Opportunities From: City of San Luis Obispo

Calling all community members who enjoy being around canine companions and are looking for ways to give back, get involved, and help the City of San Luis Obispo and partners keep the Laguna Lake Dog Park a safe, healthy, and inviting space for all. Learn more about this paw-sitively rewarding volunteer role below and refer the Volunteer Position Description and Guide for Volunteers before hitting RESPOND. Please reach out to the City of SLO's Volunteer Program with any questions ([email protected]; call or text 805-858-0771) or for support.

Who:

Come one dog lover, come all! Community members who sign up for this volunteer role should be comfortable around dogs of all sizes and various temperaments and have a basic understanding of canine body language to operate safely and with awareness on volunteer shifts. This volunteer opportunity is eligible for community service and is great for individuals and groups. 

Please note:

o   Those 8-11 may serve with a legal guardian in the small dog park only.

o   Those 12-15 may serve in the large - or small - dog park with a legal guardian.

o   16 -17-year-olds may serve independently with a parent or legal guardian’s pre-communicated consent.

o   For volunteer groups, a Volunteer Waiver must be submitted for each participant prior to volunteering. It is the responsibility and inherent assumed liability for the group to determine their adult:minor ratio policy.

What:

This volunteer program equips volunteers with the knowledge, supplies, and resources they need to support staff’s efforts to maintain safe, clean, and enjoyable park experiences for all visitors - canines and their companions. Standard tasks include:

1)    Park cleanup

Tasks include: monitoring trash and notifying City (via Ask SLO tool) if maintenance is needed, refilling Mutt Mitts, removing fecal matter in the park, raking woodchips and evening gravel, clearing walkways, placing unused toys in appropriate storage areas.

2) Maintenance

Wiping down agility equipment and surfaces (e.g., picnic tables, hydration stations, gates, and signage), repairs and projects as needed and coordinated by City staff (e.g., painting, fencing, landscaping care/installation), removing weeds, reporting vandalism and/or facility needs to the City (via Ask SLO tool).

3) Event support

As directed or approved by the City, volunteers might be invited to assist at community events; details forthcoming to active volunteers.

When:

Volunteers commit to a regular schedule, so long as it’s during daylight hours from dawn to dusk, totaling one hour/month. Volunteers are not to serve at night or in unsafe conditions (e.g., storms, extreme heat, high winds, etc.). Shifts are flexible and scheduling is coordinated through the City's Volunteer Program. Volunteers are asked to commit to a regular day and timeframe like Mondays from 7:30 to 8:30 AM or Saturdays from 4 to 5 PM. 

Where:

Volunteers commit to serve at the Laguna Lake Dog Park, 504 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405.

Additional Details & *Service Requirements:

Safety first! Please do not touch hazardous materials or expose yourself to compromised situations that may impact your health or safety. Refer to the Volunteer Guide, Position Description, and orientation materials to have a fun and informed volunteer experience.  All volunteers are provided and required to wear a safety vest and ID while serving. After three consecutive shifts, volunteers are given a t-shirt and asked to wear while serving. Once confirmed, volunteers will be provided an orientation to the park by the Volunteer Coordinator or a Volunteer Leader. Volunteers or Volunteer Team Leaders are expected to log service hours on Engage SLO after each shift. If you’re volunteering with others, please help remind those in your group. All volunteers, whether as an individual or as a part of a team, must register on the City of San Luis Obispo’s volunteer portal, Engage SLO, and commit to serving at least 1 hour per month for a 3-month-minimum timespan, unless otherwise agreed upon by the Volunteer Program.Please refer to the Volunteer Position Description and Guide for Volunteers for additional information and expectations for which volunteers will be responsible for understanding and adhering.

Celebrate your efforts! Send the Volunteer Program pictures and reports, use social media, tagging the City of San Luis Obispo and Parks and Recreation Department, and use the hashtag #KeepSLOClean

We can’t wait to see you at the park and thank you for your interest in volunteering!

Envision this: fresh air, amazing vistas, hand tools carving mountainside trails, like-minded outdoor enthusiasts to your left and right, some dirt under your fingernails and maybe some sore – and stronger – muscles tomorrow... sound like your kind of morning? If you love to be outside, don’t mind mild to strenuous physical tasks, and are ready to learn – and respond! - how to build hiking and mountain biking trails then this could be the volunteer role for you or your team!

This volunteer contributes their time, talent, and physical efforts to assist the Ranger Service Division with hand-built sections of trail construction projects under the guidance and supervision of City staff. With volunteers’ consistent support, the Ranger Service can keep multiple trail projects going simultaneously and build more trail! 

Meet at the End of Lizzie St., across from French Hospital.  Shifts generally run to 12:30.  Bring water, a snack and gloves if you have them.  Long sleeves, long pants, a hat and sturdy shoes are recommended.  Questions? Ask Ranger Niels Grether at [email protected] or 805 440 5454.

Please see the Volunteer Position Description for more information on the role, scope of responsibilities and expectations. 

11–15-year-olds need to have a legal guardian with them on the workday (with both minor + guardian completing waivers), 16 & 17 year olds are cleared to volunteer without a legal guardian (with both minor + guardian completing waivers) and of course those over 18 welcomed so long as waivers are completed. All individuals, regardless of age will need two things at minimum: an Engage SLO profile and Volunteer Waiver completed. Please contact [email protected] with any questions at least 10 business days in advance of scheduled workday.

Are you looking for a meaningful ongoing service opportunity to give back to our community? Do you enjoy being outdoors and leaving places better than they were found? Are you a part of a school group, club, or workplace seeking community service opportunities or want to volunteer solo or with a friend or family member? If you answered "yes" to any of the above, you may be interested in our Adopt-a-Park program! We have over 26 parks within City limits and we are seeking volunteers to help keep these shared spaces clean, safe, and enjoyable for all who visit.

Start by COMPLETING the Adopt-a-Park Volunteer Interest Survey (found by clicking here). CREATE an Engage SLO account and RESPOND to this volunteer opportunity. Need help? Visit this resource site or contact our Volunteer Program ([email protected]). Our Volunteer Program will be in touch soon with more details - including your park assignment!

Please see more details and how to get involved below:

Who:

Come one, come all! SLO Community members who live, work, attend school, or frequent the city enough to fulfill *service requirements can positively impact their park of choice. This volunteer opportunity is eligible for community service and is great for individuals and groups.

What:

This program equips volunteers with the knowledge, supplies, and resources they need to support staff’s efforts to maintain safe, clean, and enjoyable park experiences for all park-goers. Standard tasks include:

Picking up litter Wiping down surfaces Coordinated beautification projects (e.g., graffiti removal, planting, and landscape maintenance with guidance from the City’s Public Works team)

When:

Volunteers serve any day and time they’d like, so long as it’s during daylight hours from dawn to dusk. Volunteers are not to serve at night or in unsafe conditions.

Where:

Volunteers are assigned a park based on their response to the Adopt-a-Park Volunteer Interest Survey, availability, and need.

Additional Details & *Service Requirements:

Safety first! Please do not touch hazardous materials or expose yourself to compromised situations that may impact your wellbeing. Refer to the Guide for Volunteers for emergency protocols. All volunteers are provided and required to wear a safety vest and name tag while serving. After three consecutive shifts, volunteers are given a t-shirt & encouraged to wear. Once confirmed, volunteers will be provided an orientation to the park by our Volunteer Coordinator. Volunteers or Volunteer Team Leaders are expected to log service hours on Engage SLO after each shift. If you’re volunteering with others, please help remind those in your group. All volunteers, whether as an individual or as a part of a team, must register on the City of San Luis Obispo’s volunteer portal, Engage SLO, and commit to serving at least 4 hours per month for a 6- or 12-month timespan, unless otherwise agreed upon by the Volunteer Program. Please refer to the following materials for additional information and expectations for which volunteers will be responsible for understanding and adhering:  Guide for Volunteers Volunteer Position Description

Celebrate your efforts! Send the Volunteer Program pictures and reports, use social media, tagging the City of San Luis Obispo and Parks and Recreation Department, and use the hashtag #KeepSLOClean

We can’t wait to see you in the field and thank you for your interest in volunteering!

Spend some of your weekend with our Ranger Service! Envision this: fresh air, amazing vistas, hand tools carving mountainside trails, like-minded outdoor enthusiasts to your left and right, some dirt under your fingernails and maybe some sore – and stronger – muscles tomorrow... sound like your kind of morning? If you love to be outside, don’t mind mild to strenuous physical tasks, and are ready to learn – and respond! - how to build hiking and mountain biking trails then this could be the volunteer role for you or your team!  

This volunteer contributes their time, talent, and physical efforts to assist the Ranger Service Division with hand-built sections of trail construction projects under the guidance and supervision of City staff. With volunteers’ consistent support, Ranger Service team members’ bandwidth and capability for trail construction is greatly increased and sustained to improve and preserve the City’s trail system. 

Saturday shifts are generally from 9 AM to Noon. Special group assignments will vary depending on the activity and site and be communicated with ample notice. 

Please see the Volunteer Position Description for more information on the role, scope of responsibilities and expectations. 

11–15-year-olds need to have a legal guardian with them on the workday (with both minor + guardian completing waivers), 16 & 17 year-olds are cleared to volunteer without a legal guardian (with both minor + guardian completing waivers) and of course those over 18 welcomed so long as waivers are completed. All individuals, regardless of age will need two things at minimum: an Engage SLO profile and Volunteer Waiver completed. Please contact [email protected] with any questions at least 10 business days in advance of scheduled workday. Number of minors might be capped for certain projects or workdays to ensure safety of all participants. 

 

Photos courtesy of Volunteer Photographer, Sara F.

The City of San Luis Obispo's Office of Sustainability and Natural Resources seeks community members to support a long-term collaborative project aiming to restore grasslands and assist in building beaver dam analogs* (BDAs) at the Johnson Ranch Open Space on a rolling, ongoing basis. Volunteers will be equipped with all necessary resources and be trained in the field by City staff initially until ready to support stewardship efforts independently. This is a great opportunity to blend hiking with service as a group or individual.

