Volunteering – State Parks

CCSPA supports the work carried out by California State Parks volunteers and docents. State Parks volunteer positions are diverse, and there’s a wide variety of opportunities to utilize skills and interests. There are volunteer opportunities available at both the San Luis Obispo Coast District and the Oceano Dunes District. Please see below for more information and to find the State Park contact.

Oceano Dunes District

If you are interested in any of the following positions at the Oceano Dunes District, contact State Park Interpreter II Mallory Claassen by phone at (805) 474-2664 or email at mallory.claassen@parks.ca.gov.

Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove Volunteers provide education to promote the conservation of western monarch butterflies and help to provide a positive visitor experience at the grove. Volunteers rove about the grove and answer questions about the monarchs and may also be trained to provide formal public talks on the monarch life cycle, migration, and ongoing conservation efforts. 

Adventures with Nature (AWN) Volunteers have the opportunity to develop their own program outline for a guided walk based on any natural, cultural or recreational resources found within our park district. AWN programs currently include a variety of topics including, but not limited to, raccoons, lagoon life, shoreline habitat, cultural history of the area and native plants.    

Oceano Dunes District Rovers interpret the park’s natural and cultural resources to the public in various locations throughout the district. Rovers serve as a greeter and educator to visitors in the parks. 

Chumash Education Volunteers assist with weekly school group programs held at the Oceano Dunes District Visitor Center and Guiton Trail (Oceano Lagoon). The Chumash Education program is very popular amongst local schools and features a variety of engaging activities and lectures for students.

Pismo Clam Outreach Team was created to help lessen the amount of illegal take of undersized Pismo clams and educate how to properly rebury a clam. Participating in Pismo clam outreach involves roving on the beach. Roving shifts normally average about three hours and align with low tide periods. 

Oceano Dunes District Visitor Center Volunteers work the front desk of the visitor center, answer visitor questions, make sales from the nature store, and interpret the exhibits. This is a great position for those that can work independently, enjoy meeting new people, and are passionate about park resources and activities. 

San Luis Obispo Coast District

If you are interested in any of the following positions at the San Luis Obispo Coast District, contact the District Volunteer Coordinator by email at vol.slocoast@parks.ca.gov.

Elephant Seal Docents interpret elephant seals and the surrounding area at the Piedras Blancas Rookery at Hearst San Simeon State Park. Visitors come from all over the world to observe these fascinating marine mammals, and docents help make their trip memorable by answering questions and inspiring environmental stewardship. Training is provided during the fall and spring. Volunteers are asked to commit to 3-4 three-hour shifts per month.

Coast Mounted Assistance (CMA) volunteers also patrol park beaches and trails on horseback, provide information to park visitors, and help maintain the Horse Camp facilities.

SeaLife Stewards is a water-based volunteer program in Morro Bay. Volunteers help educate water recreators about the wildlife in Morro Bay while minimizing disturbance. Volunteers who enjoy kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are encouraged to apply.

Black Hills Gang and Central Coast Concerned Mountain Bikers (CCCMB) are volunteer groups that assist State Park staff in maintaining and building trails in State Parks.

Campground Hosts live onsite at State Park campgrounds for 3-4 months and provide some of the basic operational services and information to the visiting public. Hosts usually assist with other duties including selling firewood, campground checks, and/or park maintenance.