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Please note that volunteer projects may be cancelled on short notice due to weather or fire conditions. We will try to let you know of any road closures that may affect volunteer projects, and any cancellations due to weather or fire. However, cancellations and road closures may occur on short notice and we may not be able to inform you. Please keep this in mind when planning to attend a volunteer project. Click here for information about project cancellations and road closures.


Unit 37B - North 96 Hills Water Development Project – Volunteers needed
When: Friday and Saturday nights (March 12th and 13th )
Where: From Tucson - Take Oracle Rd (Hwy 77) north to Oracle Jct. Go Left (west) on Hwy 79 toward Florence. Turn Right (east) at MP 119 on the 96 Ranch Rd.  Drive east approximately 2.7 miles then turn left (north) and go approximately 2.2 miles until the road spits again.  Take the right (east) fork and follow the signs from here.

From Phoenix – Take Highway 60 east to Florence Junction.  Go south on Highway 79 and go through the town of Florence like you are heading toward Tucson.  Turn left (east) at MP 119 on the 96 Ranch Rd.  Drive east approximately 2.7 miles then turn left (north) and go approximately 2.2 miles until the road spits again.  Take the right (east) fork and follow the signs from here.
Description: The Arizona Game and Fish Department is requesting your assistance to help build a wildlife water catchment on the weekend of March 12-14th.  We will be constructing a new water development in the 96 Hills in Game Management Unit 37B for wildlife, and we would greatly appreciate your help.  We will be camping out close to the project site on Friday and Saturday nights (March 12th and 13th).  Assistance would be greatly appreciated on Friday and/or Saturday if possible, even if you can only help for a day.  Dinner will be provided on Saturday night for those who would like to relax around the campfire after a hard days work.  Children are welcome.

What to bring:  Hat, sunscreen, gloves, water and food (except for Saturday night) and a cordless drill if possible.
Contact: If you are interested in helping out, please contact Ben Brochu at (520) 229-3222 or bbrochu@azgfd.gov for more information.  Please RSVP if possible so we know how many people to cook for – Thanks
 
Back-tailed Prairie Dog Re-establishment project in cooperation with Bureau of Land Management, Sky Island Alliance, and Sierra club.
When: March 20th   11:00-5:00 site clearing.  March 21st   8:00-5:00 site clearing.  March 22nd   8:00-5:00 burrow construction.  (still waiting for confirmation of this day)
Where: Las Cienegas National Conservation Area – Southeast of Tucson and Northeast of Sonoita.
Directions from Tucson:  Take I-10 east to the exit for Hwy 83 Sonoita and head south.  On Why 83, go just up the hill past the Border Patrol Check station and turn left into Las Cienegas or Empire Ranch.  Follow this road for 3 miles until the road T’s and turn right.  Follow this road for about 1 mile and turn left on road LC 904.  Follow road for about ½ mile and the site will be on the right.  The road is accessible by car until one reaches the LC 904 road and then it depends on the weather for the last half mile.
Description: The next site for Black-tailed prairie dogs has been chosen and the mesquite has been cut but has not been cleared.  We need volunteers to help us clear mesquite off the site and install artificial burrows for the prairie dogs new homes.  There is no training required and the only materials volunteers need to bring are a pair of gloves and a shovel if you plan to help with the burrow installation
Speical Notes:
Camping is allowed on the Las Cienegas property but volunteers will be responsible for their own camping equipment.  Please come prepared for all types of weather (appropriate clothing, sun block, hat) and long sleeves are recommended while clearing mesquite.  Volunteers will need to bring their own food and water as well.
Contact: For more information, please call Holly Hicks at: (623)236-7499 or hhicks@azgfd.gov
RSVP if possible so we have an accurate head count - Thanks
 
36A, B & C RANCH CLEAN UP
This event is put on in partnership with the Arizona Game and Fish Department, Pima County Parks and Recreation, the Arizona Chapter of the Safari Club International, and most importantly, the volunteers who care about cleaning up desert and wildlife habitat that has been impacted by immigration issues
When: March 20th and 21st, 2010, 8:00 AM start. Lunch will be at Camp from 11am-1pm.  Please RSVP so we can provide enough food
Where: The Hunters Who Care Camp will be at the Veterans Park just south of Three points.  Take Ajo Way west from Tucson to Three Points.  Turn South on Hwy 286 and go 1 mile to the Veterans Park on the east side of the Hwy.  Trash Bags and Dumpsters will be available at the campsite. 
Description: Volunteers are encouraged to look for trash anywhere they want.  If anyone would like to report locations of litter concentrations due to immigration in 36A, B or C, please contact us.  If anyone needs any additional accommodations, dumpsters or trailers in different areas, trash bags before the event, please contact Mark Frieberg in advance. 
Our goal for this clean up is to pick up trash on ranches in Game Management Units 36A & C including the Kings Anvil Ranch, Elkhorn and Santa Margarita Ranches.  However, we are not limited to those areas and volunteers can clean up wherever they would like
Contact: Officer Mark Frieberg at 520-762-8172 or mfrieberg@azgfd.gov
Officer Jackie Kell at 520-628-5376 or JKell@azgfd.gov
 
