Volunteer Docent @ Columbia Springs

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Interested in this opportunity? Please do not click on I WANT TO HELP, instead contact 360-882-0936 x222 / volunteering@columbiasprings.org

Columbia Springs strives to offer a unique settings and educational experiences that foster a greater awareness of the natural world and inspire stewardship. We do this by directly connecting with almost 20,000 people annually.

Position Summary: The Volunteer Docent serves as an onsite organizational ambassador. Docents engage visitors through guided tours, interpretive displays, and staffing the visitor's center. Often times, visitors will interact with a Docent exclusively (rather than staff), making you a valuable part of our team. In addition, all volunteers have the opportunity to host outreach booths at off-site events or volunteer at special events throughout the year.

Commitment: Docents are expected to fulfill 35 hours per year. Docents are required to staff one 3-hour shift at the Visitor's Center per month, lead at least one guided walk (summer months only), and host one interpretive activity per month (summer months only). All volunteers are expected to communicate their participation in a timely manner.

Onboarding: New volunteers are expected to fill out the volunteer application, schedule a meeting with the Volunteer Manager, pass a background check, and attend the Docent Training series, which typically occurs in the spring. Training will address interpretation techniques and resources, volunteer safety and expectations, and topics about Columbia Springs such as history, flora and fauna, hatchery operations, wildlife, and other topics.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Promote the mission of Columbia Springs and enhance visitors' experience through guided walks, interpretive activities, and staffing the visitor's center.
• Help visitors, answer questions, provide interpretation.
• Assist with Columbia Springs outreach and community events.
• Work with the Volunteer Manager to provide feedback on program activities.
• Follow all policies and procedures set out by Columbia Springs.
• Participate in opportunities for continued education. You are also encouraged to seek outside opportunities for education.

Qualifications:

• Public speaking skills, including the ability to stand, sit and speak for up to 3 hours with reasonable accommodation.
• Background in environmental topics and passion for interpreting the natural world.
• Work and communicate effectively and respectfully with others.
• Dependable and punctual.
• Must be enthusiastic about educating people and connecting them with nature.
• Self-directed and wiling to take initiative.

Minimum age: 18