Volunteer Openings
Updated: Wednesday, September 8, 2010
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.
Aquarium Guide
Husbandry
Aviculture
Assist Husbandry staff with all avian collections, including two penguin species, shorebirds, 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 3 hours (8 am - 11 am). Current openings: Friday and Saturday.
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.
Husbandry
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
Husbandry
Information Desk
Information Desk
Currently recruiting friendly individual interested in meeting and helping visitors from around the world on alternate Saturdays for 5-hour shift. This volunteer will 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.
Information Desk
Other
Intern
AVICULTURE: husbandry care of Penguins, shorebirds, Flamingos, Spoonbills, Herons.
EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY: further develop Drupal website utilized by teachers, staff and students state-wide.
EXHIBIT PRODUCTION DESIGN: learn basic skills, conservation application, exhibit design.
EXHIBIT SEA OTTERS: husbandry care of Aquarium Sea Otter Exhibit animals.
IMAGE RESOURCE: image licensing and cataloging.
SEA OTTER RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION(SORAC): data collection, attend surgical procedures, respond to strandings.
TROPICAL SPECIES ID: lead volunteer team in identifying tropical marine life in a digital image collection.
VISITOR OPPORTUNITIES: utilize natural history, hospitality or marketing to create personalized visitor experience.
VISITOR RESEARCH: research projects in ed technology, museum studies, communications or design.
Requirements
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, zoo or museum world are encouraged to apply.
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 18 - 40 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
Other
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