Black-footed Ferret Spot lighting
When: The Black-footed Ferret Project will be hosting a large spring spotlighting event March 25th – 29th.  Spotlighting will begin on Thursday night March 25th and conclude on Tuesday morning March 30th. After training, spotlighting will begin and continue until approximately 6:00AM
Where: Spotlighting events are held in the Aubrey Valley to determine ferret population estimates, long-term survival rates, and kit production.  Returning Volunteers: Please arrive at Pica Camp gate (mile marker 123) at 9:00PM. New Volunteers: Please arrive at the Field House at 8:00PM.  Directions will follow in a confirmation e-mail.  
Description: GEAR – As gear can be a limiting factor for the number of people that may attend, if you have any of the following, please bring it for your use: Headlamp or flashlight (these will not be provided), GPS unit, Pen (to record data),Compass (to record direction that trap is set), Binoculars. Must have the ability to stay attentive from sunset to sunrise while spotlighting for black-footed ferrets. Ability to carry up to 30 pounds while backpack spotlighting for two-hour durations. Ability to use or learn how to use a GPS unit.

Most importantly,dress appropriately for the time of year. Multiple layers are best, as March nights can be cold, but you will warm up while backpack spotlighting.  Raingear is highly recommended as you never know what the weather will be in the valley.  Also, be sure to bring plenty of snacks and water.  Snacking throughout the night will help you to stay awake.
Contact: For more information please send an email to azferret@azgfd.gov with “March Spotlighting” in subject.
Please RSVP at your earliest convenience by March19th, as space is limited and weekend nights tend to fill up first.
If you sign up for spotlighting and are then unable to attend, please make sure to contact us as soon as you can, so your space can be filled.
 
Area Host at Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area
When: On-going
Where: Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area located on the south end of Coffman rd. 2 ½ miles south of Davis rd. and 1 ½ miles west of Central Hwy. approximately 21 miles north of Douglas and or Bisbee.
Description: Wildlife area hosts are volunteers who assist manager with a variety of duties, interact with visitors, and maintain the facility.
Example of Duties:  Host duties include interacting with visitors, picking up litter, cleaning visitor restrooms, cleaning bunkhouse, yard maintenance, light farm work, replacing full sign in sheets with blank ones, maintaining and updating information on kiosk and information boxes such as history of area, wildlife species likely to be encountered and Department brochures. Other duties as needed – this may include assisting the manager with some shoveling, also lifting and moving 8 inch diameter PVC plastic irrigation pipe. Hosts are on duty from 7am – 4pm on weekends and holidays, and on weekdays when there are large groups of visitors.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Host should have good communication and interpersonal skills, enjoy talking with different types of people, be able to provide excellent customer service, and accept and follow supervision/instruction from manager. Hosts should be able to perform basic cleaning and maintenance duties. Knowledge of birding, Arizona wildlife, and tractor operation is a plus. Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs is also a plus but not necessary.

Training: Volunteer hosts will receive training in the following areas: interacting with visitors, answering visitor questions, and safety training.

Other Notes: A Two-recreational vehicle hook up site is provided. Applicants will need to provide references and will be interviewed via a phone interview with manager.
Contact: Jim Garrett, Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area Manager
(520) 642 - 3763 or whitewater@hughes.net
 
Powers Butte Wildlife Area Host
When: Ongoing
Where: Powers Butte Wildlife Area, Southwest of Buckeye, Arizona along the the Gila River.
Description: Wildlife area host are volunteers who live on site, assist with facility maintenance and interact with vistors. Host should have good communication and interpersonal skills, enjoy talking with different types of people, be able to provide excellent customer service, accept and follow supervision/instruction from Wildlife Area Manager.

Host duties include interacting with visitors, picking up litter, cleaning and restocking material in information kiosks, identify and report any cleaning and maintenance needs to Wildlife Area Manager, other duties as needed.

Hosts duty hours change seasonally, expect 30 to 40 hours weekly.

Must have own Travel Trailer or Motor Home.

Water, Electricity, Sewer provided. May hook up Satellite TV at own cost. Great opportunity to see wildlife, especially birds.

