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
Join the team - become a volunteer docent at the aquarium! Share the aquarium mission, “Inspire conservation of the ocean,” with visitors. Explore the world of Monterey Bay and beyond. The cost to you - your time and enthusiasm. You must be 18 years old. You also must attend one of the following information meetings: December 1 or January 5 (7 to 9 p.m.) at the Aquarium. Please complete an on-line application.
Requirements
Guides stand at various exhibits throughout the aquarium on four hour shift. They model appropriate animal handling and will have hands in and out of cold water for up to 30 minutes per touchpool assignment. Volunteers must be able to communicate effectively in noisy and crowded conditions.
Length of Time Commitment
Attendance at one information meeting is required. If selected for the program, apprentice guides must attend six evenings of training and commit to one year as a volunteer.
Benefits
All volunteer benefits apply.
Husbandry
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 apply.Opportunity to learn sea otter biology, ecology, conservation and to participate in other projects in the field.
Information Desk
Information Desk
Provide information, direction and assistance necessary for an enjoyable and educational experience to Aquarium visitors. As an integral member of a volunteer guide shift, attend weekly updates to stay current and serve on a weekly three-hour shift or every other weekend five-hour shift.
Requirements
Must be able to communicate effectively in noisy and crowded conditions. Must be able to walk from place-to-place on uneven and sometimes wet surfaces. Friendly, calm and responsible demeanor required. Desire to update and increase knowledge and interpretive skills.
Length of Time Commitment
If accepted, a one (1) year commitment, including one day-long orientation and weekly updates and periodic enrichments.
Benefits
Usual volunteer benefits apply.
Other
To learn more, emai: volunteer@mbayaq.org
Other
Intern
Aviculture Intern (candidate will have marine biology or biology coursework, lab experience and hands-on animal experience. Intern will work alongside staff in the husbandry care of all avian collections. Duties include: the overall maintenance of the exhibits and holding areas, record keeping, diet preparation, animal observations and animal transports.)
Image Resources Tropical Database Intern (candidate will be able to identify common and scientific names for tropical marine life from the Winfried Werzmirzowsky digital image collection. Candidate will organize a team of specialists from international regions who are experts in species identification for various types of marine life.)
Image Resources Intern (candidate will assist with image licensing and cataloging in a digital image collection. Will learn basics of cleaning, filing and caring for a physical image collection, and will gain experience in image licensing and cataloging digital images.)
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. Applicants for husbandry internship are expected to have marine biology experience or completed coursework. Currently, our primary focus is on students enrolled in American universities and limited to U.S. citizens.
Length of Time Commitment
Internships are usually scheduled for 18 - 32 hours per week. Department schedules may vary. The Aquarium offers internships in Winter (application due Sep 1), Spring (Dec 1), Summer (Mar 1) and Fall (June 1). Please select an internship quarter, check all that apply. Every intern position may not be offered every quarter. 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.
Other
These are unpaid positions and interns are responsible for all expenses, including transportation and lodging. Limited lodging may be available.Interns are expected to carry health insurance. Ttetanus vaccination must be current (documentation will be requested).
To learn more or to apply, email: intern@mbayaq.org
