Student Docents - Point Lobos State Natural ReserveAt — Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve has a variety of volunteer roles, including fully trained adult
docents. Service Learners spend two-hour shifts outdoors in beautiful Point Lobos while helping fully trained docents assist visitors. 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, and 1 - 3 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.
3 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
- Learn the trails and sights so you can help direct visitors
- Engage enthusiastically with visitors to welcome them and share knowledge of the Reserve
- Sign up for shifts and follow through as scheduled
- Wear name badge and comply with Dress Code while on shift
- Provide own transportation to/from Point Lobos
- Bilingual Spanish/English preferred
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.
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.
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
- 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
- Specify how many hours you need to volunteer
Selected students will be notified by approximately Feburary 1 and must attend an orientation and
training, tentatively scheduled for Feburary 5 at 2:30 pm, at the Docent Center in the Reserve.
Service Learner shifts will open Feburary 7.