Winter Wildlife Docent

The Winter Wildlife Docent Program (WWDP) at Point Reyes National Seashore promotes awareness and protection of northern elephant seals, gray whales, and other marine life by helping visitors safely 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.

Schedule and Time Commitment

WWDP workdays are scheduled for six hours on weekdays and weekends (9:30 am until approximately 4:30 pm) from mid-December through the end of April. Docents are expected to volunteer a season-minimum of seven days, at least two per month. Docents may be asked to continue to volunteer into an extended season depending on wildlife activity and staffing needs according to program goals.

Training

Four training days are scheduled for November 14 and 15, and December 5 and 6, 2026. New docents must attend all four training days. Returning docents must attend the all-docent training days on December 5 and 6, 2026.

Knowledge/Skills/Experience Desired

Docents 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.

Group Type

Individuals are encouraged to participate.

Minimum Age

Volunteers under 18 must have a signed parental consent form. Please contact us for more information.

Housing

Housing is not provided.

To apply

1. Please fill out the required application by clicking the blue "Apply Now" bar on this page and
2. Please fill out the required applicant questionnaire here https://forms.office.com/g/WsuigjRKhU.