Due to budget considerations, we are not accepting new applications for this opportunity for the summer of 2011. Please check back with this program in the summer of 2012.

Overview
Snowy Plover Docents educate visitors about the natural history, plight, and protection of the threatened snowy plovers in Point Reyes National Seashore and help protect these nesting shore birds from disturbance by contacting park visitors on the beach and informing them about the seasonal beach closure to dogs. Snowy Plover Docents also provide general park information and assistance to visitors.

Duties

• Works, often with another docent, at the North Beach, Kehoe Beach and Abbotts Lagoon trailheads and may independently rove the beach within the plover breeding habitat for the purpose of making contacts with visitors
• May staff a snowy plover viewing area or rove the beach at Abbott’s Lagoon with the Snowy Plover Park Guide or Plover Monitoring Biologists
• Informs visitors about the access restrictions and educates visitors about the natural history, plight, and protection of the snowy plovers
• Uses a two-way radio to communicate with docent supervisor (Park Guide) and law-enforcement rangers when necessary
• Provides general park information and assistance to visitors
• Uses interpretive materials to help communicate information
• Professionally represents the National Park Service by wearing an identifying docent vest and interacting with visitors in a friendly, courteous, tactful, and helpful manner

Snowy Plover Docents must possess very good oral communication skills with a diversity of people, be able to work independently, and be non-confrontational. Docents must also be able to spend a majority of the time standing, walking, and/or hiking; tolerate wind, fog, and cold, and blowing sand; and be comfortable around people and dogs.

Knowledge of the park and teaching experience is helpful.

Schedule and Time Commitment
Workdays are scheduled for 7 hours from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm. Docents are expected to work at least 7 weekend or holiday days from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

Training
Docents must attend a one-day Snowy Plover Docent training in mid May.

Benefits to the Volunteer
Snowy Plover Docents gain personal enrichment and experience working in a national park setting as well as training and education about the snowy plovers and related park resources. Docents enjoy the satisfaction in helping to protect threatened nesting snowy plovers in addition to communicating with and helping park visitors while representing the National Park Service.

Group Type
Individuals are encouraged to participate.

Minimum Age
Minimum age is 18.

Accommodations
Housing and RV sites are unavailable.

Application and Contact Information
The Snowy Plover Docent Program is not accepting new applicants for the 2011 season. Please check back next year for future opportunities. For more information, contact Lacey Hughey at 415-464-5294 or by email.

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