Applicants will be expected to provide references.
Contact: Phil Smith, Wildlife Area Manager Region VI. psmithgfd@hughes.net or (602)290-2237
 
Boating Safety Education Program Volunteer instructor
When: Ongoing. This program operates with volunteers and they are vital to its ongoing success.
Where: Volunteer decides where they want to teach (Phoenix Game and Fish department Headquarters is always a venue)
Description: 35 to 40 applicants are needed for the position of volunteer boating education instructor. They should be at least 18 years of age and need to complete a volunteer instructor application. They should have already completed either the classroom or online Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Boat Arizona course. The applicants will then be scheduled to attend the 16-hour instructor-training program September 13 – 14. Upon successful completion of the training, a background investigation will be conducted prior to any candidate receiving an appointment as a certified volunteer boating safety education instructor

It is highly suggested that applicants have a solid boating background and experience, a basic knowledge of Arizona’s waterways, boats, motors, trailering and safety equipment requirements as well as state and federal rules and regulations. Some teaching and/or public speaking experience will help as well. Certified instructors will be expected to teach, assist in teaching, or proctor at least two classes annually as well as complete any necessary or required in-service training once a year. Valid Arizona Driver's License required.
Contact: Ed Huntsman Conservation Education Program Manager: Ehuntsman@azgfd.gov or (623)236-7237
 
Sipe Wildlife Area Seasonal Host
When: 2010 - Late May through Labor Day Weekend.
Work hours 8am to 5pm, 3 to 4 days a week
.
Where: Sipe Wildlife Area  8 miles south of Eagar, AZ  off Highway 180
Description: 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 be good with people. Must have own Travel Trailer or Motor Home. Water, Electricity, Sewer, parking pad provided. May hook up Satellite TV at own cost. Absolutely beautiful hiking trails, great opportunity to see Wildlife, especially birds and Elk. Seven miles from small towns of Springerville, Eagar. Right in the heart of the White Mountains, close to fishing, hiking, camping and great outdoor recreational activities. Temperature in the 70-80 during day. Cool in the evenings.  Call for directions
Contact: Brian Crawford, Sipe Wildlife Area Manager. (928) 333-4518  sipecrawford@yahoo.com P.O  Box 1361, Eagar, AZ 85925
 
Tonto Creek Hatchery Summer Host
When: NEW 2010 Opportunity
April 1, 2010 – October 31, 2010
Where: Tonto Creek Hatchery, located 20 miles east of Payson, off highway 260
Description: Wildlife area host are volunteers who live on site, assist with facility maintenance and interact with visitors. Additional duties include providing change for feed machines, other duties as needed. Hosts are on duty from 7am – 4pm on weekends and holidays, and on weekdays when there are large groups of visitors. Host should have good communication and interpersonal skills, 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 is provided. Applicants will need to provide references and will be interviewed via a phone interview with hatchery staff.
Contact: Mark Severson at (928)478-4200, Mseverson@azgfd.gov or tchatchery@hughes.net
 
Upper verde River Host
When: April 15 2010 - ongoing
Where: Upper Verde River Wildlife Area - 8 miles NW of Chino Valley
Description: Host should have good communication and interpersonal skills, enjoy talking with different types of people, be able to provide excellent customer service, and accept and follow supervision/instruction from manager. Host duties include interacting with visitors, picking up litter, cleaning visitor restrooms, and other duties as needed. Opportunities exist for the host to be involved with development of interpretive signs, trails and other activities.  Opening and closing of the entrance gate to control visitor access may also be required.  Hosts are on duty from 7am – 4pm on weekends and holidays, and on weekdays when there are large groups of visitors. Knowledge of birding and Arizona wildlife is a plus. A recreational vehicle site with water, propane, and septage is provided. Applicants will need to provide references and will be interviewed via a phone interview with manager
Contact: Jeff Pebworth Wildlife Program Manager, Region III
(928)692-7700 or jpebworth@azgfd.gov  
 
Range Safety Officers at Ben Avery Shooting Facility
When: Year round
Where: Ben Avery Shooting Facility, located in north Phoenix, just west of I-17 (Exit 223) on the Carefree Highway
Description: 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 Schwartzkoph: MSchwartzkopf@azgfd.gov
 
Page Springs Wildlife Area Trail Maintenance
When: Work days can be arranged with the project leader, but usually occur on Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Page Springs Wildlife Area, 10 miles south of Sedona
Description: Volunteers 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
 
Volunteer Shotgun Instructor or Range Officer for Women's Shooting Program
When: First and third Thursday of every month, 7pm-10pm
Where: Ben Avery Shooting Facility, located in north Phoenix, just west of I-17 (Exit 223) on the Carefree Highway
Description: Volunteers will instruct women of all ages in the shotgun shooting sports as prescribed by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. 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: Frederick Jeffers (623)262-4623
 
 
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