Volunteer Today and Be the Difference!

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Volunteers are vital to California’s State Parks. The first volunteers served over 100 years ago and worked hard to preserve our most treasured places, and teach the public about their value. Today, the program has grown to over 43,000 volunteers who donated over one million hours of time in 2019. They assist staff in countless ways, in nearly all of California's State Parks. Please consider volunteering today and be the difference tomorrow! 

How to Become a California State Parks Volunteer

Qualifications

As a volunteer, you must be willing and able to carry out your assigned duties and responsibilities. You must also be reliable and committed. Job duties are matched to the interests and abilities of the volunteer. A medical examination or criminal background check may be required. Persons under 18 years of age may volunteer with written permission from a parent or guardian. There are several categories and types of volunteer positions.

Training and Working Conditions
If selected, you will receive training to acquaint you with the park and your specific duties. Hours for most volunteer positions are flexible and varied depending upon park needs and your availability. The amount of time volunteered is mutually agreed upon by you and your supervisor before you start and may be changed as circumstances dictate.

How to Apply
After identifying the district or park(s) in which you would like to work, please contact the district or park volunteer coordinator (information on the Volunteers in Parks Program Brochure, link on the top of this page) to ask about current volunteer opportunities and the address to which you should mail your completed application. You may apply to more than one park. 

Describe on the application any relevant experience, education, talents, skills and interests you possess. Each park has its own needs and will be looking for volunteers with the ability to accomplish certain tasks. The more specific you are, the easier it will be for the coordinator to place you in a volunteer position that meets your needs as well as the parks.

If you would like to receive a volunteer packet, please contact (916) 653-9069 or Volunteer.inparksprogram@parks.ca.gov with your name and address. 

Volunteer Brochure Information

For more information about volunteering for California State Parks, as well as volunteer program contact information for each district, please see our Volunteer Program Brochure, available in English and Spanish.  

 Interpretation for Visitors
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

Campground and Park Hosts 

Hosts are visible representatives in California State Parks' campgrounds and day-use areas. Hosts may perform a multitude of duties to help the park including: 

• 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 temporarily reside in a campsite in a park unit and typically serve 25-30 hours per week. Most parks require a minimum commitment of one to three months, with a maximum stay of six months per park. More information on applying to become a camp or park host, as well as host position availability can be found on our Host Opportunity Page.. 

Public Contact
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.

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. 

 

Park Maintenance is provided by volunteers with special training and expertise.

Park Administration includes duties such as clerical support, data organization, special event assistance, and other administrative functions.

Natural Resource Protection
is a critical issue facing state parks. 
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

Cultural Resource Protection
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

And so much more...!

Contact Us

Email: Volunteer.inparksprogram@parks.ca.gov
Phone:(916) 653-9069