Background

Spanish for ‘the meadows,’ Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge’s dates as far back as 8,000 BC when early North Americans inhabited the high plains area. The area is full of rich history, and you can even catch a glimpse of the famous Hermit's Peak here!

Strategically located at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the edge of El Llano Estacado, the 8,672-acre refuge overlaps three unique landscapes, including the Rocky Mountains and eastern prairies. This combination of habitats provides a haven for many species of wildlife, all of which you can enjoy! 

Las Vegas NWR is part of the Northern New Mexico NWR Complex, which also includes Maxwell and Rio Mora 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 welcome RV volunteers of all backgrounds to apply!

We are seeking individuals or a couple to serve as Maintenance volunteers for the FY 2025. Volunteers applying must have heavy equipment training certifications by the Federal Government. We are flexible on exact volunteer dates. We will consider couples if we can find an appropriate position for your partner. RV pads are the only available housing.

The  Maintenance Volunteer Position requires that each individual work 24 hours per week minimum (typically three 8-hour days) for a minimum of 3 months. The refuge has maintenance needs that may or may not include: tractor operation, backhoe operation, use of pumps, hand tools, wood working, farming and more.

Please list at least two volunteer or professional work references on your application.

Important Information to Know:

We have a RV campground at Las Vegas NWR that is available for volunteers with a self-contained RV. There are currently 2 RV pads (50 and 30 amp sites) at Las Vegas NWR. There is shared tiny home near the RV pads for volunteers and others to use. Due to the nature of our site, we require that all individuals using shared amenities be full-time RV volunteers (24 hours/week minimum). The RV campground does have pretty reliable access to free Wi-Fi.

Aside from the standard DOI Volunteer Agreement, we require volunteers to sign a refuge Rules and Expectations Agreement when staying at the refuge RV campground.

The nearest city is Las Vegas, NM (15 minute drive). The station is considered connected with decent wi-fi at the Maintenance Shop, but cell service is spotty. Power outages can be frequent (especially during the monsoon season) and this can result in periods of limited cell coverage and wi-fi. As you may be the only residents on-site, it can feel very remote living on the beautiful Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge.