Volunteers are a fundamental part of OC Parks and provide a valuable service for park facilities, staff, visitors and the community. Volunteers are critical in supporting OC Parks’ Core Values of Community, Commitment to Excellence, Service and Stewardship.
OC Parks offers a variety of volunteer services. Whether it’s volunteering for short term volunteer projects, or a more committed and regular volunteer role, OC Parks has something for everyone.
“Whether you are interested in volunteering for a single project such as a beach clean-up or are interested in a regular position such as a nature center docent, historic site docent, or zoo attendant, your contribution is important and greatly valued. OC Parks is committed to ensuring that you have the right tools, training, and support to have a successful and rewarding volunteer experience.”
- Pam Passow
Director, OC Parks
These are short-term opportunities where the public can help maintain and sustain the parks we all enjoy and love, and also learn the Whys and Hows of trail/habitat maintenance at County parks. Information on upcoming events is available at: https://www.ocparks.com/events/.
Want to become even more involved? OC Parks trains and regularly calls on individuals signed up to be an OC Parks Volunteer. Opportunities include nature center volunteers, education docents, trail crew and restoration lead, etc. More information is available at: https://www.ocparks.com/about-us/volunteer/oc-parks-volunteers.
Volunteer opportunities are also available for individuals desiring a more rigorous public service experience. Additional information on these programs is available at: https://www.ocparks.com/about/volunteer/ranger and https://www.ocparks.com/about/volunteer/fire.
These parks advisory bodies regularly hold meetings during which the public has the opportunity to comment on matters under their respective jurisdictions (i.e., Historic facilities and activities for the Historical Commission, and the OC Parks system for the Parks Commission). More information is available at: https://www.ocparks.com/about/commission and https://www.ocparks.com/about/historical.
Volunteers are an important part of the zoo and assist with a variety of zoo activities. Whether it’s preparing diets for the animals, giving guided tours, or many other activities; volunteers play a crucial role in daily operations. The OC Zoo has two types of volunteers, Animal Keeper Volunteers and Zoo Docents. All volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. For more information on volunteer opportunities with the OC Zoo click here.
OC Parks offers internships in a variety of different areas from historical collections to the OC Zoo. Local Colleges and Universities partner with OC Parks to provide these opportunities to students. Both credit and non-credit placements are available. To learn more about internships with OC Parks please contact volunteer@ocparks.com or click here.
