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Be an Arizona State Parks Volunteer!

Browse our Volunteer Categories and Volunteer Locations
to find your place at Arizona State Parks, then Apply Online or download our Volunteer Application and fax: 602/542-4188

NEW: THE SENIOR SCIENTIST PROJECT LIST
SSPL is a part of the Arizona State Park’s Research, Inventory and Monitoring Volunteer Program (RIM). The RIM program utilizes volunteers primarily as field researchers, collecting data related to natural and cultural resources at our parks.  Volunteers also assist with data recording, data management, data analysis, planning and report writing, all based on individual interests and availability.  Housing on-site at parks may be available.

Review the following Senior Scientist Project volunteer opportunities and Apply Online

PROJECT NAME:  Invasive Species Inventory – Verde River Greenway
LOCATION:  Dead Horse Ranch State Park/Verde River Greenway Cottonwood, Arizona

DESCRIPTION:  The Senior Scientist Volunteer would complete a draft Site Specific Integrated Invasive Species Management Plan, which includes mapping and data collection of priority species, developing a treatment plan and monitoring treatment actions.

PROJECT TIMELINE:  Jan 2008 – April 2008:  Mapping and data collection
May 2008 – June 2008:  Report Writing

SKILLS/EXPERIENCE NEEDED:  Degree(s) in related field, demonstrated experience in research methodology design and implementation, skill in plant identification and keying, familiarity with all aspects of GPS and GIS, background in non-native species including treatment plans, demonstrated skill in data analysis and report creation, comfortable working independently.

PROJECT NAME:  Invasive Species Inventory – Red Rock State Park
LOCATION:  Red Rock State Park, Sedona, Arizona

DESCRIPTION:  The Senior Scientist Volunteer would complete a draft Site Specific Integrated Invasive Species Management Plan, which includes prioritization of species, mapping and data collection of priority species, developing a treatment plan and monitoring treatment actions.

PROJECT TIMELINE:  Jan 2008 – April 2008:  Mapping and data collection
May 2008 – June 2008:  Report Writing

SKILLS/EXPERIENCE NEEDED: Degree(s) in related field, demonstrated experience in research methodology design and implementation, skill in plant identification and keying, familiarity with all aspects of GPS and GIS, background in non-native species including treatment plans, demonstrated skill in data analysis and report creation, comfortable working independently.

PROJECT NAME:  Invasive Plant Mapping/Inventory – San Rafael State Natural Area
LOCATION:  San Rafael State Natural Area, Patagonia, Arizona

DESCRIPTION:  The Senior Scientist Volunteer would map and collect invasive species, analyze data, prepare inventory report and develop site specific invasive species management plan.

PROJECT TIMELINE:  Jan 2008 – October 2008:  Mapping and data collection
November 2008 – December 2008: analysis and report

SKILLS/EXPERIENCE NEEDED: Degree(s) in related field, demonstrated experience in research methodology design and implementation, skill in plant identification and keying, familiarity with all aspects of GPS and GIS, background in non-native species, demonstrated skill in data analysis and report creation, comfortable working independently. Familiarity with The Nature Conservancy plant prioritization for invasive species and specific infestation guidelines. Familarity with INVADERS/ or NAWMA methods.

PROJECT NAME:  Floristics Inventory and Herbarium Development
LOCATION:  Oracle State Park, Oracle, AZ

DESCRIPTION:  Design and implement complete floristics inventory, specimen collection for herbarium on site and museum site, creation of herbarium.

PROJECT TIMELINE: January 2008 through January 2009

SKILLS/EXPERIENCE NEEDED:  Degree(s) in related field, demonstrated experience in research methodology design and implementation, skill in plant identification and keying, familiarity with all aspects of GPS and GIS, familiarity with Arizona vegetation, ability to train park staff or other volunteers in plant collection, ability to create herbarium, demonstrated skill in data analysis and report creation, comfortable working independently.

PROJECT NAME:  Saguaro Population, Distribution, Density and Age Study
LOCATION:  Picacho Peak State Park, Picacho, Arizona

DESCRIPTION:  The Senior Scientist Volunteer would design and implement the Saguaro Study, analyze data, and prepare the final report.

PROJECT TIMELINE:
January-March 2008: Project Design
April- July. 2008:  Field Work
August – November 2008:  Analysis and Report

SKILLS/EXPERIENCE NEEDED:  Degree(s) in related field, demonstrated skill in research methodology design and implementation, familiarity with all aspects of GPS and GIS, demonstrated skill in data analysis and report creation, ability to train park staff or other volunteers in data collection,  familiarity with saguaro natural history and the lesser long nose bat, comfortable working independently.

PROJECT NAME:  Mammal Inventory; Emphasis on Bats and Small Mammals
LOCATION:  Sonoita Creek State Natural Area and Patagonia Lake State Park, Patagonia, Arizona

DESCRIPTION:  The Senior Scientist Volunteer would design inventory methodology and implement the mammal inventory, analyze data, and prepare a final report.

PROJECT TIMELINE: January –March 2008 Project Design
April-September 2008 Field Work
October –December 2008 Data Analysis and Report

SKILLS/EXPERIENCE NEEDED:  Degree(s) in related field, demonstrated experience in research methodology design and implementation, familiarity with mammal identification and keying, familiarity with mammals of Arizona, ability to train park staff or other volunteers in live trap methods, demonstrated data analysis and report creation skills, comfortable working independently. In possession of appropriate state and federal permits.

PROJECT NAME:  Lesser Long Nosed Bat and Agave Study
LOCATION:  Kartchner Caverns State Park, Benson, Arizona 

DESCRIPTION:  Project will involve coordinating inter-agency regional Agave management plan, plan implementation, report creation, and Bat Management Plan update.

PROJECT TIMELINE: January –March 2008 Project Design
April-October 2008 Field Work
November 2008 –Janaury 2009 Analysis and Report 

SKILLS/EXPERIENCE NEEDED:  Degree(s) in related field, ability to coordinate with multiple entities regarding complicated scientific concepts, demonstrated report creation and plan implementation skills, familiarity with Agave and the lesser long nose bat natural history, familiarity with all aspects of GPS and GIS, ability to train park staff or other volunteers in monitoring methods, demonstrated research methodology design and implementation skills. In possession of appropriate state and federal permits.