Forum Discussion

Kirk's avatar
Kirk
Explorer
Oct 25, 2013

Boyce-Thompson Arboretum needs volunteers.....

I just received a note from my good friend Paul, asking me to share this information with the RV community. It has been some time since we were there but this remains one of our most memorable experiences.
Paul at Boyce-Thompson Arboretum wrote:
BOYCE THOMPSON ARBORETUM STATE PARK in ARIZONA seeks experienced park host couples for up to seven months (7) from November 20013 through May 1, 2014. Opening is immediate, and lasts through early May (shorter-term stays of at least 4 months will be considered). Duties: visitor admission intake (cash register experience preferred), hospitality "greeter" duty; gift shop sales, light cleaning/janitorial - and other tasks as assigned. 20 hours per person each week earns FHU including water, sewer, electric; not propane. No additional pay. This property is a magnificent 323-acre desert garden collection that park host volunteers have described as "Arizona's most exclusive gated community." Request an application by email to btainfo@ag.arizona.edu or call 520.689.2723. Learn more about BTA ag.arizona.edu/bta facebook.com/boycethompsonarboretum

**** veteran Workampers Kirk & Pam posted an "insider's view" of this gig after reading about it on Workamper news and volunteering at BTA for a season. Check out their article:
http://www.adventure.1tree.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4&Itemid=221

Or read about Kem & Lou's experience:

http://dev.workamper.com/Viewpoint/TViewArticle.cfm?ArticleID=164&ArticleTitle=Workaholic%20no%20more
  • Redfox11's avatar
    Redfox11
    Explorer
    Oct 30, 2013
    I believe Boyce Thompson is not a commercial operation, but is part of the State park system.
  • firedoc's avatar
    firedoc
    Explorer
    Oct 29, 2013
    I think that if you know a specific offer lacks something you would normally expect AND it does not make mention of that fact then one is certainly justified in bringing up the point to make everone aware. But I think this comment was precipitated by the mention of 'no propane' in the aforementioned ad. The complaint was being made that they were 'nickel and dimeing' the prospective work camper. In some cases this could be true, ESPECIALLY if it were not mentioned. The BTA rep did the right thing here by mentioning that propane was not included. This is especially relevant since last year it was included. Full disclosure has been performed. I think that someone could be on a mission to try and increase work amper remuneration and or working hours. A noble goal! However this is what I would call a volunteer position rather than a workcamper. Possibly just semantics.......
  • thgoodman's avatar
    thgoodman
    Explorer
    Oct 29, 2013
    firedoc wrote:
    As stated before, if you don't like the offer just move on.


    But how does one know how to evaluate the offer, especially a rookie, if more experienced workampers don't point out the differences. For example, here in the PHX east valley (Mesa, Apache Junction) there are 9 major resorts that require only 12 hours per person (24 hrs per site) with all the same amenities. A perspective workamper may well choose the park/resort with the higher requirements just because they "like" something better about that property. But, I think it's valid to offer information to help make the comparison.
  • bobjogone's avatar
    bobjogone
    Explorer
    Oct 29, 2013
    We volunteered at Boyce Thompson in Oct 2011 to Apr 2012 - truly enjoyed the people and the arboretum - watching 15 hummingbirds sharing 10 holes on a feeder.
  • firedoc's avatar
    firedoc
    Explorer
    Oct 28, 2013
    As stated before, if you don't like the offer just move on.
  • mikeleblanc413's avatar
    mikeleblanc413
    Explorer
    Oct 26, 2013
    I realize that every company/entity has the right to make their offer and I've read where the moderator has mentioned, "...if you don't like the offer, move on". That being said, businesses who make site only offers could make them much more attractive by being all inclusive; do not nickel and dime prospects to death. Such as: limited utility payment, no propane, extra fee for WIFI, etc. Companies are always getting services far in excess of what they are giving in return. Being all inclusive in an ad really does sweeten the offer: in my opinion.

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