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Become a Sanctuary Exploration Center Volunteer

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS) is proud to host a team of dedicated, dynamic volunteers who serve several critical roles at the Sanctuary Exploration Center in Santa Cruz. Check out our volunteer opportunities below and reach out to inquire about upcoming training opportunities.

Volunteer Docents:

picture of some sanctuary exploration center docentsDocents interpret exhibits to the public, greet visitors, conduct guided tours, and participate in events and special programs. Docents complete a training program designed to help interpret the rich natural resources of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. These volunteers commit to one four–hour shift each week, or one shift every other weekend. Shifts are 9:45am – 1:00pm, or 12:45pm – 4:00pm.

 

 

 

 

Gift Shop Volunteers:

picture of some sanctuary exploration center docentsGift Shop Volunteers help maintain the day to day operation of our gift and bookstore! Volunteers assist visitors, assist with merchandising and organizing in the store, and manage transactions. Like Docents, these volunteers commit to one four–hour shift each week or one shift every other weekend. Shifts are 9:45am – 1:00pm, or 12:45pm – 4:00pm.

 

Field Trip Volunteers:

picture of some sanctuary exploration center docentsField Trip Volunteers assist with Sanctuary Exploration Center education and outreach programs. Volunteers help lead small groups of students during our field trip program. Activities include: demonstrating how to use various scientific equipment, leading a beach cleanup, or collecting plankton with students. As school groups book field trips, volunteers sign up for shifts as they become available. Field trips are typically offered Wednesday–Friday in the mornings.

 

 

Internships:

Internships are available for college students or recent college graduates seeking environmental education experience. Internships have included helping plan public events, designing and creating new pop–up exhibits for outreach, and improving and updating existing exhibits or programs.

For more information about volunteering and how to apply, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator a explorationcenter@noaa.gov.

Volunteer Qualifications:

  • All applicants must have an interest in the natural world, teaching, and enthusiasm for the environment
  • Enjoy interacting with the public and being a proactive member of a team, including being dependable and responsible
  • Must be able to sit and/or stand for up to four hours
  • Communicate via email
  • Minimum 16 years of age
Reviewed: September 08, 2023
Web Site Owner: National Ocean Service

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