Volunteer Roles

Aquarium Guides

Our largest group of volunteers (over 500 people!) work as Aquarium Guides. They answer questions about everything within the aquarium, interpret exhibits for our visitors, and staff hands-on stations like the Touch Pool and the Kelp Lab. Aquarium Guides not only know all the best stories about Monterey Bay, they know how to make visitors' faces light up with discovery!

Our 12-week Apprentice Guide program is a great way to “get your feet wet” and see if guiding is for you. Apprentice Guides take a six-day training course, then work with a mentor Guide. Many Apprentice Guides choose to take the more in-depth guide training course (held once each year) to become full-fledged Guides. The Apprentice Guide training is held twice a year. This opportunity is open to individuals 18 years and older.

Information Desk volunteers

"What should we see first?" Information Desk volunteers meet and greet visitors from around the world, making suggestions—and getting big smiles—in several languages.

Clerical Volunteers

Whether it's filing, data entry, assisting with memberships and mailings or filling a multitude of special needs, clerical volunteers help keep the aquarium running around the clock.

Student Guide Program

This program provides on-the-job training for students ages 14 to 17 interested in careers in science, education, and/or public relations. Student guides answer questions, give directions, and interpret the aquarium and exhibits to the general public. We accept new applications in the month of March; student guides work through the summer and then have the option to continue during the school year. Call (831) 648-4867 for information.

Animal Care, Exhibit Diving, & More

Our Husbandry Operations department, Sea Otter Research and Conservation program, Tuna Research and Conservation Center and other programs recruit volunteers on an as-needed basis. If you'd like to volunteer your animal-care or scuba skills, contact us to find out about opportunities. Note: you must be at least 18 years old.

To Learn More

You can visit our volunteer openings page to see what volunteer opportunities are currently available. To apply for a current opening, complete our online application form.

Monterey Bay Aquarium
Volunteer Resources Department
886 Cannery Row
Monterey, CA 93940

Phone:	(831) 648-4867
Fax:	(831) 648-4884

Volunteer Quotes

"The Monterey Bay Aquarium has fulfilled my dream to be involved in marine science and exploration. I am forever grateful for this opportunity, and the trust the staff has placed in me to bring the aquarium's message to our visitors."
-Gayle Lavelle, aquarium guide

"I've enjoyed having such a variety of opportunities: guide, office, marketing, membership. I was able to adjust, when my needs changed, to move from guiding into the office. And I've enjoyed learning all the new things and meeting all the people. I had no biology experience before I became a guide—taking the guide training course opened up the whole ocean to me!"
-Donna Krasnow, office volunteer

Inspiring conservation of the oceans