Get Involved
Our mission is supported by generous donors and volunteers who are inspiring love of the land and making it possible for all people living in – or visiting – Monterey County to experience the solace that only comes from being out in nature.
The land needs you! Attend a public stewardship/volunteer event or apply below to become a volunteer below. Whether you’re interested in maintaining trails, planting seeds, leading hikes, or educating people about our mission, there could be a role for you! As a Big Sur Land Trust volunteer, you’ll get the training and tools you need to advance our shared vision for healthy lands, healthy people, and healthy communities.
Volunteer Roles at Big Sur Land Trust
Big Sur Land Trust's volunteer program is based on flexibility and inclusivity. Defined volunteer roles help to ensure volunteer safety, clarify expectations, and enable the ‘best fit’ for you and your desired role.
Each of the volunteer roles at Big Sur Land Trust comes with a unique set of defined attributes, including responsibilities and scope, qualifications/requirements, goals, and commitment expectations. By identifying a diverse set of defined roles, we both attract and support the extensive community necessary for a healthy volunteer program supportive of Big Sur Land Trust’s mission and vision.
Responsibilities and Scope
- Give talks to Big Sur Land Trust’s constituents about topics pertinent to our work. Examples of appropriate fields of study or speaker topics include:
- Land Trust history
- Culture and cultural history
- Natural sciences (geology, biology, mycology, etc.)
- Public access
Qualifications/Requirements
- Volunteer orientation, including communications training
- Experience with public speaking
- Expertise in a field of study
- Must have a fitness level commensurate with the job functions
- Demonstrated knowledge in a Big Sur Land Trust-related field of study
Goals
- A more educated Big Sur Land Trust constituency
- Positive community engagement
Commitment
- One talk per year, as requested
- Educators/speakers are welcome to suggest speaker topics for established guided hikes, which occur ~once/month, and are welcome to suggest additional hikes/topics.
Hike leaders bring energy and knowledge integral to the long-held tradition of guided hikes at Big Sur Land Trust, which for decades served as the central conduit of volunteer stewardship and engagement. This position affords a unique opportunity for the right individual to showcase Big Sur Land Trust properties, share their knowledge, and educate our broad constituency and the public. Experienced hike leaders are welcome to leave their own unique fingerprint on the guided hikes program by proposing new hikes that they would like to lead.
Responsibilities and Scope
- Safely and responsibly lead guest hikers on hikes at Big Sur Land Trust
- Speak about the history, natural history, and ecology of Big Sur Land Trust
- Exemplify excellent trail etiquette and stewardship practices, including “Leave No Trace”.
Qualifications/Requirements
- Volunteer orientation, including communications training
- Must have a fitness level commensurate with the job functions
- Participation in at least six guided hikes
- Co-lead one hike with an experienced hike leader or Big Sur Land Trust staff
- Attendance at the hike leader annual meeting (volunteer appreciation pre-party)
- Basic First Aid/CPR or WFA/WFR training a plus
Goals
- High-quality and varied guided hikes that enhance Big Sur Land Trust property accessibility and deepen community connection and understanding
Commitment
- Lead at least one Guided Hike per year
The historian/archivist will be introduced to the Big Sur Land Trust archive, which contains over 40 years of program materials, media coverage, event information, photographs, memories, and much more. The historian/archivist will be welcome to immerse in this rich bank of history and propose or fulfill specific projects that enhance the accessibility of its contents.
Responsibilities and Scope
- Gain familiarity of the contents of the Big Sur Land Trust archive
- Itemize and organize archive contents
- Highlight archive contents of interest to the Big Sur Land Trust constituency, including:
- Land Trust history (important dates, influential members, etc.)
- Culture and cultural history
- Natural sciences (geology, biology, mycology, etc.)
Qualifications/Requirements
- Volunteer orientation, including communications training
- Passion for history
- Excellent organizational skills
- Must be able to lift 20 lbs.
- Must work on site
- Archivist experience a plus
- Note: Allergies to dust may make work less enjoyable
Goals
- An organized and indexed archive
- The highlighting of amazing moments in Big Sur Land Trust history
Commitment
- Minimum four hours per month
The office assistant is therefore an integral component of the fundraising and communications engine that keeps Big Sur Land Trust running. This position provides a special opportunity for the right individual to support Big Sur Land Trust and spend time in the Big Sur Land Trust office among staff.
