Welcome to the Volunteer Page
Are You a Volunteer?
Are you or is someone that you know looking for a meaningful way to give back? Are you looking to play an active role in the San Diego's community? Well, look no further than Old Town San Diego State Historic Park's Volunteer in Parks Program! Our Volunteer in Parks Program directly supports Old Town San Diego SHP in bringing memorable experiences to the 4 million visitors we receive annually. With weekly public programs, annual special events, and free museum entry every day, we need volunteers who want to step up and help us continue being one of San Diego's treasures.
What Does a Volunteer at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park Do?
Whether you want to speak up and share the history of San Diego, create crafts that fundraise for special events and public programs, or do the work that maintains a historic garden, Old Town San Diego SHP has different opportunities for you to choose the experience that is right for you.
Here at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, there are five main areas that you can volunteer: Interpretation, Visitor Services, Resource Management, Park Support, and Special Events.
Interpretation
- Museum Docents
- School Programs
- Adobe Making
- Quilting with Threads of the Past
- Spinning
- Blacksmithing/Woodworking
Visitor Services
- Park Host
- Boosters of Old Town (BOOT) Store Member
Resource Management Volunteers
- Park Resource Management Member
- Natural Resource Management Member
Park Support Volunteers
- Craft Committee Member
Special Events
- Short Term Special Events Volunteer
Scroll down to read more about each volunteer opportunity at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park!
What Does the Volunteer Process Entail?
So, you want to become a California State Park volunteer. What does the process look like from start to end?
- Start your application by Clicking Here!
- Ideal applicants will be invited to interview with the volunteer coordination team.
- After a successful interview, applicants agree to undergo a background check through the Department of Justice.
- Approved applicants will be invited to attend a new volunteer orientation & training in March or August.
- Volunteer orientation and program specific trainings take place over 3 Saturdays and are done in 3-hour segments.
- After completing an orientation, training, and attending a shadow shift with a peer mentor, volunteers are ready to jump in and serve the community.
The volunteer coordination team is there to support you through the entirety of this process and continually provide training opportunities throughout the year. Please note that all active volunteers are required to meet the minimum time commitment of 9 hours per month and participate in the all-hands-on special events, 4th of July and Dia de Los Muertos.
This is your call to action! Start the process TODAY and join the Old Town San Diego SHP Volunteer in Parks Program!
I would like to volunteer
Active Volunteer Opportunities
Our Mission Statement
The mission of Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is to provide to the park visitor the opportunity to experience the setting of the original town (pueblo) of San Diego, through the preservation, restoration, reconstruction, and interpretation of the original landscape, features, buildings, objects, people, and customs. This endeavor will ensure the public a connection to the past for their enjoyment, education, and recreation.
The mission of the OTSDSHP Volunteer Parks Program is to provide mutually beneficial, service-based volunteer opportunities to the people of the San Diego, that will aid in re-creating the experience of the original town (pueblo) of San Diego and ensure the public a connection to the past.
