If you ...
- love engaging with people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds
- would like to help protect the Reserve
- want to share what you know about the Reserve to help visitors have their best day
... then become a Gate Guide!
- Volunteer Voices
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“This is a great way to meet and greet the public and help them to plan their visit. The new Gate Greet area is a wonderful thing. It is so nice for visitors to see a smiling face and someone who can help them.” Kim Forsberg
“Visitors always are inquisitive as to why we are volunteers. I always respond by saying the pay is horrible but the benefits of meeting with and helping visitors understand the environment around them is what we do. And meeting wonderful people from all parts of the world is a joy!” Paul Reps
- What Gate Guide Volunteers Do
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The Gate Greet Station is located at the entry of the Reserve. You would greet visitors that walk into the Reserve after they park along Highway 1. You can set the stage for them by...
- helping them get a map
- suggesting the perfect hike for their schedule, interests, and abilities
- inviting them to join docent-led walks, or sharing wildlife sighting locations
- briefly discussing Reserve rules and why they matter
- warning them about poison oak!
For many of these guests this is their first trip to Point Lobos. Point Lobos is uniquely beautiful, and you can join other volunteers to have the honor of sharing and protecting it.
- What Makes a Successful Gate Guide Volunteer?
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People interested in the Gate Guide Position will be...
- Friendly and courteous with people of all ages, cultures, and interests
- Comfortable approaching people
- Able to visit and interact with special groups, crowds, and guests with special needs
- Able to reliably handle small change and keep track of brochure sales
- Able to accept and answer questions from our guests in a clear and understandable manner
- Able to admit ignorance and look for a reliable answer when one's knowledge is limited!
- Training Requirements
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- Work with a mentor to learn the job and gain confidence
- Complete an on-line training program
- Shadow three different experienced Gate Guide Volunteers
- Conduct self study on the trails, geology, cultural history, and natural history of Point Lobos
- (optional) Attend monthly docent meetings -- a great way to develop friendships and community, keep up with developments in the reserve, and continue to learn about the many aspects of one of the most beautiful and distinctive places in the world
- Complete a background check and a "Volunteers In Parks Program Service Agreement"
- Ongoing Service
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Once trained, the position involves a year-long commitment. This includes:
- Four hours per month at Gate Greet between 10am and 2pm on weekends, holidays, or any day during summer months
- Wearing a name badge and a vest while on shift
- Signing up for self-selected shifts on a shared calendar on the Volunteer Website.
To Apply...
Send an email to volunteers@plsnr.org. We will let you know the next steps. This application can be submitted at any time.