Responsibilities and Scope
- Stuff, sort, seal, and mail Big Sur Land Trust appeals for Spring, Summer, and Year-End mailings, in addition to other postcards and mailers throughout the year
- Printing and photocopying
- General office support
Qualifications/Requirements
- Volunteer orientation, including communications training
- Attention to detail
- Appreciation for methodical work
Goals
- Supported office staff through times of increased workload
Commitment
- Two events per year, as needed
The work of the photographer/videographer may be solitary and quiet or produced through independent excursions (self-guided hikes) on our properties. At other times, we look to our photographer/videographer to capture more social experiences, such as volunteer and attendee engagement at our stewardship work-days, special events (tours, hikes, celebrations), and guided hikes. This position provides an opportunity for the right individual to show the world a close-up view of the lands they love, and the people who work to conserve them.
Responsibilities and Scope
- Produce high-resolution photographs and video of Big Sur Land Trust properties and events
- Big Sur Land Trust Volunteer Photographer Guidelines
Qualifications/Requirements
- Volunteer orientation, including communications training
- Camera (still and/or video) capable of high-resolution image capture
Goals
- High-quality, high-resolution photo and video content featuring Big Sur Land Trust properties and events
Commitment
- Landscape content capture at least three times per year OR
- Event content capture at least once per year.
Big Sur Land Trust hosts several special events each year, including an annual Open House, an annual volunteer appreciation brunch or lunch, the Race for Open Space, and a variety of staff-led hikes, tours and dinners. The special events assistant serves an important role in helping to make these events truly unique, bringing both needed manpower and the unique energy and enthusiasm of Big Sur Land Trust volunteers. This position provides an opportunity for the right individual to help Big Sur Land Trust sparkle and shine as we connect with our constituency.
Responsibilities and Scope
- General event support. Examples include:
- Setup and break down tables
- Seating
- Food and beverage station set up
- Audio/visual support
- Décor setup
- Beverage and wine pouring
- Buffet set up
- Serving refreshments
- Parking assistance
- Greeting participants
- Equipment pick-up and delivery
Qualifications/Requirements
- Volunteer orientation, including communications training
- Ability to lift 30 lbs
- Excellent people skills
- Customer service experience a plus
Goals
- Well-supported Big Sur Land Trust special events
Commitment
- One special event per year, as requested
- Four to six hours per event
While Big Sur Land Trust regularly hosts public volunteer stewardship events, much of the work done by stewardship staff cannot be calendared in advance and must be responsive to the needs and conditions of the land; members of the Stewardship trails and access crew form a core group of volunteers on whom stewardship staff rely for more intermittent, immediate, specialized and/or intensive work needs. The ideal member of trails and access crew is ready to work shoulder to shoulder with our staff in the service of the lands we love, with regular availability and an ‘on-call’ attitude toward their volunteerism. This position provides an opportunity for the right individual to form a deep and lasting connection with staff and our conserved lands.
Responsibilities and Scope
- Survey trails
- Clear vegetation and debris from paths
- Improve trails with hand-tools
- Control erosion
- Construct trail infrastructure and help install trail signage
- Maintain grounds around structures
- Care for gardens
- Improve facilities
Qualifications/Requirements
- Volunteer orientation, including communications training
- Safety-oriented professional attitude
- A desire to work hard
- A level of fitness that is commensurate with the job functions
- Ability to work cooperatively
- Basic First Aid/CPR or WFA/WFR certification a plus
Goals
- Excellently and expertly stewarded conserved lands
Commitment
- Participate in one six-hour event each month, upon request
The stewardship restoration crew provides restoration support to Big Sur Land Trust’s stewardship staff. While Big Sur Land Trust regularly hosts public volunteer stewardship events that involve restoration work, much of the work done by stewardship staff cannot be calendared in advance and must be responsive to the needs and conditions of the land; members of the stewardship restoration crew form a core group of volunteers on whom stewardship staff rely for more intermittent, immediate, specialized and/or intensive work needs. The ideal stewardship restoration crew member is ready to work shoulder to shoulder with our staff in the service of the lands we love, with regular availability and an ‘on-call’ attitude toward their volunteerism. This position provides a unique opportunity for the right individual to form a deep and lasting connection with staff and ongoing restoration efforts on our conserved lands.
