Docents
Job Description:
Docents are the interpretive arm of our zoo and botanical gardens.They help visitors of all ages discover The Living Desert whether interpreting carts, telling stories or providing guidance around the park. They make each visitor's trip more memorable!
Qualifications:
Training:
The Docent Training Course is offered once a year, beginning in October and continuing through early February. Classes are twice a week from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Exceptions to days and times are noted on the Docent Training Schedule. Docent Training provides a basic understanding of The Living Desert: its goals, mission, collection and grounds and general desert ecology. At the completion of this basic training, new Docents begin with school programs, which include, but are not limited to, leading student tours, interpreting stations and carts, bus greeting and Zoo Class.
Requirements:
For specific questions, please call our Volunteer Office at 760-346-5694, ext. 2503 or send an email to volunteer@livingdesert.org.
Docents are the interpretive arm of our zoo and botanical gardens.They help visitors of all ages discover The Living Desert whether interpreting carts, telling stories or providing guidance around the park. They make each visitor's trip more memorable!
Qualifications:
- Enjoy people and interacting with others
- Be willing to complete training and demonstrate comprehension of information and techniques
- Have an established interest in nature, or the willingness to learn
- Have an open mind that is ready to learn and experience new things
- Be willing to represent The Living Desert in a friendly and professional manner
- Be able to communicate clearly and calmly
- Be able to model respect for the animals and the desert ecosystem
- Be responsible, committed, punctual, flexible and neat in appearance
- Have free time to devote to the job
Training:
The Docent Training Course is offered once a year, beginning in October and continuing through early February. Classes are twice a week from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Exceptions to days and times are noted on the Docent Training Schedule. Docent Training provides a basic understanding of The Living Desert: its goals, mission, collection and grounds and general desert ecology. At the completion of this basic training, new Docents begin with school programs, which include, but are not limited to, leading student tours, interpreting stations and carts, bus greeting and Zoo Class.
Requirements:
- Complete and submit the Docent Application
- Pay a $145.00 tuition and materials fee
- Be a member in good standing of The Living Desert
- Complete all required training for assigned duties
- Purchase volunteer shirt
- Commit to two seasons with school programs in an interpretive capacity, working (one) 3.5 hour shift per week (minimum of 126 hours per season).
For specific questions, please call our Volunteer Office at 760-346-5694, ext. 2503 or send an email to volunteer@livingdesert.org.
