Volunteers needed for elephant seal docent program in San Simeon
Deadline to apply is March 2
– Hearst San Simeon State Park is seeking volunteers to serve as docents at the Piedras Blancas rookery, where they will educate visitors about the life cycle and habitat of northern elephant seals. The recruitment effort is supported by California State Parks and Friends of the Elephant Seal.
A training class will be offered in spring to prepare new docents for their role as informal educators and wildlife interpreters. The deadline to apply is March 2. Applications can be submitted online at bttr.im/mfapo. In-person interviews will take place in San Simeon during the first two weeks of March.
Piedras Blancas is the largest mainland rookery for elephant seals, which visit the beach twice a year—once to give birth and breed, and again to molt and grow a new coat. For the remainder of the year, the animals migrate long distances, diving deep to avoid predators and search for food.
Docents are responsible for enhancing visitor experiences at one of the most frequently visited sites in Hearst San Simeon State Park. Volunteers will provide information to guests from around the world and help foster a greater appreciation for the species and its ocean habitat.
The training program includes independent study, virtual and in-person sessions, and outdoor mentoring. Three on-site mentoring sessions will be scheduled individually in April. Virtual training sessions will be held via Zoom on March 20 and March 27. In-person training will take place in Morro Bay on April 19 and May 3.
Docents are required to volunteer three or four three-hour shifts per month, in either the morning or afternoon. A commitment of at least one year of service is requested.
For more information or to apply, visit bttr.im/mfapo before the March 2 deadline.
