Volunteers Wanted

To Enhance Our Interpretive Programs at

Fort Ross State Historic Park

 

Volunteers are playing an ever-increasing role in California’s parks. Volunteers serve in almost all of California's state park units and lend invaluable assistance. Fort Ross has many programs and opportunities for everyone. We are looking for people who possess a positive and enthusiastic attitude toward people, have a love of natural or cultural history, and are willing to share skills and knowledge with visitors and/or staff.

 

Interpretation for Visitors
Docents are highly trained volunteers who interpret the cultural, natural and recreational resources of state parks for visitors. Docents receive initial and continuing training to which they add their own unique approach and experiences. Interpretive activities that docents become involved with include:

Fort Ross Hosts are volunteers that participate in planned events for dignitaries and delegations. It you would like to be on this list please contact us.

Interpreters/translators of language for our diverse audience.

Research and Translation Assistants -  Varied translation/Interpretation assistance needed.  English, Russian, Spanish, etc..  Skills test required.

Park Administration includes duties such as clerical support, data tabulation, special events, and other administrative functions.

Adopt-a-Room (or Building) Service Program - For groups ready for an ongoing commitment you can adopt a room (or building)  within the Fort Compound (i.e. Granary, Scientist Room, Trade Room, Wood Workshop, Armory, Chapel, etc.), and take pride that your corner of Fort Ross will be cleaned and maintained throughout the year.

Natural Resource Management is a critical issue facing state parks.
Volunteers assist by providing needed skills and abilities in:

Carpentry, Maintenance, Gardening, Clean-ups and Cleaning - Varied carpentry, maintenance, gardening and cleaning assistance of displays, equipment, facilities, gardens, orchard and beaches

Historic Orchard -  Assist in orchard preservation and maintenance by helping us with pruning, weeding, brush removal and other landscaping activities. Orchard volunteers also learn the history of the orchard and can help provide interpretation to orchard visitors.

Call House and Garden - Get trained to be a weekend docent at the Call House, Fort Ross' superb example of California's ranch-era. Or join a group of dedicated gardeners who keep the Call garden looking vibrant from year to year.

Park Operations
Campground and Park Hosts are visible representatives in California State Parks' campgrounds and day-use areas. Volunteer duties include assisting visitors, collecting fees, performing light janitorial and maintenance duties, conducting interpretive programs and encouraging compliance with park rules and regulations (although hosts do not perform actual law enforcement duties). Hosts may also perform a multitude of other duties to help the park. Most parks require a minimum commitment of three months, with a maximum stay of six months per park. For more information about being a campground host at Salt Point State Park contact Todd Farcau at todd.farcau@parks.ca.gov.

If you volunteer 25 hours you will receive a District Pass which entitles you to free day use at these parks:

 If you volunteer 200 hours in a calendar year, you will receive a state-wide pass that allows you free day-use entry into any California State Park during the next calendar year.

To accrue hours, you need to complete the volunteer service agreement and submit hours to your lead person or the Volunteer Coordinator.

 

If you would like to join us at Fort Ross or would like more information please contact the Volunteer Coordinator for the North Sector of the Russian River District, Robin Joy Wellman at robinjoy.wellman@parks.ca.gov