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Are you looking to learn new skills or to give back to your national parks? Every year, volunteers donate their time and talent to White Sands National Park. We could not do what we do—protect the resource and serve our visitors—without the support of our amazing volunteers. If you are looking to volunteer at White Sands, these FAQs may provide you with the information you need to help you decide if volunteering at White Sands is right for you.
NPS Photo White Sands is in the southeastern section of New Mexico. It is found along U.S. Highway 70, 15 miles (24 km) west of Alamogordo and 52 miles (84 km) east of Las Cruces. It is in the northernmost part of the Chihuahuan desert. 
Public Domain Photo All our available positions that we are currently recruiting can be found on our website. This will show you a list of all our available opportunities. If you find a position title that interests you, click on it and you will be taken to the full position description on www.volunteer.gov. There, you will also find an "apply now" button associated with each available position. Please apply for any position that you're interested in, available and qualified for. 
NPS Photo Once your volunteer application is submitted, it will be forwarded to the White Sands National Park Volunteer Coordinator for review. If your skills, interest, and availability correspond with current volunteer opportunities, the volunteer coordinator will contact you to discuss the opportunity and to arrange an interview. The volunteer coordinator will also conduct reference checks. When you submit your application, please include a resume and at least two current references. 
NPS Photo Front-line interpretive ranger volunteer and maintenance volunteer are two opportunities with year-round openings. Other volunteer opportunities such as field work with resource management and basic building repair/maintenance may be available. For those opportunities, please contact the park to inquire about these positions. 
NPS Photo Front-line interpretive ranger: This positions may require standing for three to four hours at a time, walking one mile (1.6 km) or more over sand dunes, sitting for extended periods of time, and working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions. Maintenance volunteer: This position requires walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, and lifting up to 45 pounds (20 kg). The work is done both indoors and outdoors. Work outdoors is done in a variety of weather conditions including hot dry summers and cool to cold winters. 
NPS Photo Your position is divided into three separate areas all of which constitute one workday. You will work in the visitor center operating the cash register, greeting visitors, answering their questions and providing information about park resources, programs, regulations, activities, and safety procedures. This also includes involvement with the Junior Ranger Program. If interested, the volunteer may advance to presenting interpretive programs such as the one-hour Sunset Stroll guided ranger walk with adequate experience and training. On occasion, you will be assigned to give other educational programs both at White Sands and in the community. Each day you will also have project time to work on an assigned research project. Example projects include developing a desert safety podcast, developing a web page to help the hearing impaired, working on updating the photo archives, and updating interpretive material. Periodically, you will also be required to attend staff meetings and training and to help with special events held at the park. 
NPS Photo You will be required to perform custodial duties including emptying trash cans throughout the park, cleaning and restocking restrooms and vault toilets, picking up litter, and cleaning the administration offices. You may also be responsible for making minor repairs throughout the park, painting, installing signs, and maintaining trails. You must be able to lift 45 pounds (20 kg). This work also requires bending, kneeling, and working indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions. 
NPS Photo For the front-line interpretative ranger position, you will be required to take online interpretive education and will also have access to already developed interpretive programs. You will have professional feedback while developing your own interpretive talks. Furthermore, loaned books and pamphlets on history, flora and fauna of White Sands will be loaned to you. In the visitor center, you will shadow park personnel while learning your duties in the park store and visitor center. 
NPS Photo If you are single and residing at White Sands National Park, you will be required to work 32 hours per week. Couples are required at a minimum to work a combined 32-hour week. Since park hours vary depending on the sunset time, you will not have a set schedule as some days you will begin in the morning and, at other times, in the afternoon. 
NPS Photo Generally, you will work the same days but not the same schedule. This allows the park to more fully cover all its positions. 
NPS Photo There are five RV sites located in the staff housing area at White Sands National Park. All sites have both 30- and 50-amp service with water and sewer hookups. These are suitable for trailers, Class C’s, Class B’s and motorhomes (up to 45 feet/13 m). The park provides water, sewer, and electricity. It does not provide propane or internet/cable services. RV sites and housing are a 3-minute walk from the visitor center. There are also two two-bedroom homes that may be available. 
NPS Photo No, as a volunteer you are not required to live at White Sands National Park. If you live in town, you are not required to meet the 32 hour per week volunteer requirement. 
NPS Photo Yes, volunteers wear khaki shirts and brown pants. We will loan you short and long sleeve shirts, hat, and a jacket. You must provide your own pants and shoes. 
NPS Photo When you begin your volunteer service, you will enroll as an individual volunteer. Your volunteer agreement will include a position description that outlines the specific duties you have agreed to perform. At the start of your service, you will receive training to ensure you can complete these duties safely. Safety is always our highest priority. If you are injured while performing your assigned duties, notify your supervisor immediately. Your supervisor will assist you in obtaining prompt medical care. As soon as you are able, you and your supervisor must complete an incident report documenting the injury, the treatment received and confirming that the injury occurred while carrying out the duties listed in your position description. For liability and injury purposes, volunteers who are working within their assigned position descriptions may be eligible for coverage through the federal Workers’ Compensation Program (OWCP). 
NPS Photo You will be working in a high‑desert environment, where temperatures can vary significantly between day and night. Winters are colder than many people expect for a desert climate, and snowfall is possible during the winter months, though it usually melts by mid‑day. Summer temperatures can exceed 100°F (37°C). The rainy season runs from July through September, when roughly half of our annual 10 inches (25 cm) of precipitation occurs. March and April are typically the windiest months, but strong winds (35 mph / 56 km/h or more) can occur at any time of year. The White Sands weather page will provide you more information about what weather to expect. 
NPS Photo Yes, you are welcome to bring your pets. They are required to be on a leash and under your control when they are outside. We do request that you clean up after them. 
NPS Photo Volunteers are allowed free use of a washer and dryer located on site. Volunteers also receive free admission to White Sands National Park. Recognition ceremonies are held to underscore the importance of our volunteer staff to us. 
NPS Photo Neither Wi-Fi nor cable are supplied by White Sands National Park. There are providers in Alamogordo and Starlink works well at the park. Please note that we do not have computers for the personal use of volunteers. 
NPS Photo At times this can be a challenge depending on which cell phone service provider you have and where you are in the park. You may want to use an external antenna and amplifier. 
NPS Photo Alamogordo (15 miles/24 km away) has three large chain grocery stores. There is also one health food store in this city. Restaurants? There are numerous fast-food chains as well as chain restaurants. Local eating places include Chinese, Thai, Italian and Mexican establishments. Medical care? Alamogordo is home to the regional Christus Health medical complex and hospital. Most of your health care needs can be met there. Critical care facilities are in Las Cruces, El Paso and Albuquerque. Military? Holloman Air Force Base (AFB) is located 8 miles (13 km) from the park. For retired service personnel, Holloman offers health care, shopping, and fitness facilities. |
Last updated: May 22, 2026