![]() Overview The Winter Wildlife Docent promotes awareness and protection of northern elephant seals, gray whales, and other marine life by helping visitors view, understand, and appreciate these species; helps visitors understand the ongoing management and research issues relating to northern elephant seals in Point Reyes National Seashore; and provides general park information and assistance to visitors. Duties
Knowledge/Skills/Experience DesiredDocents must possess very good oral communication skills with a diversity of people and be able to work independently. Docents must also be able to spend a majority of the time standing, walking, and/or hiking; be able to tolerate sun, wind, fog, and cold; and be able to carry up to fifteen pounds of interpretive materials a distance of up to one-fifth mile. Knowledge of the park and teaching experience is helpful. Schedule and Time CommitmentWorkdays are scheduled for seven hours from 10 am until 5 pm. Docents are expected to work at least six weekend or holiday days from January through March. Docents have the option to continue to work an additional month in April (Saturdays and Sundays only) for the gray whale migration. ![]() TrainingFor the 2022–2023 season, training is scheduled for two days in November and two days in December. Docents are required to attend training as follows: New docents must attend the full, four-day Winter Wildlife Docent training. Dates have yet to be determined but are likely to be on November 19–20 and December 3–4, 2022. Returning docents must attend two days of Winter Wildlife Docent training; . dates have yet to be determined but are likely to be on December 3–4, 2022. Benefits to the VolunteerThe Winter Wildlife Docent gains personal enrichment and experience working in a national park setting; training and education about northern elephant seals, gray whales and related park resources; satisfaction of promoting awareness and protection of northern elephant seals and gray whales; and satisfaction and experience in communicating with and helping park visitors while representing the National Park Service. Group TypeIndividuals are encouraged to participate. Minimum AgeMinimum age is sixteen. Volunteers under eighteen years of age must have a signed parental consent form. Please contact us (see below) for more information. AccommodationsHousing and camping/RV sites are unavailable. Application and Contact InformationPlease apply via Volunteer.gov by Wednesday, October 12, 2022, if you are interested in volunteering. For more information, contact Anela Kopshever at 415-464-5219 or by email. |
Last updated: August 11, 2022