Main Responsibilities Of A Volunteer Coordinator At Sonoma Ecology Center
Maria's career path, beginning with a bio lab technician focus at Sacramento State University, evolved after a documentary inspired a shift to biology with an ecology, evolution, and conservation concentration. This led to diverse roles including internships, research assisting (with projects like "eco cultural restoration" and "locomotor research"), and ultimately, Maria's current position as Volunteer Coordinator/Community Science Coordinator at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, where 90% of operations are volunteer-led and Maria coordinates projects such as the Wildlife Camera Monitoring Project, involving data collection, analysis, and grant reporting.
Career Development, Community Science, Volunteer Coordination, Data Analysis, Environmental Conservation
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Maria Maurico
Volunteer Coordinator/Community Science Coordinator
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park (Sonoma Ecology Center)
California State University - Sacramento
NA
Biology & Related Sciences
Climate, Environment, Sustainability & Waste Management, Nonprofit, Foundations & Grantmaking
Climate, Environment and Sustainability
Video Highlights
1. Maria's diverse career path, starting with a bio lab technician focus, shifting to biology with an ecology, evolution, and conservation concentration, showcasing adaptability and passion for the environment.
2. Her numerous internships and volunteer experiences, including roles at Camp College Assistant Migrant Program, Bushy Lake Eco Cultural Restoration Project, and research assistant positions, demonstrate a proactive approach to gaining practical skills and experience.
3. Her current role as Volunteer Coordinator/Community Science Coordinator highlights the value of diverse experiences. It combines volunteer management, community science project coordination (e.g., wildlife camera monitoring), and data analysis, representing a fulfilling career integrating multiple interests.
Transcript
Could you walk me through your career path? Please start with your experiences in college and any internships or jobs you had before your current role.
I went to school at Sacramento State University. I originally intended to pursue a career as a bio laboratory technician, a path I was passionate about.
However, after seeing a documentary, my perspective shifted. I’ve always been connected to the outdoors and live in a secluded area, so I decided to reorient my career. I changed my major to biology with a concentration in ecology, evolution, and conservation.
As a first-generation student, I lacked guidance on career development. I took internships to help me grow personally. One internship was with the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) at Sacramento State, which supports students transitioning from high school to college. As a former CAMP student, I interned to help future students feel a sense of belonging on campus.
I also worked at the campus recreation center, starting at the front desk and moving into staff management. While I enjoyed it, it wasn’t my ultimate career focus. I also worked on the Bushy Lake Eco-Cultural Restoration Project in Sacramento, a restoration project along the American River Parkway.
The project's goal is eco-cultural restoration, meaning it considers the cultural significance of the land while restoring it. This involves planting native species with cultural uses and restoring culturally significant animal populations. A major focus was western pond turtle conservation, which involved turtle surveys, trap and recapture, and nesting surveys.
Additionally, I worked as a research assistant at Sac State's biology department with Dr. Clint Collins. We researched how movement affects species evolution, specifically in kangaroo rats. I also gained experience in taxidermy, which was a unique learning experience that taught me about anatomy and built my bravery, though it’s not something I’d do again.
Through my internships with Bushy Lake and as a research assistant, I gained skills in data research and analytics. These opportunities allowed me to present my research at conferences, which was very rewarding. I also joined LSAMP, an organization for first-generation STEM students involved in research, which helped fund my research assistant position.
After graduating, I continued working for the Bushy Lake Eco-Cultural Restoration Project, coordinating public outreach and continuing as a research assistant. Later, I moved back home and found an opening at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, which is administered by Sonoma Ecology Center, a nonprofit.
My role there is Volunteer Coordinator, a title that encompasses many responsibilities. Approximately 90% of park operations are managed by volunteers, with 240 individuals involved in essential projects. This includes coordinating volunteers for front kiosk duties, visitor center support, and trail maintenance.
I also coordinate volunteers involved in community science. This includes researchers studying the park's environment and wildlife. A significant project is the Wildlife Camera Monitoring Project, which uses about 40 cameras throughout the park. Volunteers retrieve data, upload it to the Wildlife Insights platform, and assist with AI-driven identification of wildlife.
My responsibilities also extend to data cleanup, quality assurance, and analysis for these projects, as well as managing project permitting and completing grant reports.