Assist Point Reyes National Seashore park management in balancing wildlife protection and visitor recreation, specifically by helping to protect threatened Western Snowy Plovers from disturbance during the nesting season and creating awareness among park visitors on the beach and at trailheads.
Training is scheduled for Saturday, May 4, 2024, from 10 am to 5 pm at the Red Barn Classroom in Bear Valley, in addition to on-the-job training. No prior bird knowledge is necessary.
Duties
Collaboratively or independently staff a trailhead information table at North Beach, Kehoe Beach, Limantour Beach, or Abbott’s Lagoon.
Rove the beach within the plover breeding habitat independently or with another docent for the purpose of making contacts with visitors
Collect data in the field, to help inform biologists on snowy plover and visitor activity
Staff a snowy plover viewing area with a spotting scope or rove the beach at Abbott’s Lagoon with the Snowy Plover Docent Program Manager or Plover Monitoring Biologists
Educate visitors about the natural history, plight, and protection of the snowy plovers
Inform dog owners about beach restrictions and provide information on areas open to dogs, when necessary
Use a two-way radio to communicate with the Snowy Plover Docent Program Manager and law-enforcement rangers when necessary
Provide general park information and assistance to visitors
Use interpretive materials to help communicate information
Professionally represent the National Park Service by wearing an identifying docent vest and interact with visitors in a friendly, courteous, tactful, and helpful manner
Knowledge/Skills/Experience Desired
Snowy Plover Docents must possess very good oral communication skills with a diversity of people, be able to work independently, and be non-confrontational. Docents must also be able to spend a majority of the time standing, walking, and/or hiking; tolerate wind, fog, cold, and blowing sand; and be comfortable around people and dogs . Knowledge of the park and teaching experience is helpful.
Schedule and Time Commitment
Workdays are scheduled for seven hours from 10 am until 5 pm. Docents are expected to work at least four weekend days between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Benefits to the Volunteer
Snowy Plover Docents gain personal enrichment and experience working in a national park setting as well as training and education about the snowy plovers and related park resources. Docents enjoy the satisfaction in helping to protect threatened nesting Western Snowy Plovers in addition to communicating with and helping park visitors while representing the National Park Service.