The volunteer season at Mesa Ranger District typically runs from October through April.  There are some activities that continue into May, but the season is winding down in May as the temperature starts to climb.

No, there is no specific minimum number of hours. There are a variety of ways you can volunteer.  You can be an individual volunteer, a team leader, or work on group projects by being in our manpower pool.  If you choose to be a team leader, we do project that you would need to be prepared to volunteer at least 16 - 24 hours per month.

Team leaders are volunteers that we train to help plan, coordinate or supervise events.  Because staffing levels are very limited at the Forest Service, it's important for us have volunteers who can help in this role.  Without them, the number of events that we can conduct is limited.  We especially need team leaders and we are happy to train you for your role.  As a team leader, you will be issued a Forest Service volunteer uniform.

You will receive an orientation to your assignment and training in the organization, policies and goals of the District and Forest Service.  You will also receive training in the field from Forest Service staff or experienced volunteers.  In addition, you will have an opportunity to get training in CPR and First Aid, as well as other areas.

Whether you wear a unform or not depends on your work assignment.  If you work as a team leader, or in a position that involves frequent public contact, you will be issued the standard Forest Service Volunteer uniform.  If you work on group projects such as Green Team (cleanup) projects, or you are doing trail maintenance, you can wear your own clothes, or you can purchase a long or short sleeve volunteer T-Shirt from the "Alliance Volunteer Store".  Typically volunteers working as Team Leaders, Wilderness Stewards, or Conservation Educators are issued uniforms.

That depends on your work assignment.  At this time, anyone who works in frequent contact with youth (like Boy Scouts) or who has access to  Forest Service offices, computers, or vehicles, is required to pass a background check.  Most Forest Service volunteer positions do not require a background check.

While some volunteers do become Forest Service employees, that is rare.  Employment by the Forest Service is limited and usually highly competitive. We don't recommend that you volunteer for the purpose of getting a job with the Forest Service.