeks at work
NPS
Volunteers clearing brush.
Each year over 200 volunteers contribute approximately 45,000 hours of service to Big Bend National Park. Some service groups come for a few days, other volunteers stay for months. Some are students, others are retirees looking for adventure during their "golden years." Some maintain and/or patrol trails while others work as campground hosts or as visitor center personnel. But regardless of age or background, these folks share a desire to make a positive contribution to the preservation and management of Big Bend National Park. Volunteers are a valuable and valued part of our operation and our community.

While we have far more applicants than positions, we are always looking for enthusiastic and energetic people. Competition for positions is highest during the winter months. Keep in mind that housing in Big Bend National Park is in short supply. Your chances of being selected as a volunteer are increased if you are able to provide your own trailer or recreational vehicle to live in.

Volunteers generally work two to three months, depending on the nature of work to be performed and the park's needs. The park may provide trailer or recreational vehicle campsites with full hookups or dormitory housing and utilities. Some funds are available to reimburse volunteers for costs such as obtaining a uniform and purchasing propane. Stipends are not available.

For more information regarding Big Bend National Park volunteer program, please contact the Park Volunteer Coordinator by phone (432 477.1195) or by email.

 
spring 2008 volunteers
NPS/ Jane Brown
Spring 2008 Volunteers

Join the Park Volunteer Team
Be a part of one of a great team and make a difference! The National Park Service is an equal opportunity employer.

 
Current Volunteer Opportunities

BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK/CHISOS BASIN CAMPGROUND
Activities: Campground Host
Dates: 03/01/2009----11/01/2009

PERSIMMON GAP VISITOR CENTER
Activities: Tour Guide/Interpretation, Visitor Information
Dates: 10/13/2008----02/13/2009

1/2 DAY PRE-SCHOOL TEACHER W/ HOUSING
Activities: Conservation Education, General Assistance
Dates: 09/08/2008----12/19/2009

TRAILS GIS/ASSESSMENT
Activities: Trail/Campground Maintenance, Back Country/Wilderness
Dates: 05/19/2008----05/31/2009

WOODWORKER
Activities: Construction/Maintenance, Historical Preservation
Dates: 06/03/2008----05/31/2009

ROAD CREW
Activities: Construction/Maintenance, General Assistance
Dates: 06/03/2008----05/31/2009

CHISOS BASIN CAMPGROUND
Activities: Campground Host
Dates: 07/06/2008----01/30/2009



To view more NPS volunteer opportunities, go to www.nps.gov/volunteer or www.volunteer.gov/gov
 

Did You Know?
A few miles into Green Gulch, to the left of the road and high on the slopes of Lost Mine Peak, is a small cave that looks like a little house and is called the Watchman's House. According to legend, this cave is occupied by the ghost of the Indian slave who guarded the mine in the Chisos Mountains.
more...

Last Updated: May 07, 2008 at 16:49 EST