Please read more details below and hit RESPOND to register to volunteer.

For any questions, contact the City's Volunteer Program.

This is an active and ongoing volunteer role through December 2026.This opportunity is great for groups, clubs, teams, and individuals who enjoy being outdoors, learning about sustainability and natural resources, and feel inspired to care for the environment. Please review the Volunteer Position Description for more information and contact the City's Volunteer Program with any questions ([email protected] or 805-858-0771). 

*BDAs are human-made dams that can assist in riparian restoration and improve water quality and quantity in the stream by filtering out unwanted sediment and debris.

Grassland restoration activities will include manual removal of invasive species, digging, weed whipping as appropriate, seed collection, seeding, and more.

All tools, resources, and training will be provided by the City. Initial service will be performed alongside staff until volunteers feel equipped and comfortable to serve independently. 

Volunteers are invited to support the City of SLO's Public Works Department's Streets Division by adopting a pathway within the City's jurisdiction. If you enjoy being outdoors, leaving places cleaner and safer than they were found, and are looking to get involved with the community in an active way, this could be a great volunteer opportunity for you, your family, your club, or workplace team. 

Please see more details and how to get involved:

Who:

Come one, come all! SLO community members who live, work, attend school, or frequent the city enough to fulfill *service requirements can positively impact their pathway of choice. This volunteer opportunity is eligible for community service and is great for individuals and groups.

What:

This program equips volunteers with the knowledge, supplies, and resources they need to support staff’s efforts to maintain safe and litter-free pathways. Volunteers generally focus on: 

Disposing of and sorting debris Reporting hazards Coordinated beautification projects (e.g., graffiti removal, planting, and landscape maintenance with guidance from the City’s Public Works team

When:

Volunteers serve any day and time they’d like, so long as it’s during daylight hours from dawn to dusk. Volunteers are not to serve at night or in unsafe conditions.

Where:

Volunteers are assigned a pathway based on their preference and the City's needs

Additional Details & *Service Requirements:

Safety first! Please do not touch hazardous materials or expose yourself to compromised situations that may impact your wellbeing. Refer to the, 'Adopt-a-Path 4S Guide' below for emergency protocols. All volunteers are provided and required to wear a safety vest and name tag while serving. After three consecutive shifts, volunteers are given a t-shirt & asked to wear. Once confirmed, volunteers will be provided an orientation to the pathway by City staff. Volunteers or Volunteer Team Leaders are expected to log service hours on Engage SLO after each shift. If you’re volunteering with others, please help remind those in your group. All volunteers, whether as an individual or as a part of a team, must register on the City of San Luis Obispo’s volunteer portal, Engage SLO, and commit to serving at least 4 hours per month for a 6- or 12-month timespan, unless otherwise agreed upon by the Volunteer Program

Celebrate your efforts! Send the Volunteer Program pictures and reports, use social media, tagging the City of San Luis Obispo and Public Works Department, and use the hashtag #KeepSLOClean

We can’t wait to see you in the field and thank you for your interest in volunteering!

Envision this: fresh air, amazing vistas, open spaces and rugged trails, like-minded outdoor enthusiasts to your left and right, some dirt under your fingernails and maybe some sore – and stronger – muscles tomorrow... sound like your kind of morning? If you enjoy being outside, don’t mind mild to strenuous physical tasks, and are ready to learn and dive in, this could be the volunteer role for you!

We're seeking volunteers to contributes their time and efforts to assist the City of San Luis Obispo’s Public Utilities Department at our Whale Rock Reservoir facility location with hand-built sections of trail construction and maintenance projects sometimes involving the proper usage of weed abatement tools like string trimmers under the training, guidance, and supervision of City staff.

Weekday shifts are generally from 9 AM to Noon.  Volunteers will meet at the Whale Rock Reservoir Access Point where a member of the City of SLO team will meet you and brief you on the plan for the morning. Please see the Volunteer Position Description for more information on the role, scope of responsibilities and expectations. Volunteers who successfully respond to this opportunity will receive a confirmation email at least 48 hours in advance with more details.

Due to the nature of this role, volunteers must be 18+. All individuals, regardless of age will need two things at minimum: an Engage SLO profile and Volunteer Waiver completed. Please contact [email protected] with any questions at least 10 business days in advance of scheduled service day.

Collaborate on an exciting volunteer opportunity to serve alongside our Parks and Recreation Ranger Service Division to build dirt jumps under the guidance and supervision of City staff. This is a community-driven pilot project and volunteers play a crucial role in the ongoing success of the bike park; once construction is complete, ongoing maintenance will be performed by volunteers. 

Tasks are generally consistent week-to-week with any significant variation communicated to volunteers with ample notice. Service days typically involve using hand tools (e.g., shovels, picks, hoes, rakes, etc.) to shape the park and form the course through building out features. 

For more information on the role, scope of responsibilities, and physical requirements, please view the Volunteer Position Description. 

We hope you'll take part in this rewarding way to serve the biking community of San Luis Obispo and learn foundational bike course design and construction as well as maintenance skills alongside like-minded community members.