Student Docents - Point Lobos State Natural ReserveAt — Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Opportunity Summary 

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve has a variety of volunteer roles, including fully trained adult
docents. For each Service Learner shift, the CSUMB student will be paired with an adult docent.
Shift activities may include greeting visitors, selling maps, and answering general questions at the
entrance to the Reserve (Gate Greet); walking trails and talking to visitors while doing minimal trash
pickup (Trail Watch); and supervising scopes set up for wildlife viewing at various locations in the
Reserve (Scoping).

Days: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and holidays (usually Mondays)
Shifts: Friday 1 - 3 pm and 3 - 5 pm; Saturday, Sunday, holidays 9 - 11 am, 11 am - 1 pm, 1 - 3
pm, and 3 - 5 pm

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 there are some with uneven
terrain.

5 Service Learner Slots

Requirements:

  • Complete State Parks Volunteer paperwork (including waivers)
  • Participate in Orientation and Training session, to be conducted in person at the Point
  • Lobos Docent Center
  • Wear name badge and comply with Dress Code while on shift
  • Provide own transportation to/from Point Lobos 
  • Bilingual Spanish/English preferred
Opportunity Training 

Introductory training will be provided, and will cover guest interaction, safety, appropriate clothing (uniform requirement), entry procedures, badges, trails, how to record time, and who to contact with any problems.

Additional risk specific to this opportunity 

Service Learners will be standing or walking outdoors for 2 hours each shift. Although Point Lobos
State Natural Reserve occasionally closes due to storms or extreme winds, it remains open and
volunteers will be expected to show up for their shifts when conditions are moderately cold, rainy, or
windy. Most trails are flat, but there are some with uneven terrain. Restroom access during shifts is
limited.

Opportunity Application Instructions 

To apply, interested students need to contact:

Michele Hardoin, Docent and Service Learner Coordinator
(831) 521-3198
mhardoin@gmail.com

Please include 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) and expected year of graduation
  • Brief description of why you are interested in being a Service Learner at Point Lobos State
  • Natural Reserve
  • List of any prior experiences or courses that you feel relate to this volunteer opportunity

Selected students will be notified by approximately September 7 and must attend an orientation and
training, tentatively scheduled for October 9 at 2:30 pm, at the Docent Center in the Reserve.
Service Learner shifts will open October 10.

 

Program 
Service Learning
Location Type 
On-site
Location 
Carmel, CA
United States
Students required to have a personal vehicle 
No
Fees students may incur with this opportunity 
No Fees will be incurred by students
This opportunity provides some form of compensation 
No
Opportunity Availability 
Ongoing