A rare volunteer opportunity on one of Northern California’s most scenic stretches of coastline is offering the chance to live rent-free while helping care for a historic lighthouse.
Point Reyes National Seashore in Marin County is seeking a seasonal volunteer to help maintain and interpret the Point Reyes Lighthouse and nearby grounds during the fall and winter, according to the National Park Service.
The selected volunteer will receive housing at no cost in an apartment near the Lighthouse Visitor Center. The arrangement includes utilities, internet, basic furnishings, laundry access and parking.
The person chosen for the role will not be working alone; they will partner with a National Park Service ranger and/or another volunteer while supporting daily operations in the area.
The assignment is scheduled to run from Nov. 6 through Feb. 1.
According to the application, the goal of the position is “to strengthen the connection with and foster stewardship of Point Reyes National Seashore among park visitors.”
“The volunteer does this by staffing the Lighthouse Visitor Center and the historic Point Reyes Lighthouse as well as roving the immediate area,” the listing states.
The role requires about 30 hours of service each week at the lighthouse and visitor center, where duties include speaking with visitors about the region’s natural and cultural history and helping ensure the historic site remains safe.
“At the lighthouse, the volunteer will give 15-minute talks about it’s history. In the visitor center, the volunteer will sell merchandise using a point-of-sale system as well as answer questions,” the description adds. “Roving involves being available to visitors outside, answering questions, and proactively interacting with them.”
Pets also aren’t allowed, and the volunteer will also need to pay for groceries and provide their own vehicle.
The lighthouse, built in 1870, was meant to alert ships about the Point Reyes Headlands, a dangerous rock formation sticking out into the Pacific Ocean.
It remained in use until 1975, when the US Coast Guard added an automated light and handed over authority of it to the National Park Service.
In 1991, the lighthouse made the National Register of Historic Places list.
To reach the lighthouse today, visitors have to walk Visitor Center before descending down hundreds of stairs, if weather conditions are safe.
To apply for the position, those interested can click here. A background check will be conducted and references will be checked. If selected, training will be provided.
