Visitor Center Docent

volunteer assisting visitor with an exhibit — Becoming a volunteer is a great way to help educate others to protect the sanctuary. Photo: Alicia Telfer

Become a Sanctuary Visitor Center Docent!

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary supports a team of dedicated and dynamic volunteers who serve critical roles at the Sanctuary Exploration Center in Santa Cruz and the Coastal Discovery Center in San Simeon. Volunteers complete a comprehensive training program to learn about sanctuary research and resource protection programs, visitor center operations, and a wide range of natural and cultural resources of the sanctuary.

Interpretive Docents

Knowledgeable docents greet visitors, help interpret exhibits to the public, conduct guided tours, and participate in events and special programs. The training program includes topics on interpretation, marine mammals, watersheds, kelp forest and deep-sea habitats, seasons in the sanctuary, and resource protection issues.

Field Trip Educators

School field trip educators assist with K-12 grade education programs at the Sanctuary Exploration Center or the Coastal Discovery Center. Volunteers help lead small groups of students that engage in activities such as demonstrating how to use various scientific equipment, leading a beach cleanup, or collecting and viewing live plankton. As school book field trips, volunteers sign up for shifts as they become available. Field trips are typically offered Wednesday–Friday in the mornings.

a volunteer engages with visitors through an exhibit — Volunteers serve as sanctuary ambassadors to engage and excite visitors. Photo: NOAA

Gift Store Volunteers (Sanctuary Exploration Center only)

Gift store volunteers help maintain the day to day operation of the Sanctuary Exploration Center's gift and bookstore! Volunteers assist visitors, assist with merchandising and organizing in the store, and facilitate sales.

Commitment

Sanctuary Exploration Center

Training Timeframe: April/May (in-person) and year-round (virtual with mentoring options)

Required Training Days/Hours: 6-8 days/30 hours

Minimum Volunteer Time Commitment: One 4-hour shift each week, or one 4-hour shift every other weekend; Shifts are 9:45 a.m.–1:00 p.m., or 12:45 p.m.–4:00 p.m. from Wednesday to Sunday

Coastal Discovery Center

Training Timeframe: year-round (virtual with in-person mentoring options)

Required Training Days/Hours: 4 days/14 hours total

Minimum Volunteer Time Commitment: Two 3.5 hour shifts per month; Shifts are 10:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m., or 2:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m. from Friday to Sunday

How to Apply

If interested in volunteering, please fill out a volunteer interest form. You can also download a PDF application and email to mbnms.volunteer@noaa.gov.

Note: volunteer positions are open to individuals at least age 16 or older and with U.S. citizenship or a person with U.S. legal permanent resident status. There is required paperwork and a NOAA Office of Security background check, which will begin before the start of your volunteer experience.