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Get Involved
Today!
Volunteers are playing an ever-increasing role in California��s parks.
Volunteers serve in almost all of California's state park units and lend
invaluable assistance in one or more of the following program areas:
Interpretation for Visitors
Docents
are highly trained volunteers who interpret the cultural, natural and
recreational resources of state parks for visitors. Docents receive
initial and continuing training to which they add their own unique
approach and experiences. Interpretive activities that docents become
involved with include:
Public Contact
Visitor Center Volunteers
answer questions and provide information to visitors at park entrances or
visitor centers.
Park Operations
Campground and Park Hosts
are visible representatives in California State Parks' campgrounds and
day-use areas. Volunteer duties include assisting visitors, collecting
fees, performing light janitorial and maintenance duties, conducting
interpretive programs and encouraging compliance with park rules and
regulations (although hosts do not perform actual law enforcement
duties). Hosts may also perform a multitude of other duties to help the
park. Most parks require a minimum commitment of three months, with a
maximum stay of six months per park. For more information about being a
campground host, click
here.
Park Equipment Maintenance
is provided by volunteers with special training and expertise.
Park Administration
includes duties such as clerical support, data tabulation, special events,
and other administrative functions.
Natural Resource
Management is a critical issue facing
state parks.
Volunteers assist by providing needed skills and abilities in:
How to Become a California State Parks
Volunteer
Qualifications
As a volunteer, you must be willing and able to carry out your assigned
duties and responsibilities. You must also be reliable and committed. Job
duties are matched to the interests and abilities of the volunteer. A
medical examination or criminal background check may be required. Persons
under 18 years of age may volunteer with written permission from a parent
or guardian.
Training and Working
Conditions
If selected, you will receive training to acquaint you with the park
and your specific duties. Hours for most volunteer positions are flexible
and varied depending upon park needs and your availability. The amount of
time volunteered is mutually agreed upon by you and your supervisor before
you start and may be changed as circumstances dictate.
How to Apply
If you would like to receive a volunteer packet, please contact (916)
653-9069 or
[email protected] and leave your name and
address. The packet contains application forms and information about each
of the parks. You may volunteer as an individual or as part of a group, on
short-term projects of 1 to 3 days, or on long-term projects in
specialized programs. After locating the district or park(s) in which you
would like to work, please contact their volunteer coordinator to ask
about current volunteer opportunities and the address to which you should
mail your completed application. You may apply to more than one
park. Describe on the application any relevant experience, education,
talents, skills and interests you possess. Each park has its own needs and
will be looking for volunteers with the ability to accomplish certain
tasks. The more specific you are, the easier it will be for the
coordinator to locate a volunteer position that meets your needs as well
as the parks.
To become a park
volunteer at Clear Lake State Park, contact Supervising Ranger Ryen
Goering at 279-2267 |