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Volunteering at Sugarloaf

Volunteers play a vital role at Sugarloaf in restoring, maintaining and keeping this national treasure open to the public. Join our wonderful community of volunteers by becoming a regular volunteer and enjoy the beauty of this amazing land.

We provide training for our volunteers to ensure you are comfortable in your position and can make a difference starting on your first day. Hear from Susie Albrecht, our regular Park Steward on what volunteering at Sugarloaf is like in the video below.

If you are available for a minimum of 4 hours per month, we could use your help! Click on volunteer titles below to read the specific time requirements and duty statement details.

All Sugarloaf volunteers are required to attend an orientation. Start by creating a Better Impact account. Once you’ve finished your application, select one of the below volunteer orientation dates under the Qualifications field. 

Saturday, February 24, 2024 — 11:00 am-3:00 pm
Sunday, April 7, 2024 — 1:00-5:00 pm
 
 

To set up a corporate volunteering day and for questions, email sugarloafvolunteer@sonomaecologycenter.org.

Visitor Center Attendant
Supervisor:  Volunteer Coordinator (sugarloafvolunteer@sonomaecologycenter.org)

Time Commitment: 4 hours per month minimum. Weekends 9:00 am-1:00 pm and 1:00-5:00 pm; Summer Season: Friday 9:00 am-1:00 pm and 3:00-7:00 pm; Holidays 10:00 am-2:00 pm.

Purpose: 

  • To provide information including but not limited to trail guidance and camping information to park visitors and interpret the natural and cultural history of Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. 

Training:

  • Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Volunteer Orientation training.
  • Shadow current Volunteers a minimum of two times.
  • On-going Volunteer enrichment opportunities.

Responsibilities:

  • Requires a criminal background check.
  • Follow established safety procedures.
  • Report emergencies using established methods of communication.
  • Use / carry Sugarloaf-provided walkie-talkie for communication.
  • Follow established policies and guidelines for protecting the natural and cultural resources.
  • Comply with all Volunteer registration paperwork requirements, including a mandatory 1-hour sexual harassment training.
  • Schedule your shift and report hours of volunteer service through established procedure.
  • Notify SRSP Park staff and Program Coordinator of any changes in availability, illness, etc. and follow procedures for canceling scheduled work commitments a minimum of 24 hours before a scheduled shift.
  • Represent Team Sugarloaf and California State Parks in a friendly, professional manner.
  • Comply with standards of dress and grooming for Volunteers.

Duties:

  • Open and close the Visitor Center.
  • Run the cash register and sell visitor center merchandise.
  • Provide information and maps to visitors and represent Team Sugarloaf and California State Parks in a friendly, professional manner.
  • Make First-Come-First-Serve Camping Reservations.
  • Maintain merchandise presentation and perform housekeeping duties.
  • Research and develop knowledge of park operations, trails, boundaries, points of interest, history and interpretation techniques.
  • Inform visitors of non-compliance with park rules.
  • Work independently or under the direction of park staff.

Benefits:

  • Opportunity to contribute to your community and provide valuable assistance to Team Sugarloaf.
  • Opportunity to inspire park visitors by educating them about the natural and cultural history of the park.
  • Expand your awareness, understanding, sensitivity and appreciation of our rich natural and cultural history.
  • Earn park passes

Knowledge/Skills desired:

  • Possess a positive, enthusiastic attitude toward people and history.
  • Possess good communication skills and make effective oral presentations.
  • Ability to interact in a professional manner with visitors, staff and peers.
  • Ability to work independently.

Essential Functions:

  • Reading, handling cash, listening, comprehending, speaking, sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping, sweeping.
Kiosk Attendant
Supervisor: Volunteer Coordinator (sugarloafvolunteer@sonomaecologycenter.org)

Time Commitment: 4 hours per month minimum. Weekends and occasional weekday holidays. 8:45 am-12:45 pm and 12:30-4:30 pm.

Purpose: 

  • Collect entrance fees from visitors.
  • Provide public information and assistance at the entrance station.

Training:

  • Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Volunteer Orientation training.
  • Shadow current volunteers a minimum of two times.
  • Operations training specific to job requirements.

Responsibilities:

  • Requires a criminal background check.
  • Follow established safety procedures.
  • Report emergencies using established methods of communication.
  • Use Sugarloaf-provided walkie-talkie for communication.
  • Follow established policies and guidelines for protecting the natural and cultural resources.
  • Comply with all Volunteer registration paperwork requirements, including a mandatory 1-hour sexual harassment training.
  • Schedule your shift and report hours of volunteer service through established procedure.
  • Notify SRSP Park staff and Program Coordinator of any changes in availability, illness, etc. and follow procedures for canceling scheduled work commitments a minimum of 24 hours before a scheduled shift.
  • Represent Team Sugarloaf and California State Parks in a friendly, professional manner
  • Comply with standards of dress and grooming for Volunteers.

Duties:

  • Open and close the Kiosk
  • Collect park entrance fees. Complete daily deposit forms.
  • Follow established policies and procedures for Kiosk operations.
  • Provide information and maps to visitors and represent Team Sugarloaf and California State Parks in a friendly, professional manner.
  • Research and develop knowledge of park operations, trails, boundaries, points of interest, history and interpretation techniques.
  • Inform visitors of non-compliance with park rules.
  • Work independently or under the direction of park staff.

Benefits:

  • Opportunity to contribute to your community and provide valuable assistance to Team Sugarloaf.
  • Opportunity to assist park visitors and enhance their experience.
  • Earn park passes

Knowledge/Skills desired:

  • Possess a positive, enthusiastic attitude toward people and history.
  • Ability to work in a variety of environments and temperatures.
  • Ability to interact in a professional manner with visitors, staff, and peers
  • Ability to work independently.

