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 guide and share the Aquarium’s mission to inspire conservation of the oceans. As an Apprentice Guide, you’ll explore the world of Monterey Bay and the ocean beyond, sharing this knowledge with our guests.

Recruitment will reopen in the Summer of 2013. We’ll hold information meetings on Tuesday, August 6 or Thursday, August 15 at 7 p.m. in the Aquarium. You must attend one of these meetings in order to participate. Please submit your request for an Apprentice Guide Program Application to our Volunteer Resources Department.

We are looking to fill priority openings on Thursdays (11:45am-3:30pm) or (2:45-6:00pm), and Fridays (11:45am-3:30pm) or (2:45-6:00pm). We encourage you to apply even if you are not available Thursday or Friday afternoons. Please indicate your availability on the form.

Requirements
Apprentice Guides stand at various exhibits throughout the Aquarium on a four-hour shift. They model appropriate animal handling and have hands in and out of cold water for up to 30 minutes per touch pool assignment. Guides must be able to communicate effectively in noisy and crowded conditions. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old.

Length of Time Commitment
Attendance at one information meeting is required. If selected for the program, you must attend six evenings of training and commit to a four-hour shift each week or every other weekend for one year.

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