Student Docents - Point Lobos State Natural ReserveAt — Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve has a variety of volunteer roles. Extensively trained docents
have knowledge of interpretive techniques and trails, as well as cultural, historical, natural, and
geological aspects of the Reserve. CSUMB Service Learners are given a short training at the
Reserve so they can volunteer for two-hour shifts outdoors in beautiful Point Lobos while
assisting docents with visitors. A docent will always accompany students volunteering in the
Reserve.
Service Learner activities include:
- Gate Greet: welcoming walk-in visitors, selling maps, and answering general questions (e.g., wayfinding, trail options) at the entrance to the Reserve
- Trail Watch: while walking trails, give wayfinding advice and chat with visitors about the Reserve’s resources while doing minimal trash pickup
- Scoping: supervising scopes set up for wildlife viewing at various locations in the Reserve and interpreting what is displayed
Available Shifts:
- Fridays
- 11am-1pm
- 1-3pm
- Saturdays, Sundays, & holidays
- 9-11am
- 11am-1pm
- 1-3pm
6 Service Learner Slots. This opportunity is CLOSED as of 8/31/2026.
Requirements:
- Complete State Parks Volunteer paperwork (including waivers)
- Provide own transportation to/from Point Lobos; bus service to Point Lobos is not available
- Participate in Orientation/Training session, to be conducted in person at the Reserve
- Mandatory orientation & training: Thursday, September 10, 1:30 – 4pm
- Learn the Reserve trails and common sights
- Sign up for shifts at least a week in advance and follow through as scheduled
- Wear name badge & provided Point Lobos cap, and comply with Dress Code while on shift
- Engage enthusiastically with visitors to welcome them and share knowledge of the Reserve
- Adhere to safety procedures
No prior knowledge of Point Lobos Reserve is required. Service Learners will receive in-person training and an orientation to the Reserve. The session will cover guest interaction, safety, appropriate clothing (uniform requirement), entry procedures and parking, trails, how to sign up for shifts, details of Gate Greet, Scoping, and Trail Watch, and who to contact with any problems. Informational resources about the Reserve (e.g., map, brochures, paperback book) will be provided at no cost.
During each shift, Service Learners will be outdoors either standing at their post or walking the trails, possibly in cold, rainy, and/or windy conditions. Most trails are flat, but care must be taken to avoid poison oak and when walking sections with uneven terrain, steep steps, or cliff side overlooks. During extreme weather conditions, the Reserve closes, and any scheduled shifts are cancelled.
Send application to:
Michele Hardoin, Docent and Service Learner Coordinator
mhardoin@gmail.com
Please include all these details in your email application:
- Full name, email address, and best phone number to reach you by voice or text
- Major (and, if relevant, Minor or area of concentration)
- Expected year of graduation
- Name of your Fall 2026 Service Learning course
- Number of hours needed to meet your course requirement
- Description of why you are interested in volunteering at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
- Description of any prior experiences or courses you feel relate to this volunteer opportunity
- Whether you are bilingual; if so, in what language
Selected students will be notified by September 4 and should promptly complete their Service
Learner Agreement so it can be approved by the Docent and Service Learner Coordinator.
Approved Service Learners must attend an orientation and training session followed by a guided
walk at the Docent Center in the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.
- Mandatory orientation & training: Thursday, September 10, 1:30 – 4pm