Opportunities From: City of San Luis Obispo

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 run from 8:00 to 12:00.  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.

Collaborate on an exciting volunteer opportunity to serve alongside our Parks and Recreation Ranger Service Division to build and maintain the laguna lake bike park 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.