Essential functions:

  • Standing for extended or prolonged periods of time, handling cash, working in a wide range of environmental conditions, listening, comprehending, speaking, sitting, reading.
Hike Leader
Supervisor: Volunteer Coordinator (sugarloafvolunteer@sonomaecologycenter.org)

Time Commitment: 4 hours per month minimum. Intermittent, mostly weekends.

Purpose: 

  • To lead park visitors on informative hikes and interpret the natural and cultural history of the parks.

Training:

  • Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Volunteer Orientation training.
  • Shadow current Volunteers a minimum of two times, four for Hiking for Fitness.
  • On-going Volunteer enrichment opportunities.

Responsibilities:

  • Follow established safety procedures.
  • Report emergencies using established methods of communication.
  • Use / carry Sugarloaf-provided walkie-talkie for communication with Hike Sweep and/or emergency calls to Visitor Center.
  • Follow established policies and guidelines for protecting the natural and cultural resources (on all projects.)
  • Comply with all Volunteer registration paperwork requirements, including a mandatory 1-hour sexual harassment training.
  • Schedule your shift and report hours of volunteer service through established procedure.
  • Notify SRSP Park staff and Program Coordinator of any changes in availability, illness, etc. and follow procedures for canceling scheduled work commitments a minimum of 24 hours before a scheduled shift.
  • Represent Team Sugarloaf and California State Parks in a friendly, professional manner
  • Comply with standards of dress and grooming for Volunteers.

Duties:

  • Lead scheduled, guided hikes.
  • Report to trailhead 30 minutes prior to publicized hike start time. Welcome hikers.
  • Hiking For Fitness Leaders are responsible for the waiver forms for their hike series.
  • Ensure that all hikers are accounted for at all times
  • Coordinate Sweeps. If there are multiple sweeps, ensure they are positioned throughout, with one at the end.
  • (Note: Hike Sweep assists the Leader by taking attendance / collecting payment (if needed) / getting hike waiver forms signed. Hike Leader should help if sweep is absent, late, etc.)
  • Outline the route, length, elevation gain, difficulty level, stops, duration and conditions of trail
  • Instruct hikers not to venture off designated trails. Alert hikers to hazards: Poison Oak, rattle snakes, ticks.
  • Safety guidelines: first aid kit, radio phones, extra water, flagging trail to indicate turns (if very large group)
  • Guide hikers back to the parking lot as needed.
  • Divide into smaller groups if needed, and if there are enough sweeps to safely do so.
  • Mingle with hikers, answer questions, and help to make the park experience enjoyable.
  • Provide information (and maps when necessary) to visitors and represent Team Sugarloaf and California State Parks in a friendly, professional manner.
  • Research and develop knowledge of park operations, trails, boundaries, points of interest, history and interpretation techniques.
  • Inform visitors of non-compliance with park rules.
  • Work independently or with a team.

Benefits:

  • Opportunity to see and explore new areas.
  • Opportunity to contribute to your community and provide valuable assistance to Team Sugarloaf.
  • Opportunity to inspire park visitors by educating them about the natural and cultural history of the park.
  • Expand your awareness, understanding, sensitivity and appreciation of our rich natural and cultural history.
  • Earn park passes.

Knowledge/Skills desired:

  • Possess a positive, enthusiastic attitude toward people and history.
  • Possess good communication skills and make effective oral presentations
  • Ability to interact in a professional manner with visitors, staff and peers.
  • Ability to work as a team with hike sweeps, and to work independently.

Essential Functions:

  • Leading groups, reading, listening, comprehending, speaking, walking/hiking on even and uneven terrain for extended or prolonged periods of time, working in a full range of environmental conditions, climbing stairs, sitting, bending, stooping, climbing.
Hike Sweep
Supervisor: Volunteer Coordinator (sugarloafvolunteer@sonomaecologycenter.org)

Time Commitment: 4 hours per month minimum. Intermittent, mostly weekends.

Purpose: 

  • To assist Hike Leaders on guided hikes. Get waivers signed. Stay in the back of the group to make sure no one gets lost or left behind. 

Training:

  • Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Volunteer Orientation training.
  • Shadow current Volunteers a minimum of two times, four for Hiking for Fitness.
  • On-going Volunteer enrichment opportunities.

Responsibilities:

  • Follow established safety procedures.
  • Report emergencies using established methods of communication.
  • Use / carry Sugarloaf-provided walkie-talkie for communication with Hike Leader and/or emergency calls to Visitor Center.
  • Follow established policies and guidelines for protecting the natural and cultural resources (on all projects.)
  • Comply with all Volunteer registration paperwork requirements, including a mandatory 1-hour sexual harassment training.
  • Schedule your shift and report hours of volunteer service through established procedure.
  • Notify SRSP Park staff and Program Coordinator of any changes in availability, illness, etc. and follow procedures for canceling scheduled work commitments a minimum of 24 hours before a scheduled shift.
  • Represent Team Sugarloaf and California State Parks in a friendly, professional manner
  • Comply with standards of dress and grooming for Volunteers.

Duties:

  • Assist Hike leader and act as a sweep on guided hikes.
  • Assist Hike Leader by taking attendance / getting hike waiver forms signed (Note: HFF Leaders are responsible for this).
  • Collect fees if applicable.
  • Hike at rear of group or interspersed amongst hikers (if more than one sweep is present) to ensure that all hikers are accounted for at all times
  • Report to trailhead 30 minutes prior to publicized hike start time. Welcome hikers. 
  • Instruct hikers not to venture off designated trails. Alert hikers to hazards: Poison Oak, rattle snakes, ticks.
  • Safety guidelines: flagging trail to indicate turns, first aid kit, radio phones, cell phones, carry extra water
  • Guide hikers back to the parking lot as needed.
  • Mingle with hikers, answer questions, and help to make the park experience enjoyable.
  • Provide information (and maps when necessary) to visitors and represent Team Sugarloaf and California State Parks in a friendly, professional manner.
  • Research and develop knowledge of park operations, trails, boundaries, points of interest, history and interpretation techniques.
  • Inform visitors of non-compliance with park rules.
  • Work independently or with a team.

Benefits:

  • Opportunity to see and explore new areas.
  • Opportunity to contribute to your community and provide valuable assistance to Team Sugarloaf.
  • Opportunity to inspire park visitors by educating them about the natural and cultural history of the park.
  • Expand your awareness, understanding, sensitivity and appreciation of our rich natural and cultural history.
  • Earn park passes.

Knowledge/Skills desired:

  • Possess a positive, enthusiastic attitude toward people and history.
  • Possess good communication skills 
  • Ability to interact in a professional manner with visitors, staff and peers.
  • Ability to work as a team with hike leaders and other sweeps and to work independently. 

Essential Functions:

  • Speaking, listening, comprehending, reading, walking/hiking on even and uneven terrain for extended or prolonged periods of time, working in a full range of environmental conditions, climbing stairs, sitting, bending, stooping, climbing.
Education Docent
Supervisor: Education Manager (tony@sonomaecologycenter.org)

Time Commitment: 4 hours per month, mostly weekdays.

Purpose: 

  • Work with the Education Team to help out at Field Trips and Camps.

Training:

  • Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Volunteer Orientation training.
  • Education Docent Training.
  • Shadowing staff or current volunteers.
  • On-going Volunteer enrichment opportunities

Requirements:

  • Pass a Live Scan background check.

Responsibilities:

  • Follow established safety procedures.
  • Report emergencies using established methods of communication.
  • Use / carry Sugarloaf-provided walkie-talkie for communication with park staff and/or emergency calls to Visitor Center.)
  • Follow established policies and guidelines for protecting the natural and cultural resources (on all projects.)
  • Comply with all Volunteer registration paperwork requirements, including a mandatory 1-hour sexual harassment training.
  • Schedule and report hours of volunteer service through established procedure.
  • Notify SRSP Park staff and Program Coordinator of any changes in availability, illness, etc. and follow procedures for canceling scheduled work commitments a minimum of 24 hours before a scheduled shift.
  • Represent Team Sugarloaf and California State Parks in a friendly, professional manner
  • Comply with standards of dress and grooming for Volunteers.

Duties:

  • Supervise and lead students and chaperones during field trips days, outings, and community volunteer days.
  • Teach concepts of ecology and climate change science through inquiry-based learning to K-12 students through in-class and outdoor lessons.
  • Learn and apply new communication techniques to create effective collaborations.
  • Research and develop knowledge of park operations, trails, boundaries, points of interest, history and interpretation techniques.
  • Provide information to visitors and represent Sugarloaf Ridge State Park in a friendly, positive, professional manner.
  • Report to Main Day-Use lot 15 minutes prior to start time.
  • Divide into smaller groups and facilitate group activities provided through prior training
  • Ensure that all hikers/students are accounted for at all times.
  • Instruct participants not to venture off designated trails. Alert hikers to hazards: Poison Oak, rattle snakes, ticks.
  • Work under the direction of Education Staff.
  • Understand the responsibilities of being a Mandated Reporter.

Benefits:

  • Opportunity to contribute to your community and provide valuable assistance to Team Sugarloaf.
  • Opportunity to inspire park visitors by educating them about the natural and cultural history of the park.
  • Expand your awareness, understanding, sensitivity and appreciation of our rich natural and cultural history.
  • Opportunity to be involved in various education workshops, lessons, and events including the 4-unit California Naturalist program.
  • Earn park passes.

Knowledge/Skills desired:

  • Possess a positive, enthusiastic attitude toward people and history.
  • Possess good communication skills and make effective oral presentations 
  • Enthusiasm and experience for teaching K-12 students and other public audiences.
  • Ability to work as a team with other volunteers, and to work independently. 
  • Openness to learn and share knowledge and skills.
  • A strong sense of self awareness and the willingness to engage in reflective practice.
  • Ability to thrive in both a team setting and individually.

Essential Functions:

  • Leading groups, reading, listening, comprehending, speaking, walking/hiking on even and uneven terrain for extended or prolonged periods of time, working in a full range of environmental conditions, climbing stairs, sitting, bending, stooping, climbing, and carrying.
Park and Trail Maintenance Worker
Supervisor: Park manager (john@sonomaecologycenter.org)

Time Commitment: 4 hours per month minimum. Second and Fourth Thursdays of each month, 9:00 am-1:00 pm.

Purpose: 

  • To assist in trail work and general maintenance in the parks.

Training:

  • Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Volunteer Orientation training.
  • Individual project instruction and safety training from project leader.
  • On-going Volunteer enrichment opportunities

Responsibilities:

  • Follow established safety procedures.
  • Report emergencies using established methods of communication.
  • Use / carry Sugarloaf-provided walkie-talkie for communication with park staff and/or emergency calls to Visitor Center.)
  • Follow established policies and guidelines for protecting the natural and cultural resources (on all projects.)
  • Comply with all Volunteer registration paperwork requirements, including a mandatory 1-hour sexual harassment training.
  • Schedule and report hours of volunteer service through established procedure.
  • Notify SRSP Park staff and Program Coordinator of any changes in availability, illness, etc. and follow procedures for canceling scheduled work commitments a minimum of 24 hours before a scheduled shift.
  • Represent Team Sugarloaf and California State Parks in a friendly, professional manner
  • Comply with standards of dress and grooming for Volunteers.

Duties:

  • Conduct trail and park maintenance work while practicing safety guidelines.
  • Conduct trail and park maintenance work under the direction of park staff.
  • Research and develop knowledge of park operations, rules and regulations, history, emergency procedures.
  • Learn and apply new communication techniques to create effective collaborations.
  • Provide information to visitors and represent Sugarloaf Ridge State Park in a friendly, positive, professional manner.

Benefits:

  • Opportunity to see and explore new areas.
  • Opportunity to contribute to your community and provide valuable assistance to Team Sugarloaf.
  • Expand your awareness, understanding, sensitivity and appreciation of our rich natural and cultural history.
  • Earn park passes.

Knowledge/Skills desired:

  • Possess a positive, enthusiastic attitude, have the willingness to take direction & work in a team.
  • Be in good physical condition 
  • Ability to use hand and/or power tools.
  • Ability to interact in a professional manner with visitors, staff and peers.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 

Essential Functions:

  • Hiking/walking on uneven ground for extended or prolonged periods of time, working outdoors in a wide range of environmental conditions, bending, stooping, squatting, dragging, gripping, pushing/pulling, climbing, lifting up to 60 lbs, digging, raking, sweeping, listening.
Trail Patrol
Supervisor: Volunteer Coordinator (sugarloafvolunteer@sonomaecologycenter.org)

Time Commitment: 4 hours per month minimum. Self-scheduling.

Purpose: 

  • Patrol the park on foot.
  • Provide public information and interpretation of natural and cultural history.
  • Instruct and encourage visitors in safety policies and procedures.
  • Assist park staff in surveying and reporting trail conditions, use, and potential problems.

Training:

  • Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Volunteer Orientation training.
  • Trail Patrol Training
  • On-going Volunteer enrichment opportunities

Responsibilities:

  • Follow established safety procedures.
  • Report emergencies using established methods of communication.
  • Use / carry Sugarloaf-provided walkie-talkie for communication with park staff and/or emergency calls to Visitor Center.
  • Follow established policies and guidelines for protecting the natural and cultural resources.
  • Comply with all Volunteer registration paperwork requirements, including a mandatory 1-hour sexual harassment training.
  • Schedule and report hours of volunteer service through established procedure.
  • Represent Team Sugarloaf and California State Parks in a friendly, professional manner.
  • Comply with standards of dress and grooming for Volunteers.

Duties:

  • Patrol Trails following the Trail Patrol Guidelines.
  • Submit patrol report at conclusion of patrol if there are hazards, incidents, etc to report.
  • Inform visitors of non-compliance with park rules.
  • Provide maps where appropriate.
  • Research and develop knowledge of park operations, rules and regulations, history, emergency procedures.
  • Provide public information and interpretation of natural and cultural history.
  • Provide information to visitors and represent Sugarloaf Ridge State Park in a friendly, positive, professional manner.
  • Work independently

Benefits:

  • Opportunity to see and explore new areas.
  • Opportunity to contribute to your community and provide valuable assistance to Team Sugarloaf.
  • Opportunity to inspire park visitors by educating them about the natural and cultural history of the park.
  • Expand your awareness, understanding, sensitivity and appreciation of our rich natural and cultural history.
  • Earn park passes.

Knowledge/Skills desired:

  • Possess a positive, enthusiastic attitude toward people.
  • Possess good communication skills and make effective oral presentations.
  • Be in good physical condition 
  • Ability to interact in a professional manner with visitors, staff and peers.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 

Essential Functions:

  • Hiking/walking on uneven ground for extended or prolonged periods of time, working outdoors in a wide range of environmental conditions, speaking, standing, climbing, bending, stooping, squatting, carrying.
Steward
Supervisor: Park Manager (john@sonomaecologycenter.org)

Time Commitment: 4 hours per month minimum. Saturday, Sunday, Wednesday 9:00 am-1:00 pm and 1:00-5:00 pm.

Purpose:

  • To assist park staff and act as park management in the absence of park staff in the general operations and maintenance of  Sugarloaf Ridge State Park.

Training:

  • Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Volunteer Orientation training.
  • Individual project instruction and safety training from Park Operations Manager.
  • Shadow current Volunteers until Steward Training Checklist is complete.
  • On-going Docent enrichment opportunities

Requirements:

  • Possess a valid driver’s license; pass a DMV driving and auto insurance check, and pass a practical driving test.
  • Pass a criminal background check.

Responsibilities:

  • Follow established safety procedures.
  • Report emergencies using established methods of communication.
  • Use / carry Sugarloaf-provided walkie-talkie for communication park staff and/or emergency calls to Visitor Center.
  • Follow established policies and guidelines for protecting the natural and cultural resources on all projects.
  • Comply with all Volunteer registration paperwork requirements, including a mandatory 1-hour sexual harassment training.
  • Schedule and report hours of volunteer service through established procedure.
  • Notify SRSP Park staff and Program Coordinator of any changes in availability, illness, etc. and follow procedures for canceling scheduled work commitments a minimum of 24 hours before a scheduled shift.
  • Represent Team Sugarloaf and California State Parks in a friendly, professional manner
  • Comply with standards of dress and grooming for Volunteers.

Duties:

  • Conduct Park operations and maintenance work under the direction of park staff, including but not limited to: collecting entrance fees in the kiosk, administrative/office tasks, trail patrol, routine maintenance, parking lot monitoring, assisting with campground duties.
  • Conduct Park operations in the absence of Park Staff
  • Operate the Visitor Center or Kiosk in the absence of other volunteers.
  • Provide information to visitors and represent Sugarloaf Ridge State Park in a friendly, positive, professional manner.
  • Conduct Park maintenance work while practicing safety guidelines.
  • Respond to Level 1 incidents (see page 2, Emergency Procedures).
  • Coordinate response to level 2 and level 3 incidents (see page 2, Emergency Procedures).
  • Perform minor rescues.
  • Conduct nature walks as needed.
  • Research and develop knowledge of park operations, rules and regulations, history, emergency procedures.
  • Inform visitors of non-compliance with park rules.
  • Follow established policies and guidelines for protecting the natural and cultural resources on all projects.
  • Work under the direction of park staff.

Benefits:

  • Opportunity to see and explore new areas.
  • Opportunity to inspire park visitors by educating them about the natural and cultural history of the park.
  • Opportunity to contribute to your community and provide valuable assistance to Team Sugarloaf.
  • Expand your awareness, understanding, sensitivity and appreciation of our rich natural and cultural history.
  • Earn park passes.

Knowledge/Skills desired:

  • Possess a positive, enthusiastic attitude and have the willingness to take direction and/or ability to work independently
  • Knowledge of the park.
  • Ability to operate kiosk and visitor center as back-up.
  • Be in good physical condition.
  • Ability to use hand and/or power tools.
  • Ability to interact in a professional manner with visitors, staff and peers. 
  • Ability to deal with difficult people in a non-confrontational style. 
  • First Aid Training. (good to have but not required)
  • Able drive ATV and Park Vehicles.

Essential Functions:

  • Hiking/walking on uneven ground or standing for extended or prolonged periods of time, working outdoors in a wide range of environmental conditions, bending, stooping, squatting, dragging, gripping, pushing/pulling, climbing, lifting up to 60 lbs, digging, raking, sweeping, listening, reading, comprehending, cash handling.
Miscellaneous Projects
Supervisor: Park Manager (john@sonomaecologycenter.org)

Time Commitment: As needed; mostly weekends.

Purpose: 

  • Assist with special projects (such as: historical research; archaeological research; natural history research; weather and air-quality monitoring; building things; etc.)

Training:

  • Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Volunteer Orientation training.
  • Individual project training by park staff.
  • On-going Volunteer enrichment opportunities

Responsibilities:

  • Follow established safety procedures.
  • Report emergencies using established methods of communication.
  • Use / carry Sugarloaf-provided walkie-talkie for communication with park staff and/or emergency calls to Visitor Center.
  • Follow established policies and guidelines for protecting the natural and cultural resources on all projects.
  • Comply with all Volunteer registration paperwork requirements, including a mandatory 1-hour sexual harassment training.
  • Schedule and report hours of volunteer service through established procedure.
  • Represent Team Sugarloaf and California State Parks in a friendly, professional manner
  • Comply with standards of dress and grooming for Volunteers.

Duties

  • Research, monitor, survey information and sites, as needed.
  • Present findings in writing / public-speaking presentations.
  • Work under the direction of park staff.

Benefits:

  • Opportunity to see and explore new areas.
  • Opportunity to contribute to your community and provide valuable assistance to Team Sugarloaf.
  • Opportunity to inspire park visitors by educating them about the natural and cultural history of the park.
  • Expand your awareness, understanding, sensitivity and appreciation of our rich natural and cultural history.
  • Earn park passes.

Knowledge/Skills desired:

  • Possess a positive, enthusiastic attitude.
  • Willingness to take direction.
  • Organized, accurate and detail oriented.
  • Possess good communication skills and make effective oral presentations.
  • Ability to interact in a professional manner with visitors, staff and peers.
  • Ability to work as a team and independently. 

Essential Functions:

  • Reading, listening, writing, comprehending, researching, surveying, monitoring, public speaking, walking, sitting, climbing stairs, working on a computer, hiking/walking on uneven ground for extended or prolonged periods of time, working outdoors in a wide range of environmental conditions, bending, stooping, squatting, dragging, gripping, pushing/pulling, climbing, carrying, lifting up to 60 lbs, digging, raking, sweeping, listening.
Administrative / Office work
Supervisor: Park Manager (john@sonomaecologycenter.org)

Time Commitment: ~4 hours per month. At home or in the office. Scheduled as needed.

Purpose: 

  • Assist with office or computer work to include, but not limited to; data entry, website updates, mailing preparation, filing and photocopying as designated by park staff.

Training:

  • Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Volunteer Orientation training.
  • Individual project training by park staff.
  • On-going Volunteer enrichment opportunities

Responsibilities:

  • Follow established policies and guidelines for protecting the natural and cultural resources on all projects.
  • Comply with all Volunteer registration paperwork requirements, including a mandatory 1-hour sexual harassment training.
  • Schedule and report hours of volunteer service through established procedure.
  • Represent Team Sugarloaf and California State Parks in a friendly, professional manner
  • Comply with standards of dress and grooming for Volunteers.

Duties:

  • Do various computer and administrative tasks.
  • Research and develop knowledge of park operations, rules and regulations, history.
  • Work independently and under the direction of park staff.

Benefits:

  • Opportunity to contribute to your community and provide valuable assistance to Team Sugarloaf.
  • Earn park passes.

Knowledge/Skills desired:

  • Possess a positive, enthusiastic attitude.
  • Willingness to take direction.
  • Organized, accurate and detail oriented
  • Possess a variety of computer skills
  • Possess good communication skills 
  • Ability to interact in a professional manner with visitors, staff and peers.
  • Ability to work independently. 

Essential Functions:

  • Reading, listening, writing, comprehending, walking, sitting, working on a computer.
Special Event Volunteer
Supervisor: Volunteer Coordinator (sugarloafvolunteer@sonomaecologycenter.org)

Time Commitment: As needed; mostly weekends.

Purpose: 

  • Assist with activities related to the execution of special events.

Training:

  • Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Volunteer Orientation training.
  • Individual event instructions by event coordinator.
  • On-going Volunteer enrichment opportunities

Responsibilities:

  • Report emergencies using established methods of communication.
  • Follow established policies and guidelines for protecting the natural and cultural resources on all projects.
  • Comply with all Volunteer registration paperwork requirements, including a mandatory 1-hour sexual harassment training.
  • Schedule and report hours of volunteer service through established procedure.
  • Notify SRSP Park staff and Program Coordinator of any changes in availability, illness, etc. and follow procedures for canceling scheduled work commitments a minimum of 24 hours before a scheduled shift.
  • Represent Team Sugarloaf and California State Parks in a friendly, professional manner
  • Comply with standards of dress and grooming for Volunteers.

Duties:

  • Assist with set-up, clean-up, traffic control, money handling, refreshment serving or other related activities.
  • Understand SEC guidelines regarding serving alcoholic beverages responsibly.

Benefits:

  • Opportunity to contribute to your community and provide valuable assistance to Team Sugarloaf.
  • Earn park passes.

Knowledge/Skills desired:

  • Possess a positive, enthusiastic attitude.
  • Willingness to take direction.
  • Possess good communication skills.
  • Ability to work as a team and independently. 

Essential Functions:

  • Reading, listening, comprehending, sitting, standing, walking on uneven ground, walking up and down stairs, carrying and  lifting up to 60 lbs, squatting, working in all kinds of weather conditions.
Parking Attendant
Supervisor: Volunteer Coordinator (sugarloafvolunteer@sonomaecologycenter.org)

Time Commitment: as needed, mostly weekends.

Purpose: 

  • Greet and provide information to park visitors, monitor the parking lots to ensure the best use of space and park the maximum number of vehicles.

Training:

  • Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Volunteer Orientation training.
  • Instruction by park staff.
  • On-going Volunteer enrichment opportunities

Responsibilities:

  • Report emergencies using established methods of communication.
  • Use / carry Sugarloaf-provided walkie-talkie for communication with Kiosk.
  • Comply with all Volunteer registration paperwork requirements, including a mandatory 1-hour sexual harassment training.
  • Schedule and report hours of volunteer service through established procedure.
  • Notify SRSP Park staff and Program Coordinator of any changes in availability, illness, etc. and follow procedures for canceling scheduled work commitments a minimum of 24 hours before a scheduled shift.
  • Represent Team Sugarloaf and California State Parks in a friendly, professional manner
  • Comply with standards of dress and grooming for Volunteers.
  • Schedule use of Park vehicles with Park staff as needed. (Mon – Wed, preferred).

Duties:

  • Greet and provide information to park visitors.
  • Direct parking to maximize the number of vehicles in lot.
  • Communicate with staff, kiosk and other parking volunteers about current parking capacity in the lot.
  • Provide information to visitors and represent California State Parks in a friendly, professional manner.

Benefits:

  • Opportunity to provide valuable assistance to Team Sugarloaf.
  • Earn park passes.

Knowledge/Skills desired:

  • Possess a positive, enthusiastic attitude.
  • Possess good communication skills.
  • Ability to interact in a professional manner with visitors, staff and peers.
  • Ability to work as a team and independently. 

Essential Functions:

  • Reading, listening, comprehending, speaking, standing, walking, bending, stooping, working in a variety of weather conditions.

 

Critter Cam Crew Member
Supervisor: Community Science Coordinator (danl@sonomaecologycenter.org)

Time Commitment: ~8 hours per month; intermittent – schedule based on team members.

Purpose:

  • To assist Park management in gathering photo documentation of Park wildlife for use in scientific research, county-wide wildlife tracking efforts, and Sugarloaf educational pursuits / visitor interest / Park promotion & community engagement.

Requirements:

  • Must be physically able to carry out the assigned duties.
  • Comply with all Volunteer registration paperwork requirements, including a mandatory 1-hour sexual harassment training.
  • Possess a valid driver’s license; pass a DMV driving and auto insurance check, and pass a practical driving test.

Training: Orientation and training provided by SRSP Staff and Critter Cam Crew members (via shadow shifts) to include:

  • Park and local area orientation; safety training and risk management; park rules and regulations, local laws, park policies.
  • Trained by park staff on how to use Park Vehicles.
  • How to deal with emergencies; Use of 2-way radio; Use of state property.
  • Tips for wildlife camera placement.
  • Wildlife camera configuration; downloading process.
  • Critter Cam Crew file-naming conventions and filing locations.

Responsibilities:

  • Follow established safety procedures.
  • Report emergencies using established methods of communication.
  • Use / carry Sugarloaf-provided walkie-talkie for communication park staff and/or emergency calls to Visitor Center.
  • Schedule use of Park vehicles with Park staff as needed. (Mon – Wed, preferred).
  • Follow established policies and guidelines for protecting the natural and cultural resources on all projects.
  • Comply with all Volunteer registration paperwork requirements, including a mandatory 1-hour sexual harassment training.
  • Schedule and report hours of volunteer service through established procedure.
  • Notify SRSP Park staff and Program Coordinator of any changes in availability, illness, etc. and follow procedures for canceling scheduled work commitments a minimum of 24 hours before a scheduled shift.
  • Represent Team Sugarloaf and California State Parks in a friendly, professional manner
  • Comply with standards of dress and grooming for Volunteers.

