Okihi Docent Program

What is an Okihi Docent?

Okihi Docents are long-term volunteers who can commit at least one 4-hour shift a month to help Okihi fulfill its mission of bringing biodiverse green spaces and mindful outdoor recreation to the community of Bakersfield. After a period of orientation and training, Docents may work independently with Okihi staff and board members, or lead other volunteers to accomplish routine duties or new projects. Docents can indicate which types of roles and responsibilities they are interested in participating in on their application. 

What would you gain from being a Docent at Okihi? 

• Making a direct impact on the community of Bakersfield! The vision of Okihi is to provide a safe sanctuary for community members to appreciate the beauty of the Kern River

• Learn about land management and restoration in a hands-on environment

• Develop leadership and communication skills 

• Spend time outside in the best part of Bakersfield

Docent Roles & Responsibilities

• Animal Stewardship

• Help keep the beloved Okihi animal enclosures clean, food and water filled, and relocate the temporary grazing fences

• Compost

• Assist in the production of Okihi’s top-notch compost through layering organic materials in specific ratios, mixing compost piles, cleaning containers, and helping distribute finished compost

• Gardening 

• Care for and expand the edible garden, orchard, and native gardens with weeding, pruning, mulching, planting, and laying drip lines

• Restoration

• Help improve the wild spaces at Okihi through habitat restoration, trail maintenance, and native seed collection and propagation

• General Facilities Maintenance

• Lend your skills to keep Okihi functional and beautiful. Needs include weed whacking along trails and roads, assisting with maintenance of campsites and trailers, and a variety of as-needed tasks

Requirements

• Must be at least 16 years of age (if under 18, must have signed parent consent form)

• Commit to at least one 4-hour shift per month for at least one year, and consistently show up for scheduled shifts

• Willing and able to spend time outdoors in a variety of weather conditions

• Interested in conservation of natural resources and learning about Okihi’s stewardship projects 

• Strong communication skills

• Ability to work alone and with a variety of groups

• Reliable transportation to and from Okihi 

• Attend required Docent orientations and occasional trainings