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.

Teen Conservation Leaders

Teen Conservation Leaders (TCLs) provide important volunteer service to the Aquarium, our guests and our communities. Students learn basic marine biology and ocean conservation during a fun, intensive two-week summer training. TCL volunteers then provide exhibit interpretation for our guests, support our summer camp programs or assist our teacher institutes. In the process, students develop important job and life skills, build self-confidence and earn community service hours. Regular conservation experiences connect students with local scientists and ocean conservation experts.

Additional opportunities are available to TCL volunteers who have time to volunteer during the school year. Students can assist in special events at the Aquarium, support a variety of education programs, or interpret exhibits for guests. Volunteers cultivate lasting relationships with their peers, adult volunteers and Aquarium staff. No matter which of these adventures students choose, they'll take home memories of a lifetime!
Learn more about Teen Conservation Leaders

Recruitment for summer 2012 is currently closed. Applications for summer 2013 will become available in January 2013. For more information, contact teenprograms@mbayaq.org.

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.