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 closed until the Fall.
Please complete and return an on-line application by August 31, 2010.

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 a 4-hour shift each week or every other weekend for 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.

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

Benefits

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 year commitment, including one day-long orientation and weekly updates and periodic enrichments.

Benefits
Usual volunteer benefits apply.

Other

Intern


Aviculture - work alongside staff in the husbandry care of all avian collections: two species of Penguins, a large and diverse collection of shorebirds, Common Murres, a new collection including Flamingos, Spoonbills, and Herons.

Exhibit Otter Internship - work alongside staff in the husbandry care of Aquarium Sea Otter Exhibit animals. Maintenance of otter exhibits, including scrubbing rockwork, netting debris and cleaning holding areas. Preparing otter diets and treats. Assist in animal enrichment activities including setting up sessions and preparing enrichment toys and devices.

Sea Otter Research and Conservation (SORAC) - extensive data collection, attend surgical procedures and post-mortem examinations and respond to strandings.

Other Intern Positions

Image Resources Intern - image licensing,cataloging in a digital image collection. Cleaning, filing and caring for a physical image collection,gain experience in image licensing and cataloging digital images.

Requirements
Academically and experientially competitive college students (or recent college graduates) desiring a hands-on experience to learn more about professions in the aquarium world are encouraged to apply.

For the marine biology major or graduate with prior lab and practical experience
Duties include exhibit, holding area maintenance and diet preparation. May also include animal behavior and enrichment opportunities.

The primary focus is on students enrolled in American universities and limited to U.S. citizens.

Length of Time Commitment
Internships are usually scheduled for 12 - 32 hours per week,for three - six months, depending on the needs of each department.
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. Tetanus vaccination must be current (documentation will be requested).

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