[Skip]

Sign up for Newsletter
State Parks Map

Become a Friend

 

Research, Inventory & Monitoring (RIM) Program

Volunteers in the Research, Inventory and Monitoring (RIM) Program assist Arizona State Parks as field researchers, collecting data related to natural and cultural resources at our parks. Observing hummingbird activity, mapping out agave clusters, identifying migrating bird nesting areas and assisting with non-native plant removal are a few examples of the type of work available in this program.  Volunteer support is critical to ensuring that we have consistent, high quality data available. Read a Feature Story about the Dragonfly Project to get a sense of the projects.

Volunteers can support this program in the following roles:

Senior Natural Resource Scientist

Volunteers with professional and/or well-respected and recognized amateur credentials in a variety of scientific areas are needed to help with research projects generated and directed by Arizona State Parks staff. Volunteers at this level will not only be asked to participate in data collection, but will also be asked to assist with appropriate research, data analysis, and reporting.

Once a Senior Natural Resource Scientist is in place for any of our projects, these additional volunteer positions may be needed.

Natural Resource Specialist (Mid level)

Volunteers at this level will be asked to support data collection.  They may need to have some experience, or just may be willing to be trained, depending on the project.  

Natural Resource Specialist (Entry level)

Volunteers who would like to support this type of work, but have no background or experience in related science areas may be able to assist with activities such as invasive species removal (pulling weeds!), recording species (taking pictures), and other work that requires little or no training, but is vital to support our projects. For the following projects, or any future opportunities please complete and submit the following forms:

RIM Registration Form ( 156 KB PDF)
Volunteer Agreement ( 51 KB PDF)

Please mail to:
Nicole Armstrong-Best, Volunteer Resources Planner
1300 W. Washington
Phoenix, AZ 85007

or email: narmstrong(at)azstateparks.gov

The projects below can proceed if we have a Senior Natural Resource Scientist Volunteer assist us. For more detailed information regarding projects, please contact Dr. Bob Casavant, Scientist. Call (520) 586-4138 or email rcasavant(at)azstateparks.gov

Agave and Bat Study

Location: Kartchner Caverns State Park, Benson, Arizona

Volunteer Position: Senior Natural Resource Scientist
(Other RIM volunteer positions may be needed once work has begun on this project)

Description: This project will involve coordinating inter-agency regional Agave management planning, plan implementation, report creation, and Kartchner Caverns State Park Bat Management Plan update. The Senior Scientist Volunteer would design an Agave inventory methodology and implement the approved plant inventory.

Project Timeline: Project Design:  January – March
Field Work: Spring to late Octoer
Analysis and Report: November & December

Volunteer Time Commitment: Approximately 20 hours per week

Housing Available: Travel trailer available on park or full hook-up site for RV’s.

Skills/Experience Needed: Degree(s) in related field, ability to coordinate with multiple entities regarding complicated scientific concepts, demonstrated report creation and plan implementation skills, familiarity with Agave and Bat natural history, familiarity with all aspects of Global Positioning Systems and Geographical Information Systems, demonstrated research methodology design and implementation skills.

 

Saguaro Population, Distribution, Density and Age Study

Location: Picacho Peak State Park, Picacho, Arizona

Volunteer Position: Senior Natural Resource Scientist
(Other RIM volunteer positions may be needed once work has begun on this project)

Description: The Senior Scientist Volunteer would design and implement the approved Saguaro Study, analyze data, and prepare the final report.

Project Timeline: Project Design:  Sept. – Oct.
Field Work Oct. – Dec.
Analysis and Report Jan. – Feb.

Volunteer Time Commitment: Approximately 20 hours per week

Housing Available: Travel trailer available on park or full hook-up site for RV’s.

Skills/Experience Needed: Degree(s) in related field, demonstrated skill in research methodology design and implementation, familiarity with all aspects of Global Positioning Systems and Geographical Information Systems, demonstrated skill in data analysis and report creation, familiarity with saguaro natural history, comfortable working independently.

 

Mammal Inventory

Volunteer Position: Senior Natural Resource Scientist
(Other RIM volunteer positions may be needed once work has begun on this project)

Location: Sonoita Creek State Natural Area, Patagonia, Arizona

Description: The Senior Scientist Volunteer would design inventory methodology and implement the approved mammal inventory, analyze data, and prepare a final report.

Project Timeline: Project Design:  Jan. – March
Field Work:  Spring – Late Oct.
Analysis and Report: Nov – Dec

Volunteer Time Commitment: Approximately 20 hours per week

Housing Available: Travel trailer available on park or full hook-up site for RV’s.

Skills/Experience Needed: Degree(s) in related field, demonstrated experience in research methodology design and implementation, familiarity with mammal identification and keying, demonstrated data analysis and report creation skills, comfortable working independently.

 

Hummingbird Observation and Monitoring Program

Location: Sonoita Creek State Natural Area, Patagonia, Arizona & Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park, Superior, Arizona

Volunteer Position: Senior Natural Resource Scientist
(Other RIM volunteer positions may be needed once work has begun on this project)

Description: Project will involve working with Arizona State Park staff in coordination with The Hummingbird Monitoring Network Program to establish host sites within Arizona State Parks and Natural Areas. The Senior Scientist Volunteer will participate in one or both, the “Feeder Watch/Observation” and/or the “Monitoring Program”.

Project Timeline: Observation and Monitoring Schedules are site specific and are being developed for 2009.

Volunteer Time Commitment:
Feeder cleaning and watch: Approximately 5 hours per week beginning March ending mid October
The Monitoring Program: Consists of banding assistants including data recorders, trappers, and trap observation. With set up, protocol session, and take down, approximately 10 hours every 2 weeks beginning March ending mid October. Additional hours may be required for project orientation and pre-session training.

Housing Available: Travel trailer available on park or full hook-up site for RV’s.

Skills/Experience Needed: Degree(s) in related field, ability to coordinate with multiple entities regarding complicated scientific concepts, familiarity with Hummingbird  and other avian natural history, familiarity with all aspects of Global Positioning Systems and Geographical Information Systems, demonstrated data collection and  banding skills.