2026-2027 Volunteer Application Gilbert Ray Campground

2026-2027 Volunteer Application

Gilbert Ray Campground

Pima County is pleased to begin recruitment for volunteer Camp Host positions for the 2026-2027 season at Gilbert Ray Campground. The season begins September 1st and ends April 30th. Ten (10) total volunteer sites are available; each site can accommodate up to two (2) individuals.

About CLR

Pima County’s Conservation Lands and Resources (CLR) department is committed to the stewardship and enhancement of our county conservation lands, as well as facilitating development in alignment with the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan (SDCP), Multi-Species Conservation Plan (MSCP), Board policies, and other regulatory frameworks. We employ science-based conservation strategies and foster public engagement through education and recreation while maintaining the ecological and cultural integrity of Indigenous and historic-era sites, mountain parks, trails, ranches, and other County conservation lands.

About Gilbert Ray Campground

Gilbert Ray Campground (GRC) is located within Tucson Mountain Park and near Old Tucson, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, and Saguaro National Park. The campground features 138 total campsites across three loops (A, C and H) and primarily serves RV users. Gilbert Ray has a rich history spanning almost 100 years and previously served as a Civilian Conservation Core camp, tuberculosis preventorium and automobile picnic area before taking shape as a county campground in the early 1970s.  

Over 50 years later, Gilbert Ray continues to evolve. The campground was recently transferred to a new online reservation system. Cash-handling and first-come, first-served camping has been eliminated. Major improvements have been made to on-site infrastructure over the last two years, including modern electrical hookups at all campsites. Additional improvements are planned, including repaving our roads, redesigning the campground’s entry sequence and servicing our aging water lines.

Position overview

Volunteers have supported campground operations at Gilbert Ray for decades. In this position, you’ll be responsible for providing consistent, high-quality, boots-on-the-ground customer service to both national and international campers. In addition, you’ll support County staff in operating our online reservation system. The Camp Host position is supervised by Pima County staff – the Gilbert Ray campground coordinator. The Gilbert Ray campground coordinator also supervises several other seasonal County staff stationed at Gilbert Ray.

Responsibilities:

·       Each site will contribute 20 hours of primary duties per week on a set schedule

Please note: Hours will be split between individuals if sharing a site                         

·       Secondary duty is being available to respond to camper inquiries within the campground after business hours 

·       Greet campers and provide information about their reserved site(s), the campground, Tucson Mountain Park and the surrounding area

·       Verify campers’ reservation details, including site number and length of stay

·       Assist campers with accessing their reservation, including demonstrating how to access the County’s online reservation system and check current availability at the campground 

·       Clean and restock restrooms during assigned shift

·       Support County staff with campground operations e.g. explaining and clarifying CLR Department and County policies to campers, reporting maintenance needs and other concerns as needed

·       Work a limited number of evenings per week e.g. being available to respond to camper inquiries within the campground after business hours

·       Serve as a professional, front-line representative for the CLR department and Pima County 

Qualifications 

·       Customer Service

o   Passion – a genuine love for the outdoors; being comfortable with customer relations; remembering that every camper’s experience camping might be their first

o   Agility – assessing and prioritizing a high volume of camper inquiries, sometimes simultaneously; knowing when an issue is within your scope and when to ask for help

o   Composure – conflict de-escalation and resolution e.g. staying calm and thinking critically in stressful situations; being solution-oriented; following CLR department and County policies at all times

·       Technology Use

o   Adaptability – navigating a new online reservation system e.g. accessing campers’ information and continually learning new features

o   Flexibility – troubleshooting technology issues and collaborating with County staff

·       Teamwork

o   Professionalism – proudly representing the CLR department and Pima County; continually growing your knowledge of our properties, programs and events

o   Organization – maintaining thorough documentation e.g. detailed written or digital notes regarding camper interactions

o   Awareness – knowing (and owning) your role e.g. operating as part of a large, diverse team; maintaining clear, respectful communication with colleagues; knowing when to step up and when to step back

·       Previous camping and/or RV experience is desirable but not required.

Please note: This position has a physical fitness requirement e.g. all volunteers must be able to walk, stand, hear, speak and be comfortable outdoors in all types of weather. This position involves cleaning restrooms with a bucket and mop.

 Environment

·       Gilbert Ray Campground sits around 2600ft in elevation in the Sonoran Desert.

·       A typical camping season stretches from November to April and encompasses all of winter in addition to parts of fall and spring.

·       Winters in Tucson are typically mild, with highs in the mid-60s and lows in the mid-40s.

·       Triple-digit high temperatures exceeding 100 degrees are still possible in late October.

·       Nights below freezing—while rare—sometimes occur in January and February.

·       Camp Hosts spend much of their time outside. Using sun protection, wearing appropriate clothing and footwear and staying hydrated are essential when working in a low-desert environment.

Benefits

·       One (1) RV-compatible site provided for the duration of the season

·       Full electric (20-, 30- and 50-amp) 

·       Potable water hookups 

·       All fees—including rent and utilities—waived 

·       Basic uniform and equipment provided e.g. County hat, shirts, and PPE 

·       60+ miles of trails in Tucson Mountain Park alone to explore, with over 175 miles of trails across all CLR department properties

·       Close proximity to Old Tucson, the Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum, and Saguaro National Park; access to surrounding natural areas like Ironwood National Monument, Madera Canyon, Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge, Kartchner Caverns State Park, Chiricahua National Monument

·       Access to metro Tucson (about 30 minutes away from the campground), a UNESCO City of Gastronomy featuring many amenities e.g. an international airport, restaurants, shopping, sports, and recreation opportunities

Please note: Septic hookups are not available at any site. Volunteers will be provided with portable RV dump tanks by the County if needed.

How To Apply

·       Applications open on 7/15/26.

·       To apply, please go to https://forms.office.com/g/RE8zrwjjBE and complete an application.

·       All positions will remain open until filled.

Application Details

·       For applicants planning to live alone, a single application is required.

·       For applicants planning to live together where BOTH individuals will volunteer, separate applications are required. Specify the name of your co-applicant in your application.

·       For applicants planning to live together where ONE (1) individual will volunteer, a single application is required. Specify the name of your co-tenant in your application. One (1) individual is permitted to be a co-tenant e.g. a spouse, domestic partner or family member living with a volunteer but not employed by CLR Department.

Next Steps

·       Upon review, selected applicants will be invited to schedule a short phone interview with County staff. Interviews will be conducted during County business hours, 8 a.m. to 5.p.m. Monday – Friday AZT.

·       Selected applicants will be notified of their status within two (2) weeks of completing their interview. 

·       If accepted for the position, applicants will receive a phone call followed by a written offer letter from County staff complete with volunteer agreement, work schedule and required paperwork.

Please note: all volunteer sites feature the same amenities. The location, dimensions and view at each site varies. Site assignments will be determined by County staff after all positions have been filled.

·       After all positions have been filled, all applicants will be notified of their status.

·       For questions, please contact gilbertraycampground@pima.gov and include “26-27 Camp Host position” in the email subject line.