City of Santa Clara - Volunteer

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are essential to providing quality services to the residents of our community. Community members of all ages are encouraged to show pride and get involved in civic activities through volunteer work within the City of Santa Clara. Community members 13 years of age and older are encouraged to volunteer in any number of programs, activities, or events sponsored by the City of Santa Clara. Anyone interested in volunteering for the City must first complete and submit an online City volunteer application. In addition, a signed Release of Liability form must be completed and submitted.

Volunteer applications are periodically reviewed by the Department. Volunteer opportunities may be subject to department programming and events. If you have any questions about specific volunteer opportunities or availability for volunteers, please contact the Department you are interested in directly to obtain more information. To obtain a Release of Liability form click HERE. You will need to download and save the file onto your desktop AND upload it to your Application under the 'Other' application.

Typical Duties

Parks and Recreation Kindness Ambassador

• Kindness Ambassadors facilitate events, crafts, and activities for all ages and abilities, meet new friends and promote kindness at the playground and everywhere, add meaningful experience to college/work applications and make Magical Bridge Playgrounds a welcoming place for all.
• Kindness Ambassadors will receive training to promote kindness and inclusion both on and off the playground.

Performing Arts

• Roberta Jones Junior Theater - Aid staff in participant supervision when performers are off stage, and/or assist in production preparation and breakdown.
• Nutcracker Annual Performing Arts Unit, dance event in mid-December requesting parents of Nutcracker participants and high school students needing hours to volunteer, assisting with the event, in the areas of organization, implementation and supervision. Aid staff in participant supervision at dress rehearsals and performances and/or assist with doing cast hair and make-up.

Senior Center

• Adventures to Go Tour Escort: Assist with pre/post travel details, Attend monthly meetings, Provide positive customer service experience for travelers while on excursion.
• BINGO Attendant: Call BINGO numbers and determine if there is a true BINGO winner
• Ceramics Studio Monitor: Ensure participants follow the proper safety and usage guidelines of Ceramics Studio, answer general questions, maintain proper set-up/clean-up of Ceramics Studio
• Computer Lab Monitor: Assist participants with basic computer needs if requested. Ensure patrons follow the guidelines of Computer Lab
• Dining Out Program: Assist with set-up/clean-up of program, assist with meal service.
• Fitness Attendant: Check participants in & out of the Fitness Center, monitor proper usage of equipment, Ensure patrons follow the guidelines of Fitness Center
• Library Attendant: Creates and maintains an organized space in the Senior Center library/reading area and categorizes books in the appropriate areas
• Snack Bar: Sell food, snacks, and beverages, provide positive customer service experience
• Woodshop Studio Monitor: Ensure participants follow the proper safety and usage guidelines of Woodshop Studio, answer general questions, maintain proper set-up/clean-up of Woodshop Studio.
• Lapidary Studio Monitor: Ensure participants follow the proper safety and usage guidelines of Lapidary Studio, answer general questions, maintain proper set-up/clean-up of Lapidary Studio

Recreation Services and Special Events

• Adventures in Learning - help 3 and 4 year-olds in the classroom as well as prep activities, projects for future classes, field trips, and with their work
• Youth Activity Center & Events - Assist with the after school program, skate park, recreation classes, and special events
• Special Events - Assist with the planning and day of operations for a variety of special events Art & Wine Festival, Egg Extravaganza, July 4th, Holiday Tree Lighting)

Community Garden

• Assist in the community garden

Therapeutic Recreation Services

• Assist in the recreational and social needs of individuals who have disabilities in the area

Library Central Park Library

• Adult Services Assist with the following services:
• ESL Book Club and ESL Conversation Club support our community members to help practice and build their English conversation skills.
• Youth Services Teen Volunteer Opportunities Currently Full Applications will reopen in Spring 2023

Northside Branch Library

• Currently Full

Mission Branch Library

• Currently Full

Read Santa Clara Volunteer

• Currently Full

Seed Share Library

• Seed Share Library (2) assists in maintaining the seed library; replenish seeds, monitor and reprint usage logs.

Fire Department

• Assist in public service events for the Fire Department. Fire Department events serve as a platform for community engagement, public education, emergency preparedness, recruitment, and networking. Volunteers are needed to assist with these events. Duties may include:
• Assist staff with supervision of activities
• Assist with setup and clean-up of the event
• Assist with day of event operations
• Ensure participants follow proper safety guidelines
• Check participates in and out of the event
• Answer general questions of participants

The next upcoming Fire Department Event is the Firehouse Community Fair which showcases the many ways the Santa Clara Fire Department serves the community.

Economic Development & Marketing Committee

• If you are an existing member of the EDMC, please submit this application, and attach the Release of Liability form, and complete your fingerprinting process.

Minimum Qualifications

Volunteer Requirements

• At least 13 years old
• Submission of the Release of Liability form with application
• Some Volunteer positions may need to be fingerprinted and all volunteer positions require completion of the vaccination information form.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to work with people belonging to diverse backgrounds
• Interest in helping people
• Able to interact professionally with the public
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions
• Must possess and demonstrate a friendly, positive attitude, and helpful demeanor
• Must be able to work in a team environment