Interns and Volunteers

Research opportunities abound at the Southwestern Research Station. Interns are responsible for aggressively seeking out those opportunities and actively pursuing their individual goals. Many interns can participate in research projects of onsite researchers. Volunteers perform chores necessary to the daily functioning and long-term maintenance of the facility. The main chore areas are kitchen, housekeeping, grounds and maintenance. Volunteers are scheduled into specific work times each week. Although work takes first priority, every effort is made to adjust the schedule to ensure that volunteers have time off when needed to address their personal needs or interests.

Qualifications

Volunteers are expected to be mature, responsible, dependable, and friendly individuals that are willing to pitch in and assist with whatever needs to be done.

Time Commitment

Volunteer appointments are for a minimum of six weeks and a maximum of eight weeks. In the spring and fall, there are few researchers, but many nature tours and naturalists staying at the Station.

Travel

Volunteers are responsible for providing their own transportation to and from the Station. There is no public transportation to the Research Station, so driving a personal vehicle is the best option. However, if flying to Tucson it may be possible for us to coordinate a carpool or ride from a community member already traveling from Tucson that day. There is no guarantee that anyone will be available. If this is not possible, we ask that you take the greyhound bus or Amtrak to the closest stops, either Benson, AZ or Lordsburg, NM. With enough notice we can arrange for staff to meet you there and drive you the rest of the way.

International volunteers should obtain a Tourist visa.

Types of Volunteer Programs 

As a volunteer, you can choose to spend your time off assisting with, or conducting, research in addition to volunteer duties or you can choose to spend time birding, hiking, and enjoying other nature adventures in the Chiricahua Mountains. 

Assisting with, or conducting, research in addition to volunteer duties

This program offers students in biological sciences outstanding opportunities to observe and become involved with scientists conducting field research. All meals, shared dormitory lodging, laundry facilities, and internet are provided to interns in exchange for 24 hours per week of routine chores necessary to the operation of the station, with their remaining time available for research activities. Interns conducting an independent research project, also need to submit a research application.

This opportunity is open to both undergraduate and graduate students whom are currently registered in, or have recently graduated from, or considering re-entering a degree seeking program in a biological sciences field of study. The program is open from March through October, however most research at the SWRS is carried out from May through the end of August, when the majority of scientists visit the Station. We encourage you to enter the program during this time period, as we cannot guarantee that there will be any researchers visiting during the spring and fall months. Time commitments to the program range from 6–8 weeks.

Pursuing own interests outside of volunteer duties

This program offers individuals the opportunity to enjoy all the wonders of the Chiricahua Mountains. Just a few minutes walk from the Station are hiking trails, creeks, and birding areas matched no where else in the United States. All meals, shared dormitory lodging, laundry facilities and internet are provided to volunteers in exchange for 24 hours per week of routine chores, with the remaining time available for personal activities. 

The opportunity is available from March 1–June 30 and September 1–October 31 each year, with some flexibility to include dates in July and August as space allows. Few researchers are at the Station this time of year, but the Station does host many birding groups and classes during the spring and fall months. Additionally, local companies/groups are known to host seminars, local hiking trips, bands and a plethora of other events during this time. Time commitments for the program range from 6–8 weeks.

How to Apply

Applications are accepted year-round. Please download and complete the appropriate application below, save the completed form to your computer, and send it as an attachment by emailing [email protected]. Alternatively, you can print the completed application and fax it to 520-558-2018, or mail it directly to: 

Click on the appropriate link below to download the application.

For volunteers interested in assisting with or conducting research in addition to their volunteer duties: 

For volunteers interested in birding, hiking, and other nature adventures in addition to volunteer duties: 

Volunteer Program Print-out: