Western Snowy Plover Volunteer - Bolsa Chica State Beach
The goal of the Western Snowy Plover Volunteer Docent Program is:
- To protect and preserve the habitat of the Western Snowy Plover at Bolsa Chica State Beach.
- To communicate information about the natural history and conservation of Western Snowy Plovers and their habitat.
- To educate visitors of the importance of following guidelines which been implemented to protect Western Snowy Plovers.
Docents will be responsible for providing outreach and education focused on Western Snowy Plovers to parks visitors at Bolsa Chica State Beach. Docents will conduct field surveys noting bird behavior, disturbances, and predation events and provide completed data sheets to Park staff. In addition, Docents will provide State Park rules, regulations and guidelines in a way that educates and encourages visitors to voluntarily comply.
Qualifications:
- A positive attitude towards engaging people in conversation.
- Ability to communicate well with others and be sensitive to their needs and views.
- Ability to work independently and resourcefully in a public place.
- Good written, verbal, and observational skills.
- Familiarity with identifying and listing all birds observed.
- Interest in ornithology and conservation.
Requirements
- Create an account on Better Impact to sign up for shifts and record hours, while meeting the minimum time commitment and maintaining communication with the Supervisor.
- Attend a two-hour classroom training which provides overview of Western Snowy Plovers and attend a two-hour field training which provides practice in observation and monitoring.
- Sign up for a Beach Roving or Plover Station shift:
- The Beach Roving shift is for volunteers to walk on the beach at various habitat locations and provide education to the public while documenting important information on the plovers. This option has a medium level of physical activity required. Volunteers need to be comfortable with walking on sand throughout the duration of their shift.
- The Plover Station shift is for volunteers to set up an outreach station near habitat and provide education to the public with a small foldable table, chair, and outreach materials (e.g., photos, decoy plover, decoy eggs, etc.) while documenting important information on the plovers in the area. This option has a low level of physical activity required and is great for people who need to be less mobile.
- Complete a data sheet each shift and submit it to staff.
- Review and be familiar with the Western Snowy Plover Docent Manual.
- Wear the required uniform which includes a badge and shirt.
- Provide your own field equipment like binoculars and/or spotting scope.
Time Commitment
Two hours per week during the breeding season, including at least one weekend/holiday shift per month during the breeding season (March through August). The schedule is flexible with available shifts between 10AM-7PM daily. Other opportunities may arise throughout the rest of the year.
Parking
Parking is available inside of the Bolsa Chica State Beach parking lots. Docents are provided a parking pass.
To Apply: Visit our Orange Coast District Volunteer Portal on Better Impact for more information about the Orange Coast District. Then, email vol.orangecoast@parks.ca.gov to get started. We occasionally post about opportunities on our social media so follow us for any updates on Least Tern Volunteers!
