Phoenix Water Services previews Water Wrangler volunteer role, events and mandatory orientation

Trainer, Water Conservation Trainer for the City of Phoenix Water Services Department, told trainees that the Water Wrangler program makes volunteers community representatives for the city and clarified volunteers are not city employees or expected to be water experts. The trainer said the program’s foundation is outreach and education and listed event opportunities including partner-organized expositions, youth water festivals, neighborhood events, Earth Day tabling at the Arizona Science Center and seasonal activities such as holiday-themed events and an electric light parade. "Volunteering and engaging with the community at events, workshops, and classes is one of the most important ways we can connect with our community and inspire change," the trainer said. Why it matters: City staff said volunteers extend the department’s outreach capacity and help deliver conservation messages directly to residents, students and community groups. City staff described recurring volunteer opportunities: youth water festivals led by University of Arizona Project WET and school visits facilitated by a youth educator, tabling at community events such as the SRP expo and Earth Day, and Wrangler roundups for program feedback and activities. The trainer said water festivals are offered to fourth-grade students and that volunteers must take a short lesson-specific training before participating. Direction and logistics: The trainer said volunteers must complete a final training assessment and register for a mandatory fall volunteer orientation workshop; the trainer asked volunteers to notify staff if they cannot attend. "You can always go back and watch again if you need a refresher," the trainer said, and added that the in-person orientation will include food and program merchandise. Contact information and support: The trainer provided email paths for follow-up: a general conservation address (conservationphoenix dot gov), the public information channel for news-related questions (watersmartphoenix dot gov) and an incentives email (wsd.incentivesphoenix dot gov). The trainer also noted that volunteers will usually be paired with a staff member at public events and encouraged volunteers to refer technical questions to staff. Ending: Staff asked volunteers to scan the registration QR code and complete the assessment only when they feel confident, and closed by thanking trainees and confirming orientation follow-up.