Who: Graduates of an accredited Seasonal Law Enforcement Academy who have attained/or are working to attain a National Registry EMT certification.
What: "V" signifying Volunteer, the V-Unit program is a 6 month volunteer LE, EMS, and SAR oriented program supporting South Rim Patrol at Grand Canyon National Park.
V-Units will spend 32 hours a week patrolling the South Rim conducting visitor assists, assisting Law Enforcement with MVAs and traffic control, responding to EMS calls, assisting with SARs, helping with law enforcement investigations and collateral duties, reporting crimes, and completing other duties as assigned. V-Units will begin their season with a two week ride-along orientation with South Rim Patrol. In addition, V-Units will attend LE Refreshers and all applicable LE, EMS, and SAR trainings.
When: Summer seasons will run approximately June 1 to November 30 Winter seasons will run approximately December 1 to May 31
Where: Shared housing on the South Rim: utilities, uniform, patrol vehicle, and emergency equipment will be provided.
Why: One of the greatest challenges to starting your career will be finding your first seasonal job. Competition is fierce and hiring officials have the overwhelming task of choosing from a large applicant pool in a very short amount of time. Only applicants who have taken it upon themselves to attain additional experience stand out above the rest. This is where the Grand Canyon V-Unit program can benefit you.
While working alongside future peers and employers, you will gain the experiences you need to become competitive, the references needed to vouch for your capabilities, and the confidence to become a competent U.S. Park Ranger. Supervisors will help identify your career development needs and work with you to facilitate training and exposure.
- But what if I'm hired by another park while volunteering for Grand Canyon?
- Great! No hard feelings. While this program is designed to assist the Visitor and Resource Protection Division at Grand Canyon, our ultimate goal is to benefit the National Park Service by preparing its next generation of future Rangers.
Pay: Although this is a volunteer program, V-Units will be urged to sign up for after-hours emergency responses and will be paid as emergency hire employees when needed.
Apply: Request application packets and send any questions to Ryan McDonald-O'Lear. e-mail us
