The Palomarin Trail Stewards volunteer educates visitors hiking from the Palomarin Trail head about wilderness, safety, and the park in general. Volunteers will hike on the coast trail out to Bass Lake and station an information table at the trail head with an emphasis on visitor contacts and education. Volunteers have the opportunity to hike and enjoy the beauty of Point Reyes all while making a difference.
Duties
- Works independently and alongside Park Rangers in patrol functions, with emphasis on visitor contacts
- Assists visitors by providing park and area information
- Responds to and answers visitor questions in-person
- Educates and informs visitors about the park's natural, historical, and cultural resources, as well as, park rules and regulations
- Keeps current on park conditions, closures, issues, tide information etc.
- May assist with basic first aid (commensurate with experience/training) and report potential Search And Rescue situations
- Professionally represents the National Park Service by wearing a volunteer uniform and interacting with visitors in a friendly, courteous, tactful, and helpful manner
- Observes and reports conditions of park resources as necessary
Knowledge/Skills/Experience Desired
- Desire to interact with and help people
- Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse group of people
- Knowledge of the park and area helpful
- Ability to function independently in backcountry and front country situations
- Ability to communicate via two-way radio
Special Requirements of the Position
- The volunteer must complete the “California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System Statement Form” regarding access to confidential information.
- Ability to hike the backcountry of Point Reyes National Seashore (up to 8-10 miles/day)
- Ability to hike with a backpack up to 20 lbs with essential equipment
- The volunteer is required to provide and wear his/her own khaki-colored pants as part of the uniform
- Front Country and non-hiking positions are available.
Schedule and Time commitment
Two 8-hour shifts per month for 6 months from April through October.
Training Provided
The volunteer will receive basic CPR and First Aid Training. Volunteers will be briefed on National Park Service policies and be provided written materials and other training guides on Wilderness ethics and programs such as “Leave No Trace”. Volunteers may be included in formal training sessions offered by the park, such as participating in SAR trainings as victims or searchers. Most of the training will occur on-the-job, as volunteers draw from the experience of the National Park Service Rangers and each other.
Benefits to the Volunteer
The Palomarin Trail Stewards volunteer has the opportunity for personal enrichment through experiencing and learning about Point Reyes National Seashore. The volunteer receives formal and informal training about the park’s resources and gains experience working in a national park setting. The volunteer also enjoys the satisfaction of serving and educating a variety of park visitors while representing the National Park Service and helping to protect sensitive cultural, historical, and natural resources of national significance. The Trail Steward volunteer has the opportunity to certify in CPR and first aid.
Minimum age
Minimum age is 18.
Accomodations
Housing and RV sites are not available.
Application and Contact Information
For more information, contact Jose Galindo 415-464-5177 or Emily Henderson 415-464-5207. You may apply online here. (You will be redirected to volunteer.gov).
