Applications for 2009 are no longer being accepted. Feel free to apply for July-September 2010.

Overview
Tule Elk Docents assist park staff in promoting awareness and protection of the park's tule elk by helping visitors view, understand, and appreciate the elk. Docents also help visitors understand the various management issues relating to the tule elk and exotic deer populations in Point Reyes National Seashore while providing general park information and assistance to visitors.

Duties

• Identify suitable tule elk viewing areas at the Tomales Point Trailhead (Pierce Point Ranch) and along the trail and set up spotting scopes for public viewing
• Help visitors view, understand, and appreciate the tule elk by interpreting rut behavior and by educating visitors about tule elk natural history
• Help visitors understand the various management issues relating to the tule elk and exotic deer populations in Point Reyes National Seashore
• Provide general park information and assistance to visitors
• Use interpretive materials to help communicate information
• Professionally represent the National Park Service by wearing an identifying docent vest and interact with visitors in a friendly, courteous, tactful, and helpful manner
• Operate a two-way radio to communicate with fellow docents and park staff

Docents must possess very good oral communication skills with a diversity of people and the ability to work independently. Docents must also be able to spend a majority of the time standing, walking, and/or hiking; tolerate sun, wind, fog, and cold; and carry up to 15 pounds of interpretive materials (spotting scopes, antlers, backpack) a distance of up to 1 mile.

Knowledge of the park and teaching experience is helpful.

Schedule and Time Commitment
Workdays are scheduled for 7.5 hours from 9:30 am until 5:00 pm. Docents are expected to work at least 6 weekend or holiday days from July 3 through September 27, 2009.

Training
Docents must attend a 2-day Tule Elk Docent training on Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28, 2009.

Benefits to the Volunteer
Tule Elk Docents gain personal enrichment and experience working in a national park setting as well as training and education about the tule elk and related park resources. Docents enjoy the satisfaction in promoting awareness and protection of the tule elk. Docents also enjoy the satisfaction and experience in communicating with and helping park visitors while representing the National Park Service.

Group Type
Individuals are encouraged to participate.

Minimum Age
Minimum age is 16. Volunteers under 18 must have a signed parental consent form. Please contact us (see below) for more information.

Accommodations
Housing and camping/RV sites are unavailable.

Application and Contact Information
Applications are no longer being accepted for 2009. Please apply for the 2010 season under the "Current Opportunities" listing.For more information, contact Doug Hee at 415-464-5145 or by email.

Top of Page