Take Action: Become a Beach Cleanup Coordinator and Help Protect Monterey's Shores
Beach Guardian Cleanup Coordinator
Our beaches are the heart of Monterey County. Join the Beach Guardian program to help keep our shores clean and healthy!
As a Beach Guardian Coordinator, you’ll monitor a local beach, organize cleanups, report pollution, and participate in efforts to protect our oceans and coastlines. It’sa fun and impactful way to make a differenceand preserve the beauty of our beaches for everyone to enjoy.
Let’s protect what we love—one beach at a time!
When you become a beach guardian, you are protecting our precious Monterey beaches, waves, and coastlines.
What you can expect:
✅ Monitor Coastal Health: Visit your beach regularly to track debris, report pollution, and identify any environmental concerns such as blocked beach access, erosion or wildlife impacts.
✅ Host Cleanups: Organize and participate in at least four beach cleanup per year (more if you can). Surfrider will provide necessary training and supplies like bags, gloves, and grabbers.
✅ Engage with the Community: Spread the word about Surfrider and get neighbors, friends, and family involved to strengthen our efforts.
✅ Sample Water with the Blue Water Task Force (Optional): Help monitor water health by taking regular samples to ensure safe water for all.
✅ Advocate for Coastal Policies (Optional): Stay informed on coastal issues and advocate for policies that protect beaches and access.
The Beach Cleanup Coordinator leads our monthly beach cleanups, empowering community volunteers to protect Monterey’s coastline. You’ll organize logistics, engage volunteers, track impact data, and amplify our mission through outreach.
Key Responsibilities
✅ Plan & Coordinate: Schedule monthly cleanups, secure beach permits, arrange insurance through Surfrider HQ, and coordinate supplies and logistics.
✅ Host Events: Serve as the on‑site lead (typically Saturdays, 9 am–12 pm). Delegate tasks like supply transport and setup.
✅ Volunteer Management: Use the Golden platform to post opportunities, recruit participants, and respond to inquiries. Match volunteers to roles and report hours.
✅ Data & Reporting: Input cleanup results—trash weights, recycling, volunteer counts—into the national database. Generate summary reports for use at chapter meetings.
✅ Outreach: Promote cleanups via the chapter’s website, newsletters, social media, and cross-chapter events. Share follow-ups to engage volunteers.
Time Commitment & Requirements
Time: ~4-6 hours/month, plus event hours
Commitment: 1-year minimum preferred
Must-haves:
Strong organizational and communication skills
Familiarity with coastal/marine environmental issues
Basic computer literacy (e.g., Google Workspace, Spreadsheets, Golden Volunteer App)
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs on sand
Public speaking or on-site facilitation experience
Preferred: Volunteer management experience, event coordination expertise, social media know-how
Why This Role Matters Beach cleanups directly reduce marine litter and strengthen Surfrider’s mission to protect beaches, water, and ocean ecosystems. Through data-driven action and community engagement, this role helps drive awareness, regulatory change, and stewardship—making a tangible difference in Monterey Bay.
