Sugarloaf Ridge SP Seasonal Park Aide

Join us at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park and be part of a close-knit team committed to preserving the beauty of the park and enriching the community. Here, your work is more than a job – it’s a contribution to a place loved by many, creating lasting memories for visitors and a sustainable future for the park.

Overview:
For over a decade, the Sonoma Ecology Center has been at the heart of Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, bringing to life its 4,900 acres in Sonoma County with a spirit of vibrancy and inclusivity. Their dedication has shaped the park into a community favorite, celebrated for its accessible trails, welcoming campsites, and innovative programs. As a Seasonal Park Aide, you’ll join a team passionate about nature, community, and creating memorable experiences for all visitors.

Organization:

Sonoma Ecology Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit with a mission to work with and for our community to identify and lead actions that achieve and sustain ecological health in Sonoma Valley. We drive important land, water, biodiversity, research, and climate initiatives in the North Bay and beyond. We have 40 staff members, and manage multiple grants and contracts, often in partnership with other agencies, so that we may better leverage our important resources and knowledge base. The Sonoma Ecology Center manages Sugarloaf Ridge State Park with other nonprofit organizations in Team Sugarloaf.  Sonoma Ecology Center is the hiring entity for all Sugarloaf Ridge State Park employees.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Housekeeping: Keep the park clean and welcoming by managing waste and maintaining the facilities.
• Campground Operations: Help set up the scene for camper comfort with tents and amenities, and keep the firewood stocked.
• Maintenance: Lend a hand with repairs and upkeep, making sure every corner of the park is in top shape.
• Trail and Road Maintenance: Work alongside volunteers and staff to keep pathways clear and safe.
• Visitor Center Operations: Be the friendly face of the park, assisting visitors, managing bookings, and ensuring smooth operations at the Visitor Center.

Required Skills/Abilities: 

• Work under the guidance of Campground Leads.
• Experience utilizing hand and gas-powered tools, as well as ability to drive vehicles as needed.
• Schedule flexibility, as shifts will include weekends, evenings, and holidays.
• Mobility and strength to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Possess strong customer service experience and utilize effective communication.
• Be tech-savvy enough to handle computer tasks.
• Have a valid, clean driver’s license and pass a background check.
• Chainsaw experience is preferred but not required.

Education and Experience:

• Any combination of education and experience to be able to perform the required duties of the position.  Experience working with the public is a plus.  This is a service oriented position.

Physical Requirements: 

Working Hours:
Starting with 16-24 hours weekly Thursday through Sunday, with potential to increase to full-time during late May to late September.

Working Conditions: One will spend most of the day outdoors, then come and spend time in the visitors center helping campers, answering phone calls and questions, using the POS system, and using the computer to manage reservations and other duties. You should be physically capable of using a computer, printer, register, and answering the phone and our satellite phone.  

This will be a physically demanding position at times.  One must be able to safely lift, push, pull, and carry up to 50lbs. You will be required to maintain/clean the public facilities (restrooms) when asked to do so; this is non negotiable.  One will also be exposed to the elements, such as heat, direct sunlight, cold, rain, snakes, wildlife, ticks, poison oak, and other vegetation which may aggravate the skin.  Physically, you need to be able to walk, hike on trails, stand for long periods, reach, lift, bend, stoop, squat, etc. 

The Sonoma Ecology Center will conduct a DMV check, and you must have a valid driver’s license and have current auto insurance.  

Perks:

Seasonal Park Aides enjoy a 20% discount on all retail products at the Visitor’s Center, free off-peak camping, firewood, an incredibly beautiful landscape, free hikes (except H2H and Bald Mt.)

Sonoma Ecology Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be given equal consideration; equal access to programs, services, and employment opportunities is available to all persons. Persons with diverse backgrounds and of all ethnicities and genders are encouraged to apply. Those applicants requiring reasonable accommodations to the application and/or interview process should notify our Human Resources Department.  

To Apply

Please apply using BambooHR HRIS by clicking here:

https://sonomaecologycenter.bamboohr.com/careers/47

Alternatively, email humanresources@sonomaecologycenter.org and write Seasonal Park Aide in the Header. Please attach your resume, cover letter, and three references, preferably in one PDF. No phone calls, please. For more information about the Sonoma Ecology Center, please visit www.sonomaecologycenter.org.