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Government Canyon State Natural Area

Located within the city limits of San Antonio, Government Canyon State Natural Area is one of the nation’s largest urban preserves. The Natural Area protects thousands of acres of the recharge zone for the Edwards Aquifer. It also protects an oasis of natural communities, including habitat for several endangered species. Nearly 40 miles of trails range from remote rugged canyon lands to gentle rolling prairies. Stone buildings and other structures dot the landscape giving glimpses of its ranching heritage. The visitor center complex includes a park store, exhibit gallery and classrooms where visitors can learn about the significance of the Edwards Aquifer to San Antonio and surrounding regions, the variety of cultural and natural resources present in the area, as well as learning about the unique partnerships that are all part of this natural area. At present, Government Canyon is a day-use only area open to the public four days a week.

Serves as park host for Government Canyon State Natural Area. Under the direction of the park host coordinator this volunteer position will assist in the daily functions of the natural area. Park hosts generally work 25 hours/couple or 12.5/individual in visitor service needs such as acquainting visitors with natural area facilities and answering questions relating to the natural area and natural area services. Park hosts also assist with fee and revenue collection as well as monitoring the use of trailheads. Light maintenance duties may also be performed as well as assisting in any special projects or other duties as assigned.

Listed below is the breakdown of the essential duty requirements for a park host at Government Canyon State Natural Area. Duties are divided into four groups: customer service, natural area maintenance, clerical/revenue support, and special maintenance duties. Training, skills, and physical strength necessary to perform these duties will vary. Please note that a host might not be required or assigned to perform every mentioned duty especially if they are physically unable to perform certain tasks. Hosts with special skills, like carpentry or something else, may be additionally assigned other duties. Applicants should list any special skills on application.

Government Canyon State Natural Area seeks motivated and dedicated individuals to join our team. Park hosts should have an interest in outdoor recreational areas and facilities and their operation and preservation. Hosts should be experienced campers and enjoy the outdoors. Park host candidates will also need to fill out a criminal history clearance form prior to selection.

Government Canyon State Natural Area has four 50amp full hookup RV sites for park host use in exchange for 25 hours a week per couple or 12.5 hours per individual. Each site has a parking pad, a picnic table, and a fire pit. Hosts will also be able to add to the site, with approval, other accommodations including decks, benches, etc. In addition, propane will be provided to each host. Park hosts will also be able to use a state vehicle when performing duties. Park hosts also receive a store discount of 20% on all merchandise. A telephone line will be available for hosts to set up their own service at each host site.

Upon acceptance and arrival, park hosts will receive a job and site orientation and must sign-off on a volunteer liability release prior to beginning duties. Pets are welcome but should follow State Natural Area guidelines and must stay on a leash and under owner’s control. Pets are not allowed in the backcountry trail system. Park hosts will be issued a shirt, vest, cap, or other item of clothing identifying them as a member of the park staff. Hosts should wear these items when performing host duties.