Volunteer at DVPP!
Interesting in Volunteering at DVPP?
The Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve is looking for volunteers! Those interested in volunteering can choose from four different types of volunteer work: Trail and Garden Maintenance, Education and Docents, Collections Management, Site Steward and Special Events. All those interested in volunteering will need to fill out an application form and will go through appropriate training based on role the volunteer is interested in.
All Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve volunteers will go through individual training programs and must follow the Code of Conduct. Each volunteer will sign a copy of the Code of Conduct, which will be filed on site. Failure to adhere to the Code of Conduct may result in being removed from the volunteer program.
Volunteer Philosophy
Our Volunteer Philosophy is that volunteers will work alongside staff to augment the Preserve’s ability to carry out its mission.
Volunteers will assist with educational efforts by working with staff during field trips and administering educational programming. Volunteers will also answer guest questions and have conversations with guests about the Preserve and our mission.
Volunteers will assist with research efforts by working with staff to organize and document our research collection. All of the research materials from various archaeological studies need to be cataloged, digitized, and properly stored in order for us to use them effectively. Volunteers will help us sort through our research records so they can be presented to the public.
Volunteers will assist with conservation and preservation efforts by working with staff to maintain the trail and garden areas. This happens through the removal of invasive plant species from the Preserve and the planting of native plants. Volunteers will help by gardening and maintaining plants to keep the trail clear and safe, and to promote an environment that helps other plants and animals in the Preserve thrive.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers in the Education and Docents roles will perform tasks such as greeting visitors, answering questions from visitors of all ages, and assisting with educational activities during school visits.
Training:
Volunteers will receive in-depth training on the history of the Preserve and the modern day mission. They will be trained on how to interact with visitors, how to lead educational programming for field trips, and how to design and give good tours. This role requires approximately 5 hours of training. Volunteers who work with children will need to pass a background check.
Skills:
Volunteers may be successful in this role if they are friendly and enjoy talking to other people, enjoy working with children, and collaborate well with others.
Volunteers in Collections Management roles will perform tasks such as organizing documents and collection items, photographing and scanning documents and artifacts, conducting condition reporting, and recording data.
Training:
Volunteers will receive training on how to conduct condition reporting for historical artifacts and documents, best practices for archiving, how to use required technology such as document scanners, and how to store collections materials. This role requires approximately 1 hour of training.
Skills:
Volunteers may be successful in this role if they have an interest in archiving and working with historical materials, are willing to learn new concepts, and enjoy repetitive tasks such as data entry.
Volunteers in Trail and Garden Maintenance roles will perform tasks such as tending to plants and gardens, including weeding, planting and removing plants, inspecting and cleaning the trail, and participating in the Invasive Plant Program working days (typically one Saturday per month).
Training:
Volunteers will receive training on how to identify invasive and native plants, how to properly remove invasive plants, how to care for native plants, and how to support the conservation of the land and natural environment of the Preserve. This role requires approximately 1 hour of training.
Skills:
- Volunteers may be successful in this role if they are comfortable working outside with their hands and with various gardening tools in the natural area.
- Volunteering in the garden and trail requires manual physical labor–volunteers should be comfortable standing, crouching, and digging for extended periods of time, and using gardening equipment such as trowels, shovels, rakes, and wheelbarrows.
- Volunteers may lift heavy objects, such as filled trash bags, that weigh 15 pounds or more.
Volunteers who assist with Special Events will perform various tasks depending on the nature of the event. Typical duties may include setting up tables and chairs, making signs, assisting special guests, directing visitors, and cleaning up after events.
Training:
Little to no training is required for helping with special events. Volunteers will be instructed on the day where to find supplies and what to do.
Skills:
Volunteers in this role may be successful if they are good at following directions and working together with others to accomplish tasks.
Volunteers who will assist with monitoring and recording of the archaeological site, particularly the Petroglyph site along the Hedgpeth Hills.
Tasks will include, but are not limited to, monitoring petroglyphs for graffiti, documenting any new marks or etchings, participating in standard recording activities, reporting any graffiti or vandalism to the archaeological sites to the DVPP staff, and working outside for extended periods.
Training:
Volunteers will receive training on recording petroglyphs, from documentation, graffiti and vandalism documentation, setting up a study area, and illustrating.
Skills:
Volunteers in this role may be successful if they are good at drawing, detail-oriented, able to work well as part of a team, and able to work independently. They will need to be able to work outdoors for extended periods, lift up to 20 lbs, and walk or move on uneven surfaces.