Volunteer Openings

These are the current volunteer openings. To apply, please complete our online form or e-mail us at volunteers@mbayaq.org

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
Become a volunteer docent and share the Aquarium mission, which is to inspire conservation of the oceans, with visitors. Explore the world of Monterey Bay and beyond. The cost to you is your time and enthusiasm. You must be 18 years old. Recruitment is currently closed until Spring 2012. You must attend one of the following information meetings: either March 8 or March 15 at 7pm at the Aquarium.
Please complete and return an on-line application.

Requirements
Guides stand at various exhibits throughout the Aquarium on a 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 a 4-hour shift each week or every other weekend for one year as a volunteer.

Benefits
All volunteer benefits apply.

Diver Opportunities

Diver Intern
The upper-division or graduate student must have nationally recognized certification to Rescue Diver level. Will be AAUS qualified scientific diver. Assist with filling cylinders, diving feeding presentations, diver training and database reports. Will assist with all aspects of MBA dive program, working closely with Dive Officer and Dive Team.

Requirements
Divers must live within 45 minutes of the aquarium; must be certified by a nationally recognized scuba organization to the level of rescue diver; must have logged a minimum of 20 dives in Monterey Bay or similar cold water environment; must pass a written scuba exam, a diving physical, and the scuba skills evaluation outlined in the Monterey Bay Aquarium Dive Manual. Divers must also supply all dive gear except scuba tank and air; maintain current CPR and Oxygen Administration certifications; and log all MBA dives.

In addition, divers must be able to maintain neutral buoyancy; be able to get to and from exhibits; be able to handle and setup or supervise setup of their gear; be able to lift 50 lb. unassisted; and be able to work in approximate 50 degree temperature seawater environment for up to two hours. Physical skills include bending, repetitive scrubbing motions, stooping, lifting, reaching, climbing and swimming.

Length of Time Commitment
Internships are usually scheduled for 15 - 40 hours per week,for three months, based on the needs of the department.
Every intern position may not be offered every quarter.

Benefits
Academically and experientially competitive upper-division college students (or recent college graduates) desiring a hands-on experience in their field to learn more about professions in the aquarium.

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.

These are unpaid positions and interns are responsible for all expenses, including transportation and lodging. Interns are expected to carry health insurance. Tetanus vaccination must be current (documentation will be requested).

To learn more or to apply, email: intern@mbayaq.org

Husbandry

Aviculture
A rare behind the scenes volunteer opportunity! Assist Husbandry staff with all avian collections, including two penguin species, shorebirds, puffins, flamingos, spoonbills and herons. Assist with all tasks required to care for the birds and exhibit including: food preparation, feeding (including live food, cleaning the exhibit, bird room(s),cages, mats, windows and siphoning.

Requirements
Must have a strong interest in working with birds 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
One year (12 months) commitment. Shifts are weekly and hours are from 8:00 a.m. - 12 p.m. Open position every Sunday.

Benefits
All volunteer benefits apply. Free admission to Aquarium. Family guest passes. Discounts in gift store and restaurant. Education opportunities. On the job husbandry training.

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.

The Sea Otter Research and Conservation Program accepts volunteer applications year-round. Openings are filled as they occur. Formal classroom training is offered Fall and/or Spring each yer.

Sea Otter Research & Conservation Program Otter Care
Otter care volunteers assist Sea Otter Research and Conservation (SORAC) staff with the care-for-release of abandoned, ill or injured sea otters; from pups to adults. Activities include cleaning and maintenance of indoor and outdoor holding pools, siphoning and netting debris; food preparation, formula preparation, laundry, cleaning of all work areas, basic computer entry of animal data, responding to stranding calls and assisting with medical procedures as necessary.

Requirements
Must be able to work indoors and outdoors in cold wet environment, sometimes in low light or dark areas. Must be able to climb stairs, climb into/out of holding pools and must be able to carry and lift up to 50 lbs. as necessary.

Must have:
* Well developed observational skills
* Good communication skills
* Valid California driver's license
* Tetanus vaccination must be current (documentation will be requested)
* Must be able to perform ongoing physical work including repetitive bending, lifting and climbing
* Ability to work with chemicals such as disinfectant bleach, Virkon S and sodium thiosulfate

Length of Time Commitment
One year commitment is required following successful completion of the SORAC Training Course (12 hours).

Benefits
Standard volunteer benefits apply.

The Sea Otter Research and Conservation Program accepts volunteer applications year-round. Openings are filled as they occur. Formal classroom training is offered Fall and/or Spring each yer.