Learn About Volunteer Positions
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 each of our parks.
![benton and group](../../pages/886/images/Larry Benton, Park Aide Kayla Holland, Mike Benton, Dolly Benton, Park Aide Kasie Greene & Donna Benton.jpg)
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![crystal cove volunteer](../../pages/886/images/crystal cove bike volunteer.jpg)
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![cactus girls cactus girls](../../pages/886/images/CactusGirls2_ 23apr10.jpg)
Where volunteers assist in preserving and protecting the many artifacts within the State Parks collection and assist with historic gardens and buildings too.
From paintings to carriages, cactus to mansions, California's past comes alive through the efforts of talented volunteers who assist park staff in duties such as:Caring for Collections Historical Research Restoration of Historical Structures and Historic Gardens
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![natural resource protection natural resource protection](../../pages/886/images/melissa and donna Baldwin 006.jpg)
![park admin park admin](../../pages/886/images/VC Docent.jpg)
![park maintence worker park maintence worker](../../pages/886/images/Park Maintenance Worker_Colorado Desert_3.5.20.jpg)
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Volunteer Positions
Docents are highly trained volunteers who interpret the cultural, natural and recreational features of state parks for visitors. Docents receive initial and continuing enrichment training to which they add their own unique approach and experiences. If you have a passion for sharing and enjoy speaking to the public, a docent position may be a good fit for you.
Interpretive activities that docents become involved with include:
•Educational Programs for School Groups and International Visitors
• Museum Tours
•Nature Hikes
•Train Rides
•Redwood Strolls
•ATV Tours Living History Reenactments and Demonstrations
Volunteers assist by providing needed skills and abilities in:
•Trail Construction and Maintenance
•Native Plant Enhancement and Nurturing
•Exotic Plant Removal
•Habitat Restoration
•Beach Cleanup
includes duties such as:
•Clerical Support
•Data organization
•Special event assistance and other administrative functions
This program is provided by volunteers with special training and expertise.
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 one to three months, with a maximum stay of six months per park.
Visitor Center Volunteers answer questions and provide information to visitors at park entrances and/or visitor centers. If you enjoy working with the public, this may be the position for you!
Public Safety Horseback, Mountain Bike, Foot, Boat, and All-Terrain Vehicle Patrols are conducted by volunteers who provide information and assistance. Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Patrols in State Vehicular Recreation Areas (SVRAs) provide safety information, first aid and emergency assistance on a regular basis and during special off-highway racing events.
Campground and Park Hosts
Campground and Park Hosts are an intregal part of the Parks Volunteer team!
If you are intersted in becoming one please click here to learn more about them.