Docent Volunteer Job Descriptions
Job Description 1
Position: Docent Tour Guide
Supervisor: Natural Resource Specialist
Objective: To promote public enjoyment and an understanding of the Bufferlands efforts towards land stewardship, wildlife conservation, and our connection to the Sacramento Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant through educational outreach programs.
Responsibilities: The Docent Tour Guide will work independently (please read job Qualifications section below) and with Bufferlands staff to lead interpretive tours of the Bufferlands for adults and children. Docents will provide guests with information about the various habitats and wildlife species of the Bufferlands and assist guests in identifying local flora and fauna. Docents may also be responsible for preparing tours, coordinating parking and staging areas, and welcoming and orienting participants prior to tours. Docents may enlist the help of Bufferlands Assistant Docents for help at outreach events.
Qualifications: An interest in the natural world, teaching, and enthusiasm for the outdoors, as well as good people skills, being dependable and responsible, having the ability to hike on uneven terrain in all types of weather are all requisites for this position.
Training: Bufferlands Natural Resource staff provide approximately 10 hours of training over a six week period covering topics related to knowledge needed to be an effective docent naturalist. Continuing training and hands on experience shall be available to docents through requested assistance with Bufferland wildlife, vegetation and water quality monitoring programs.
Commitment: After completing the entire docent training course, we ask docents to commit to 20 hours of docent service per year.
Job Description 2
Position: Assistant Docent Tour Guide
Supervisor: Natural Resource Specialist
Objective: To assist docents and Bufferlands staff in promoting public enjoyment and an understanding of the Bufferlands efforts towards land stewardship, wildlife conservation, and our connection to the Sacramento Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant through educational outreach programs.
Responsibilities: Assists Docent Tour Guides and Bufferlands staff on annually scheduled tours and events for adults and children. This volunteer position is perfect for those who wish not to lead tours on their own. Volunteers in this position have the option to work into the Docent Tour Guide position. Assistant docents may help with the set up of materials for table displays, directing participants to parking areas, orienting participants prior to tours, assisting staff while on a tour. This includes keeping the group together, identifying birds, plants or other notable wildlife, carrying field guides and binoculars. Assistant docents may also help with staffing the Bufferlands booth at various outreach events.
Qualifications: An interest in the natural world, teaching, and enthusiasm for the outdoors. Must have good people skills, be dependable and responsible, and have the ability to hike on uneven terrain in all types of weather.
Training: Bufferlands Natural Resource staff provide approximately 10 hours of training over a six week period covering topics related to knowledge needed to be an effective docent naturalist. Continuing training and hands on experience shall be available to docents through requested assistance with Bufferland wildlife, vegetation and water quality monitoring programs.
Commitment: After completing the entire docent training course, we ask docents to commit to 20 hours of docent service per year.
Job Description 3
Position: Outreach Material Editor & Data Base Manager
Supervisor: Natural Resource Specialist
Objective: To assist with the creation, review and/or distribution of Bufferlands outreach materials and maintain the Bufflerands Outreach Data Base.
Responsibilities: The Outreach Editor may be asked to create, review, and/or distribute a wide array of materials supporting Bufferlands outreach efforts. Materials may include flyers, handouts, newsletter articles, press releases, exhibit information and more. Writing, research, layout, editing, design, and photography will be likely duties associated with this position. The Data Base Manager will assist with data entry, tracking volunteer hours, and general data base upkeep.
Qualifications: Experience in any of the areas listed above under "Responsibilities" is helpful as well as familiarity with Microsoft Word, and Access software.
Training: Bufferlands Natural Resource staff provide approximately 10 hours of training over a six week period covering topics related to knowledge needed to be an effective docent naturalist. Continuing training and hands on experience shall be available to docents through requested assistance with Bufferland wildlife, vegetation and water quality monitoring programs.
Commitment: After completing the entire docent training course, we ask docents to commit to 20 hours of docent service per year





