Resident Volunteer: Property Caretaker

Background

Rio Mora National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area, established in 2012 through a land donation, is located in the transition zone between the Great Plains and the Southern Rocky Mountains. The refuge contains 4,224 acres of shortgrass prairie, riparian wetlands, piñon/juniper, oak, and coniferous forests all surrounding a meandering five miles of the Mora River. This variety of habitat supports a wide range of animal and plant life, including endangered species. The refuge partners with many local and state organizations to facilitates research, restoration and education.

Housing at Rio Mora NWR is located in a beautiful, but very remote canyon. Housing is in a historic building that also is available to events and tours in certain areas of the house. **Pets are not allowed in any government facility on site. ** There is no reliable cell phone service or Wi-Fi at the house, however there is Wi-Fi in the Education Building that is less than a 5-minute walk. Rio Mora NWR is located near Watrous, NM and is about 30 minutes away from Las Vegas, NM. Las Vegas, NM has grocery stores, restaurants, a movie theater etc.

Rio Mora NWR is part of the Northern New Mexico NWR Complex, which also includes Las Vegas and Maxwell NWRs.

Volunteer Position

The Northern New Mexico NWR Complex strives to maintain a Queer/LGBTQA+ and BIPOC-friendly space and work environment. Working and living at this station requires the ability to work with, take direction from, and live near people of all ages, backgrounds, and personality types. Positive outlooks and flexibility are key to success at this refuge complex.

We are seeking individuals or a couple to serve as general service volunteers for 2026. We are flexible on exact volunteer dates. *** Volunteers must be able to provide housing references from past landlords. ***

The Resident Volunteer: Property Caretaker Position requires that each individual work at least 4 days or 32 hours per week and be located onsite. Housing is available at Rio Mora NWR or dry RV areas are also available. Duties will vary throughout the year, but main duties will include;

• maintaining and cleaning facilities (bunkhouse, office, historic buildings, vault toilets and barns)
• mouse and pest management
• landscaping
• trail maintenance
• sign installation
• boundary fence monitoring and repairing
• and other basic maintenance around the refuge.

Important Information to Know:

Volunteers can be working in a wide variety of conditions out on the refuge and other refuges within the Northern NM Refuge Complex, so we ask that they are prepared to be in the sun or snow with the proper supplies for the day. We do provide volunteer uniforms, but water and other supplies should be provided by volunteer.