Volunteer at the Tahoe Science Center and more

Become a Lake Tahoe expert during the UC Davis Summer Sessions at Tahoe, from June 24 – 30 and learn all about Lake Tahoe and the latest research from the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center.

Participate in a simple training program to develop your local Lake Tahoe presentation skills. Training includes general Lake Tahoe information, environmental issues, geology, history of research, state of the lake, and prepares volunteer docents to share their love of Lake Tahoe at the UC Davis Tahoe Science Center in Incline Village.

Docent training can be completed in two ways. The first option is receiving one-on-one training anytime by meeting with staff at the science center and completing all reading and video materials provided at this meeting. The second option is attending our intensive Summer Sessions at Tahoe program, consisting of highly informative lectures by researchers and engaging group activities. For volunteers who receive one-on-one training, we still recommend participation at the Summer Sessions. Learn more about this program here.

• Assist visitors with hands-on science activities
• Be available to explain the science center exhibits to visitors
• Provide tours of the Tahoe Science Center, Incline Village
• Provide tours of the Eriksson Education Center, Tahoe City
• Provide green building tours of the Tahoe Center for Environmental Sciences, Incline Village
• Assist in outreach programs for schools and community events
• Work in the Docent Office i.e. filing, typing, mailings, phone and e-mail correspondence

We currently attract thousands of visitors, locals, and tourists to the UC Davis Tahoe Science Center every year. Our volunteer docents help visitors have an entertaining, educational experience through which they will learn about Lake Tahoe and environmental problems affecting it. Our program offers docents unlimited opportunities for enrichment, public outreach, and personal satisfaction. Docents provide tours to student groups, Tahoe residents, and visitors to the region. Presentations are provided to diverse audiences including college classes, Dean’s Future Scholars, local community organizations, local nonprofit groups, local government agency officials, state and federal dignitaries, and youth groups such as the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. Our popular programs are increasingly gaining recognition, growing in size and number, and providing the north shore of Lake Tahoe with important educational services in addition to the research services we are known for and we are always looking for more volunteers to help keep these programs running.

Volunteer docents are required to volunteer 30 hours per year, this is equal to about 7 shifts plus training at the Tahoe Science Center per year.