These are the current volunteer openings. To apply, please complete our online form or e-mail us at
Closing Dates: Unless specified in the position announcement, we don't close a position until it has been filled. You may apply for the position until it is filled.
Aquarium Guide
Apprentice Guide
Apprentice Guides interpret various galleries and special exhibits as part of a volunteer guide shift helping where and when they're assigned throughout the aquarium.
The next recruitment will be for our Fall Apprentice program in September. Please attend one of the following information meetings: either Tuesday, September 15 or Wednesday, September 23, from 7 - 9 pm in the Monterey Bay Aquarium Auditorium. Complete an on-line application and we will send you an information packet when it is available in July.
Requirements
Guides must be able to stand at various exhibit locations for a complete three to four hour shift each week. Also must be able to handle animals with hands in and out of cold water for up to 30 minutes per station assignment and be able to communicate effectively in noisy and crowded conditions.
Length of Time Commitment
Attendance at one of our informational meetings is a pre-requisite to acceptance into the program. After acceptance, attendance at six evenings of training is also required and a one year commitment to the program.
Benefits
Husbandry
Penguin Exhibit
Assist Husbandry staff with cleaning, feeding and exhibit maintenance of the penguin display in the Splash Zone exhibit. Assist with all tasks required to care for the penguins and the exhibit including: food preparation, feeding penguins, scrubbing and cleaning floors and rockwork, observations and record keeping.
Requirements
Must have a strong interest in working with penguins and must be tolerant of "dirty work,” guano and the occasional bird bite. Prior bird handling experience a plus but not required. Must be able to climb around the exhibit, stoop, bend and lift.
Must be able to climb in and out of pools, as well as stand in water approximately 3 feet deep to clean exhibit.
Length of Time Commitment
Minimum one year (12 months) commitment (with option to continue) following completed probation of 4 shifts. One 2- hour shift per week. Shifts are 9 am - 11 am each week. Current Openings: Tuesday or Thursday mornings.
Benefits
Sea Otter Research & Conservation Program Field Observer
Volunteer field observers, also known as trackers, assist Sea Otter Research and Conservation (SORAC) staff in radio tracking and monitoring of otters along our coastline. Otters are located and observed with the use of both radio telemetry equipment and Questar telescopes. Otters are observed and followed for several hours at a time, while behavior, foraging and location data is recorded with the use of Palm Pilots. Local residents and tourists often stop and ask about the work being done and SORAC team members get the chance to interact and explain the program.
Requirements
Must be able to work outdoors under varying weather conditions for up to 5 hours at a time and able to carry bulky, heavy equipment (up to 50 lbs) over rocky coastline areas. Physical demands also include sitting or standing for long periods of time in one place, bending, climbing, lifting, and looking through telescope/binoculars. Need legible handwriting and must be able to read small print.
Must have: * Well developed observational skills * Good communication skills * Good hearing to detect sounds of radio signal when tracking otter * Some knowledge of sea otter behaviors * Ability to identify invertebrate prey items * Dependable transportation a must * Valid California driver's license * Tetanus vaccination must be current (documentation will be requested) * Ability to follow directions and work independently when needed
Length of Time Commitment
One year commitment is required following successful completion of the SORAC Training Course (12 hours). Weekly shifts are 5 hours each.
Benefits
Standard volunteer benefits include discounts and family passes. Opportunity to learn sea otter biology, ecology, conservation and to participate in other projects in the field.
Information Desk
Information Desk
If you have lived in the Monterey area for at least one year and enjoy helping people find what they need both inside the Aquarium and in the community, volunteering at the Information Desk might be for you.
Requirements
Length of Time Commitment
If accepted, a one (1) year commitment.
Benefits
Benefits vary, contact us for more details.
Other
For more informatation, please call 831-648-4844.
Other
Fall 09 Intern
- Aviary Intern – work alongside aviculture and aquarist staff to maintain exhibit and holding areas, prep diet and feeding. May include animal behavior and enrichment. - Sea Otter Exhibit Otter Intern – work alongside aquarists to maintain exhibit and holding areas, prep diet and feeding. May include animal behavior and enrichment. - Sea Otter Research and Conservation (SORAC) Intern – extensive data collection, attend surgical procedures and postmortem examinations, respond to strandings, recover sea otter carcasses, assist with otter population counts and database entry.
Requirements
The goal of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Intern Program is to provide currently enrolled college students (or recent college graduates) a hands-on Aquarium experience to learn more about professions in the aquarium world. Husbandry interns are expected to have marine biology experience or completed coursework.
Length of Time Commitment
Internships are usually scheduled for 24 - 32 hours per week. But department schedules may vary. The Aquarium offers internships in Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall. Applications are accepted year round.
Benefits
Interns are provided an enriched aquarium experience and enhanced educational opportunity. We inspire, engage and connect a diverse community to the ocean. As an educational organization, we are committed to develop the next generation of ocean conservationists. We achieve lasting marine conservation outcomes by empowering individuals and influencing ocean policy.
College students or recent graduates with a strong interest in marine biology, theater, business, marketing or museum studies will have hands-on experience.
All internships are unpaid. However, housing may be available,
Other
These are unpaid positions and interns are responsible for all expenses, including transportation and lodging. Limited lodging may be available.
To learn more or to apply, email: intern@mbayaq.org
09 Summer Intern
Summer 09 - college students or recent graduates are encouraged to apply. - Education Intern – work with education team to create a robust website for teen and teacher programs and train staff and participants in use. - Education Curriculum Intern – work with education team to organize and format curriculum. Prepare teacher institutes and teen programs both at the Aquarium and in the field. - Exhibits Production Intern – work alongside exhibit production staff to learn basic operation skills, conservation applications, exhibit content and design. - Image Resources Intern – learn workings of analog and digital archives, including digital asset management program. Learn to identify local marine species. -
Requirements
.
Length of Time Commitment
Internships are usually scheduled for 24 - 32 hours per week. But department schedules may vary. The Aquarium offers internships in Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall. Applications are accepted year round.
Benefits
Other
These are unpaid positions and interns are responsible for all expenses, including transportation and lodging. Limited lodging may be available.