Responsibilities and Scope
- Learn how to distinguish invasive from native plant species
- Plant trees
- Plant native species
- Remove invasive species
- Monitoring/surveys of native/invasive plants
- Collect seeds
- Tend gardens
- Hand-pulling of invasive plants in priority areas identified by Big Sur Land Trust stewardship staff
- Surveying and recording GPS information for target invasive populations
Qualifications/Requirements
- Volunteer orientation, including communications training
- Invasive plant identification
- Native plant identification
- A level of fitness commensurate with job functions
- Basic First Aid/CPR or WFA/WFR certification a plus
Goals
- Excellent and expert restoration of conserved lands
Commitment
- Participate in one 6-hour event each month, upon request
Examples of partners and events we table at include California Wildlife Day, Monterey Museum of Art Block Party, Night Market 831, Carmel Valley Fiesta, Big Sur International Marathon, West End Festival, City of Carmel Earth Day Celebration, REI Marina, and more. Once their training is complete (see below), Big Sur Land Trust’s tabling volunteers bring energy and knowledge integral to keeping our community informed about our organizational history, mission, vision, and current projects. Because our volunteers are often Big Sur Land Trust’s most passionate and inspiring advocates, this is a unique opportunity for the right individual to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with the public.
Responsibilities and Scope
- Support Big Sur Land Trust staff at tabling events throughout the year.
- With staff support, speak to the public about Big Sur Land Trust’s work and current projects.
- Share your passion for our work with the public.
Qualifications/Requirements
- Volunteer orientation.
- Communications training.
- Participation in six tabling events with 1+ staff members; following this initial training period, tabling and outreach volunteers will table with at least 1 staff member present.
- Attendance at pre-event planning meetings (when necessary).
Goals
- Increase Big Sur Land Trust’s capacity to table at community events throughout Monterey County and the year.
Commitment
- Table at 6 events per year. This position requires availability on evenings and/or weekends.
Underpinning the trail ambassador's stewardship and etiquette practices is a firm understanding of why these practices are in place on our conserved lands and their contribution to our conservation efforts. As trail ambassadors set the example of excellent land stewards, they positively reinforce compliance and stewardship actions taken by others. The ideal member of trail ambassador can strike the right balance between noting compliance issues for report to staff and simply setting the correct example and being ready to educate and inspire. In other words, this role is not that of a property monitor. It is a true ambassadorship! This position provides an opportunity for the right individual to be a positive presence and source of information and inspiration on Big Sur Land Trust lands, while communicating observed issues directly to staff.
Responsibilities and Scope
- Learn the desired state of the properties and noteworthy issues
- Thoroughly familiarize with the property (trail names, infrastructure)
- Report any unsafe conditions or behavior to Big Sur Land Trust staff
- Report trail conditions to Big Sur Land Trust staff
- Educate visitors about the property (including stewardship actions) to promote understanding and compliance
- Reinforce and reward good visitor behavior
- Inspire responsible enjoyment of Big Sur Land Trust lands
Qualifications/Requirements
- Volunteer orientation, including communications training
- Trail ambassador training
- Demonstrated understanding of property history and ongoing stewardship/restoration activities.
- Excellent communications skills
- >1 year of Big Sur Land Trust volunteering experience
- A fitness level commensurate with the job functions
- Basic First Aid/CPR or WFA/WFR certification a plus
Goals
- Improved compliance with Big Sur Land Trust policies and regulations through presence, education, and example-setting
- Regular surveillance of Big Sur Land Trust property conditions
- Enhanced visitor experience
Commitment
- Visit your ambassadorship property at least once/month, spending no less than 4 hours on-trail
The trail ambassador acts as the eyes, ears, and face of Monterey Peninsula Regional Parks District (MPRPD) and Big Sur Land Trust as they partner with California State Parks and the Point Lobos Foundation to provide managed access to San Jose Creek Trail. Trail ambassadors demonstrate the highest standard of trail etiquette and land stewardship. Underpinning the trail ambassador's stewardship and etiquette practices is a firm understanding of why managed access is in place on our conserved lands and its contribution to conservation efforts. As trail ambassadors set the example of excellent land stewards, they positively reinforce responsible actions taken by others. The ideal trail ambassador can strike the right balance between noting compliance issues, simply setting the correct example, and being ready to inform and inspire. A trail ambassador is not an enforcement volunteer or monitor. Their role is a true ambassadorship! This position provides an opportunity for the right individual to be a positive presence and source of information and inspiration, while communicating observed issues directly to Big Sur Land Trust and MPRPD.