Duties:

  • Drive / Hike to the assigned trailhead / camera station.
  • Swap camera photo storage disc.
  • Check battery levels; replace if necessary.
  • Configure remote cameras on your route.
  • Record GPS coordinates.

Benefits:

  • Opportunity to see and explore new areas.
  • Assist Sonoma Valley wildlife researchers.
  • Opportunity to contribute to your community and provide valuable assistance to Team Sugarloaf.
  • Expand your awareness, understanding, sensitivity and appreciation of our rich natural and cultural history.
  • Earn park passes.

Knowledge/Skills desired:

  • Possess a positive, enthusiastic attitude toward people and California State Parks.
  • Possess good communication skills.
  • Ability to interact in a professional manner with visitors, staff and peers.
  • Ability to work in a team and independently. 
  • Good physical condition and ability to hike 5 miles for checking cameras.

Essential Functions:

  • Reading, listening, comprehending, speaking, sitting, standing, walking, hiking on uneven ground, bending, squatting, stooping, lifting up to 60 lbs, gripping, pushing, pulling, carrying, dragging, climbing, full range of environmental conditions, working on a computer.
Critter Cam Crew Data Entry
Supervisor: Community Science Coordinator (danl@sonomaecologycenter.org)

Time Commitment: ~8 hours per month. Intermittent – schedule based on team members.

Purpose:

  • To assist Park management in gathering photo documentation of Park wildlife for use in scientific research, county-wide wildlife tracking efforts, and Sugarloaf educational pursuits / visitor interest / Park promotion & community engagement.

Requirements:

  • Must be physically able to carry out the assigned duties.
  • Comply with all Volunteer registration paperwork requirements, including a mandatory 1-hour sexual harassment training.
  • Interest and experience with computer databases.

Training: Orientation and training provided by SRSP Staff and Critter Cam Crew members to include:

  • Critter Cam Crew Data processing procedures.
  • Critter Cam Crew file-naming conventions and filing locations.

Responsibilities:

  • Follow established safety procedures.
  • Report emergencies using established methods of communication.
  • Use / carry Sugarloaf-provided walkie-talkie for communication with park staff and/or emergency calls to Visitor Center.
  • Schedule use of Park vehicles with Park staff as needed. (Mon – Wed, preferred).
  • Follow established policies and guidelines for protecting the natural and cultural resources on all projects.
  • Comply with all Volunteer registration paperwork requirements, including a mandatory 1-hour sexual harassment training.
  • Schedule and report hours of volunteer service through established procedure.
  • Notify SRSP Park staff and Program Coordinator of any changes in availability, illness, etc. and follow procedures for canceling scheduled work commitments a minimum of 24 hours before a scheduled shift.
  • Represent Team Sugarloaf and California State Parks in a friendly, professional manner
  • Comply with standards of dress and grooming for Volunteers.

Duties:

  • Upload and process camera data onto Wildlife Insights.
  • Communicate with the Critter Cam Crew team for procedure updates and scheduling office time.

Benefits:

  • Opportunity to see and explore new areas.
  • Assist Sonoma Valley wildlife researchers.
  • Opportunity to contribute to your community and provide valuable assistance to Team Sugarloaf.
  • Expand your awareness, understanding, sensitivity and appreciation of our rich natural and cultural history.
  • Earn park passes.

Knowledge/Skills desired:

  • Possess a positive, enthusiastic attitude toward people and California State Parks.
  • Ability to operate various computer programs.
  • Possess good communication skills.
  • Ability to interact in a professional manner with visitors, staff and peers.
  • Ability to work in a team and independently. 

Essential Functions:

  • Reading, listening, comprehending, working on a computer, speaking, sitting for periods of time, typing.
Shuttle Driver
Supervisor: Volunteer Coordinator (sugarloafvolunteer@sonomaecologycenter.org)

Time Commitment: As needed; mostly weekends.

Purpose: 

  • Drive SugarShuttle passenger van according to the day’s schedule.

Training:

  • Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Volunteer Orientation training.
  • Individual event instructions by Park Staff.
  • On-going Volunteer enrichment opportunities

Requirements:

  • Possess a valid driver’s license; pass a DMV driving and auto insurance check, and pass a practical driving test.

Responsibilities:

  • Follow established safety procedures.
  • Report emergencies using established methods of communication.
  • Use / carry Sugarloaf-provided walkie-talkie for communication with park staff and/or emergency calls to Visitor Center.
  • Follow established policies and guidelines for protecting the natural and cultural resources on all projects.
  • Comply with all Volunteer registration paperwork requirements, including a mandatory 1-hour sexual harassment training.
  • Schedule and report hours of volunteer service through established procedure.
  • Notify SRSP Park staff and Program Coordinator of any changes in availability, illness, etc. and follow procedures for canceling scheduled work commitments a minimum of 24 hours before a scheduled shift.
  • Represent Team Sugarloaf and California State Parks in a friendly, professional manner
  • Comply with standards of dress and grooming for Volunteers.

Duties:

  • Drive shuttle according to the day’s route & schedule.
  • Greet passengers and hand out maps, as needed.
  • Collect passenger fees and track attendance
  • Follow end-of-shift procedures (deposit and paperwork).
  • Check over vehicle to ensure it’s in good working order (fuel, oil, lights, etc)
  • Research and develop knowledge of park operations, trails, boundaries, points of interest, history, interpretation techniques and emergency procedures.

