The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s volunteer program provides opportunities for volunteers to participate firsthand in managing Arizona’s wildlife resources. Our goal is to provide you with a congenial and cooperative atmosphere where you can build relationships with staff and other volunteers, as well as gain knowledge about Arizona wildlife and wildlife management. We recognize that your time is important and strive to provide rewarding and educational volunteer experiences.

Listed below are some opportunities in which you may have an interest. To learn about other opportunities or to submit information about a project that would benefit from our volunteers, check our volunteer page at:

www.azgfd.gov/volunteer

Sept. 13
29th Annual Lower Salt River Clean-Up, near Saguaro Lake
Pre-register online or register at the clean up site between 7-9 a.m.
General trash clean up and removal to benefit wildlife.
Contact Sheryl Yerkovich: (480) 610-3332 or syerkovich@fs.fed.us

Oct. 18
Sycamore Mesa fence modification (GMU 21) – Arizona Antelope Foundation, near Cordes Junction
Modifying fence to make it pronghorn/wildlife friendly. Volunteers are encouraged to bring ATV’s/Rangers/Rhinos because the site road is not very good. The AAF will provide a free steak dinner on Saturday night.
Contact Scott Anderson:(480) 213-1611 or info@azantelope.org.

Ongoing
Volunteer Boating Safety Education Program Instructor, statewide
Teach boating education and safety. 35 to 40 applicants are needed. Must be 18 or older, have valid Arizona drivers license, solid boating experience and have completed the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Boat Arizona course. Background check will be performed for certification.
Contact Ed Huntsman: ehuntsman@azgfd.gov or (623) 236-7237.

Ongoing
Environmental Educator, statewide
This volunteer position will include training in basic animal handling and public presentations. Work at the center may involve lifting up to 50 pounds, interacting with the public, inclement weather and handling live animals. Special notes: We are looking for individuals with strong public speaking backgrounds, possibly retired teachers or college students pursuing a career in education. Valid Arizona driver’s license required.
Contact Kellie Tharp: ktharp@azgfd.gov or (623) 236-7238.

Ongoing
Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center Volunteer, Phoenix
Assist with the daily care and maintenance of the resident education animals including: beak trim, talon trim, weight, and medicine logs, preparing diets, cleaning of enclosures and more. Work may involve lifting up to 50 pounds, interacting with the public, inclement weather and handling live animals.
Contact Kellie Tharp: ktharp@azgfd.gov or (623) 236-7238.

Late May through Labor Day Weekend 2009
Sipe Wildlife Area Seasonal Host, near Eager
Open and close visitors center (VC), oversee security of VC facilities. Answer the public’s wildlife and recreational related questions. Greet, provide literature, give directions and provide information and assistance to visitors of the wildlife area. Identify and report any cleaning and maintenance needs to area manager. No experience necessary. Must have own travel trailer or motor home. Water, electricity, sewer, parking pad provided. May hook up satellite TV at own cost.
Contact Brian Crawford: (928) 333-4518, or sipecrawford@yahoo.com.

Immediate: April 1, 2008 – October 31, 2008
Tonto Creek Hatchery Summer Host, near Payson
Live on site, assist with facility maintenance and interact with visitors. Good communication and interpersonal skills required and enjoy talking with different types of people, be able to provide excellent customer service, and accept and follow supervision/instruction from hatchery employees. Accommodations along with fresh water, electrical, propane and septic are provided.
Contact John Diehl: (928) 478-4200 or thatchery@cybertrails.com.

Immediate: April 15, 2008 – ongoing
Upper Verde River Host, near Chino Valley
Host duties include interacting with visitors, picking up litter, cleaning visitor restrooms, and other duties as needed. Knowledge of birding and Arizona wildlife is a plus. Host should have good communication and interpersonal skills, and accept and follow supervision/instruction from manager. A recreational vehicle site with water, propane, and septic is provided.
Contact Jeff Pebworth: (928) 692-7700 or jpeworth@azgfd.gov.

Year round
Range Safety Officers at Ben Avery Shooting Facility, Phoenix
Range Safety Officer (RSO) responsibilities include checking the safe condition of customer firearms, observing participants while they are shooting on the range, maintaining safe operation of the shooting line, and providing superior customer service by answering customer questions about firearms.
Contact Matthew Schwartzkopf: MSchwartzkopf@azgfd.gov or (602) 904-2622.

Ongoing, Saturdays
Page Springs Wildlife Area Trail Maintenance, near Sedona
Assist with trail maintenance, using hand tools such as rakes, shovels and clippers. This is a cooperative project with the Northern Audubon Society.
Contact Gene Okamoto: psh@sedona.net or (928) 634-4805

Ongoing: Monthly, 1st and 3rd Thursday, evenings
Volunteer Shotgun Instructor or Range Officer for Women’s Shooting Program, Phoenix
Volunteers will instruct women of all ages in the shotgun shooting sports. Coaches will assist beginners in shotgun shooting form and skill. Range Safety Officers will watch over range and ensure safety among all participants. Instructors will teach, and assist in teaching, or proctor the hour-long introductory class. Applicants must be at least 21 years old and participate in a free-of-charge Shotgun Instructor Certification process (2-day class). It is desirable, but not necessary, that instructors have shooting experience, basic knowledge of firearms and firearms safety, and some teaching/public speaking experience. Benefits to volunteers include free shooting at the main range and discounts at local sporting goods locations.
Contact Fred Jeffers: (623) 262-4623 or fjeffers@azgfd.gov.

By Les Bell, volunteer coordinator, Arizona Game and Fish Department