Responsibilities and Scope
- Serve 4-hour shifts, with 2 hours minimum on managed access trails (i.e., beyond Animas Pond)
- Be ready to support hikers with information (trail names, infrastructure, etc.)
- Be ready to inform hikers about the trails and the reasons for trail regulations and managed access to promote understanding and compliance
- Remind hikers to hike within their limits and during managed access hours
- Report any injuries or emergencies to 911
- Report any unsafe conditions or behavior to MPRPD Ranger-On-Duty (831-659-4488, Ext. 1)
- Submit brief daily logs to MPRPD via email (camarillo@mprpd.org and cc: wyatt@mprpd.org)
- Reinforce and reward good visitor behavior
- Inspire responsible enjoyment of San Jose Creek Trail and appreciation for the access to it
Qualifications/Requirements
- BSLT volunteer orientation
- MPRPD volunteer training, including background check and First Aid/CPR
- Excellent communications skills
- A fitness level commensurate with the job functions
Goals
- Improved compliance with managed access requirements through presence, education, and example-setting
- Regular surveillance of San Jose Creek Trail and critical junctions leading to it
- Enhanced visitor experience
Commitment
- MPRPD volunteers are asked to serve a minimum of 9 hours/month.
Trail run leaders represent Big Sur Land Trust and their activities should reflect Big Sur Land Trust’s vision and mission. Trail run leaders are the newest add-on to a legacy guided hike program, which for decades was the central conduit for volunteering, stewardship, and access at Big Sur Land Trust. Hike leaders are highly valued members among Big Sur Land Trust staff, as they bring energy, knowledge, and presence needed to sustain the long-held tradition of guided hikes at Big Sur Land Trust. Trail run leaders also assume this role – but in running shoes. This position affords a special opportunity for the right trail runner to showcase Big Sur Land Trust properties, share knowledge, and educate our broad constituency and the public.
Responsibilities and Scope
- Safely and responsibly lead guest trail runners on guided trail runs at Big Sur Land Trust properties.
- Speak about the history, natural history, and ecology of Big Sur Land Trust
- Exemplify excellent trail etiquette and stewardship practices, including “Leave No Trace”.
Qualifications/Requirements
- Volunteer orientation, including communications training
- Participation in at least six Guided Hikes and more than three Big Sur Land Trust trail runs
- Co-lead one trail run with an experienced trail run leader or Big Sur Land Trust staff
- Attendance of the hike leader annual meeting (volunteer appreciation pre-party)
- More than three years of demonstrated long-distance (>13 miles) trail running experience
- A fitness level commensurate with the job functions
- Basic First Aid/CPR or WFA/WFR training a plus
Goals
- High-quality and varied Trail Runs that enhance Big Sur Land Trust property accessibility and deepen community connection and understanding
Commitment
- Lead at least one Big Sur Land Trust trail run per year
The content that is produced is at the discretion of the writer/storyteller, as we welcome the stories that you have to tell us. At times, the Writer/Storyteller may be invited to attend a special event or provide content around a specific subject. The ideal Writer/Storyteller can adeptly share a personal voice and perspective while acting as part of our communications team. This position provides an opportunity for the right individual to tell the stories we might otherwise never hear.
Responsibilities and Scope
- Attend special events, as invited
- Create stories/narratives aligned with Big Sur Land Trust values and goals
Qualifications/Requirements
- Volunteer orientation, including communications training
- Excellent writing skills
- Excellent editing skills
Goals
- Unique and current written content about BSLT conserved lands and activities
Commitment
- Two write-ups per year