Benefits:

  • Opportunity to contribute to your community and provide valuable assistance to Team Sugarloaf.
  • Opportunity to inspire park visitors by educating them about the natural and cultural history of the park.
  • Expand your awareness, understanding, sensitivity and appreciation of our rich natural and cultural history.
  • Earn park passes.

Knowledge/Skills desired:

  • Possess a positive, enthusiastic attitude.
  • Willingness to take direction.
  • Possess good communication skills.
  • Ability to work as a team and independently. 

Essential Functions:

  • Driving, reading, listening, comprehending, sitting, standing, walking on uneven ground, walking up and down stairs, lifting up to 60 lbs, working in all kinds of weather conditions. 
  • This position requires the volunteer to authorize Sonoma Ecology Center to conduct a driver license and motor vehicle record check to ensure a good driving record.
Campground Host
Supervisor: Park Manager (john@sonomaecologycenter.org)

Time Commitment: 6 hours per day, 5 days per week – 24-35 hours/week. On Call 24/7. Days off will be week days. 3 month commitment with additional 3 month option.

Purpose:

  • To serve as a representative of California State Parks in the Campground and provide basic operational services and information to the visiting public.

Requirements:

  • Host must be over the age of 18 and physically able to carry out the assigned duties.
  • Host must provide a suitable recreational vehicle in good repair for temporary residency in the park, subject to approval by the district superintendent or their designee. Park will provide the site with available facilities to host at no fee for the duration of agreement. Trailers can be no longer than 24′ and RV’s can be no longer than 27′ (accommodation for longer vehicles may be arranged). Space is limited to one recreational vehicle. All belongings must fit within vehicles; no storage is provided. Vehicles must be registered in California if the vehicles are located or operated in California for a greater amount of time that it is located or operated in any other individual state during the registration period in question.
  • Pass a Live Scan background check.
  • Provide references.
  • Possess a valid driver’s license; pass a DMV driving and auto insurance check, and pass a practical driving test.
  • Pets: For the purpose of this policy, “pets” refers to dogs or cats. No more than 1 dog and 1 cat may be permitted per host site. Animals which remain inside the host’s residence in a cage, aquarium, or other container will normally be allowed. Other or additional animals are prohibited unless authorized in writing by the district superintendent. It is the host’s responsibility to keep the campsite free of all pet/animal waste.
  • Hosts shall be responsible for damages to the host site or private property by their pets/animals.
  • Pets must be kept on leash and in designated areas when outside.

Training:

Orientation and training provided by Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Staff to include:

  1. Park and local area orientation
  2. Park operations, host duties, cash handling procedures.
  3. Safety training and risk management.
  4. Sexual harassment, discrimination training.
  5. Park rules and regulations, local laws, park policies.
  6. How to deal with emergencies.
  7. Use of 2-way radio.
  8. Use of state property.
  9. How to deal with difficult people.

Responsibilities:

  • Follow established safety procedures.
  • Report emergencies using established methods of communication.
  • Use / carry Sugarloaf-provided walkie-talkie for communication with park staff and/or emergency calls to Visitor Center.
  • Follow established policies and guidelines for protecting the natural and cultural resources on all projects.
  • Comply with all Volunteer registration paperwork requirements, including a mandatory 1-hour sexual harassment training.
  • Adhere to schedule as established by supervisor and report hours of volunteer service through established procedure.
  • Notify SRSP Park staff and Program Coordinator of any changes in availability, illness, etc. and follow procedures for canceling scheduled work commitments a minimum of 24 hours before a scheduled shift.
  • Represent Team Sugarloaf and California State Parks in a friendly, professional manner
  • Comply with standards of dress and grooming for Volunteers.

Duties:

  • Research and develop knowledge of park operations and emergency procedures.
  • Provide information to park visitors; park rules and regulations, campsite availability, fee information, park facilities, resources and activities and local attractions and facilities.
  • Collect appropriate fees as instructed by SRSP Staff.
  • Assist with daily campground checks; assure that visitors are registered and fees paid.
  • Sell firewood and maps to visitors.
  • Maintain records on camping registrations and daily transactions.
  • Respond to visitor requests for assistance in the park.
  • Advise campers of infractions through informational non-law enforcement contacts. Report all violations to Park Staff.
  • Hosts shall not perform law enforcement duties.
  • Perform light maintenance and housekeeping chores including but not limited to; clean restrooms and replenish supplies, pick up trash, clean ash from campsite fire pits.
  • Do laundry for glamping sites.
  • Comply with all state park rules and regulations.
  • Maintain a neat and orderly campsite at all times.
  • Notify SRSP Staff of any changes in availability, illness, etc.

Benefits:

  • Enjoy Sonoma Valley and provide valuable assistance to Team Sugarloaf and California State Parks.
  • Park site provided free of charge for duration of agreement.
  • Opportunity to see and explore new areas.
  • Opportunity to inspire park visitors by educating them about the natural and cultural history of the park.
  • Expand your awareness, understanding, sensitivity and appreciation of our rich natural and cultural history.
  • Earn park passes.

Knowledge/Skills desired:

  • Possess a positive, enthusiastic attitude toward people and California State Parks.
  • Possess good communication skills.
  • Ability to interact in a professional manner with visitors, staff and peers.
  • Ability to work independently. 
  • Ability to perform light maintenance and housekeeping tasks.

Essential Functions:

  • Reading, listening, comprehending, speaking, sitting, standing, walking, hiking on uneven ground, bending, squatting, stooping, lifting up to 60 lbs, gripping, pushing, pulling, carrying up to 60 lbs, dragging, climbing, sweeping, handling money, working in an outdoor environment.