DOCENT PROGRAM

Solana Center’s Docent program is for advanced, experienced volunteers who have a passion for the environment and are knowledgable about sustainability. This crucial role allows us to offer expanded programming and community outreach. 

Already a docent with Solana Center?

Access the password-protected portal page for information about upcoming events.

A girl in a blue apron standing next to a booth promoting waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and composting. The booth has informational posters and a table with brochures, with a large banner reading 'Rethink Waste' and 'Solana Center will help you...'

Eco Team Docents who complete 40 hours of volunteer shifts in a 12-month period can earn a branded volunteer t-shirt made from sustainable materials. Docents receive free admission to Solana Center's Master Compost courses and a discount at our sustainability store.

Benefits

What Docents Can Do

Woman with sunglasses on head smiling, wearing a blue apron and red gloves, holding a freshly harvested onion or garlic outdoors.

  • Show our visitors what we are all about here at Solana Center, and give a guided tour of our grounds to scheduled groups.

  • Help us broaden the reach of our programming! Docent booths go where our staff cannot, providing more people with access to our resources on sustainability. Docent booths take place at different times and locations throughout the year.

  • Deliver our PowerPoint presentation to community groups throughout San Diego to introduce them to our work.

  • Help new volunteers learn the ropes of our organization.

Now accepting applications.

Selected applicants will be contacted via email to set up a virtual meeting. Click here to apply.

Two pairs of hands holding a globe showing Africa and Europe, outdoors with blurred greenery in the background.

Learn More About the Program

    • Staffing Docent Booths: Join at least two community outreach booths. Attend a Green Living Tour or a virtual Green Living Tour training.

    • Leading Green Living Tours: Review the tour script and make note of your questions/comments. Attend virtual Green Living Tour training, and shadow one docent-led tour.

    • Delivering Solana Center Presentations: Review PowerPoint presentation and make note of your questions/comments.  Complete an in-person or online training session with an experienced docent.

    • Eagerness to educate our community and spread environmental education

    • Foundational knowledge of key environmental concepts

    • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

    • Access to personal transportation and willingness to commute potentially lengthy distances within San Diego County

    • Must be 18 years or older

    • Able to walk, stand for extended periods of time

    • Ability to have some flexibility for events. School events and on-site events often take place during the week, and outreach and workshop events typically take place during the weekend.

    • After application, we can discuss how often you are able to participate.

    • Must be able to follow our Covid-19 policy (link here) maybe needs updating?

    • All positions are volunteer, unpaid positions

    • Docents will aim to lead one docent activity a month (or complete 4 to 6 hours a month). Below are a few examples of possible docent-led activities. Please note that these events typically take place at different times throughout the year, and it is not guaranteed all of these opportunities will each be available each month. Alternative engagements can be communicated with the Volunteer Coordinator.

    • Docent tour: Show our visitors what we are all about here at Solana Center, and give a guided tour of our grounds to scheduled groups (tours occur bi-monthly).

    • Docent Booth: Help us broaden the reach of our programming! Docent booths go where we cannot, ensuring that everyone has access to our resources on sustainability. Docent booth schedules vary in accordance with outreach event dates (around San Diego County).

    • Co-Lead a Worm Wranglin' Event:

    • This event is a fun way to teach people about vermicomposting while simultaneously caring for our on-site wormery. In co-leading an event, you will support an educator. More docent project opportunities to be revealed!

    • Time Commitments: Docents commit to attending meetings approximately every 2 months (Encinitas). Meetings to be communicated via email.

    • Commitment of a minimum 4 months (beginning after the training period is complete). Previous volunteer events may apply to your training period. Training is estimated to take anywhere from 2 to 5 months, depending on your availability.

    • Optional: Development and implementation of one docent-led community-building event for up to 10 people.

“The work the Solana Center does is inspiring and I love meeting the staff and all of the other volunteers!  I feels great doing something that has meaning in this world!”

— Solana Center Docent