Volunteer Program

PARKS VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

The Monterey County Parks Volunteer Program supports our County Parks system with knowledgeable, responsible volunteers who assist in providing visitor services, administrative assistance, interpretive skills, grounds and trails maintenance, and habitat preservation to enhance the outdoor recreational experience of park users and promote and protect the viability of the parks’ natural resources and historic sites.

Monterey County Parks has several types of volunteers available such as general volunteers, trail volunteers, group volunteers, park docents, student/intern volunteers, virtual volunteers, and live-on volunteers for those who wish to donate their time and talents to the County Parks system. The Parks’ goal is to provide volunteers with a rewarding, meaningful experience that integrates individual service and talents with County Parks’ needs throughout our day-use parks, campgrounds and our lakes.  Parks needs volunteers seven days a week, year-round, in every capacity. Every effort is made to match volunteer skills, talents, preferences, and available time commitment to meet both the individual and Parks’ operational needs.

General Volunteers perform a variety of assignments and activities in County parks on a regularly scheduled or intermittent capacity based on their availability. Typically, assignments are confined to daytime hours, seven days of the week, including holidays. Live-On Volunteers must commit to providing services in exchange for a campsite and utilities for a recreational vehicle or trailer.  Individual volunteers are expected to provide twenty-four (24) hours of service per week and a couple is expected to provide thirty (30) hours of service per week (service hours may be split between the couple.)  Live-on Volunteers start out with a three month commitment, which may be extended upon mutual agreement.  Volunteers should be prepared to work weekends, holidays and special events.

More information can be found in our Volunteer Handbook.  Interested volunteers must complete and submit an application for consideration.  Applications may be submitted to:

Email:  parks@co.monterey.ca.us
Or In Person:
     County of Monterey
     Public Works, Facilities & Parks
     1441 Schilling Place, 2^nd Floor South
     Salinas CA 93901
     (831) 755-4895