Volunteers
Volunteers are vital to the operation of all of our programs. Joining our team through our marine volunteer opportunities can make a meaningful contribution. From helping educate the public to assisting with daily responsibilities, we simply could not do it without volunteers.
Volunteer Benefits
There are many perks that go along with volunteering at Bay Ecotarium, including
- Ongoing professional training
- Individual Plus Aquarium membership (after 50 hours of service)
- First-hand look at behind-the-scenes operations
- 20% Aquarium gift shop discount
- Recognition, guest passes, and awards for hours served
- Volunteer appreciation events
- Satisfaction of knowing you are helping us in our mission to protect, conserve and inspire conservation of San Francisco Bay and its watershed, from the Sierra to the Sea.
Volunteer Requirements
Here you can find a list of open opportunities for volunteering at Aquarium of the Bay.
All volunteers are required to attend a volunteer orientation and commit to the role for a minimum of 6 months. For certain volunteer roles, there may also be physical and/or experience requirements. All animal care, water quality, and dive volunteers must be 18 years old.
Volunteer Diver
Position Description:
On SCUBA, assist with the underwater maintenance of aquarium exhibits, including underwater vacuuming and scrubbing. Other duties include setup and break-down of vacuum pumps, preparing food, performing broadcast feedings, and assisting with in-water sevengill shark target feeding
Qualifications:
Must be a certified SCUBA diver with a minimum of 10 logged dives and experience with cold water diving. Must also have a current dive physical, be first aid certified, and necessary dive equipment (wetsuit, booties, gloves, and mask).
Requirements:
Must be at least 18 years old, able to lift at least 50 pounds, and in good physical condition. Must be comfortable underwater and around various aquarium animals, including rays and sharks. Must also pass in-water and written dive tests.
Commitment:
Must be able to work one eight-hour shift per week for a minimum of six months and commit to an initial training period of two months.
Animal Care Volunteer
Position Description:
Assist Animal Care staff with the maintenance of both aquatic and terrestrial exhibit animals. Duties include cleaning, health care, animal enrichment, food preparation, feeding, and record-keeping.
Qualifications:
Previous animal handling experience desirable but not mandatory.
Requirements:
Must be at least 18 years old. Must be able to work with minimum supervision and be comfortable handling various animals including reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and fish. Must be able to bend, lift up to 25 pounds, walk up and down stairs, and be tolerant of a wet work environment.
Commitment:
Must be able to work one eight-hour shift per week for a minimum of six months and commit to an initial training period of two months.
Volunteer Water Quality Technician
Position Description:
Assist Animal Care staff with water quality testing of exhibit tanks. Duties include gathering water samples, testing water parameters, data entry into a spreadsheet program, and the cleaning and maintenance of the Water Quality Lab. Work with or in proximity to various chemicals.
Qualifications:
Previous water quality and data-entry experience are desirable but not mandatory. However, must have an understanding of basic water quality parameters like pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen, ammonia and nitrates. Basic training on water quality equipment will be provided.
Requirements:
Must be at least 18 years old. Must be comfortable working with lab equipment and be able to work with minimum supervision.
Commitment:
Must be able to work one four-hour shift per week for a minimum of six months and commit to an initial training period of two months.
Volunteer Sea Lion Center Ambassador
Position Duties:
Interact with the public at the Sea Lion Center and assist educators with general monitoring of the area. Actively promote conservation messaging and the mission of bay.org to visitors.
Qualifications:
Must be interested in San Francisco Bay biology, be willing to learn about the sea lions, and be eager to communicate with people of all ages and backgrounds. A love for people, patience, excellent verbal communication skills, flexibility and a sense of humor are essential in this position. Second language skills are a plus.
Requirements:
Must be in good physical condition to stand for up to four to six hours at a time and lift at least 25 pounds. Comfortable in varying weather conditions for prolonged periods of time. Must be comfortable talking with the general public and in front of groups, and support the Aquarium of the Bay’s mission. Must have a willingness to learn and participate in mandatory training.
Commitment:
Ability to work a minimum of 8 hours (2 shifts) per month for at least six months, on a regular schedule. Shifts will be 9:30 am – 1 pm or 1 pm – 5 pm.
Volunteer Education Ambassador
Position Duties:
Interact with the public at various points around the Aquarium and assist educators with general monitoring of the area. Actively promote conservation messaging and the mission of bay.org to visitors.
Qualifications:
Must be interested in San Francisco Bay biology, be willing to learn about the animals in the aquarium, and be eager to communicate with people of all ages and backgrounds. A love for people, patience, excellent verbal communication skills, flexibility and a sense of humor are essential in this position. Second language skills are a plus.
Requirements:
Must be in good physical condition to stand for up to four to six hours at a time and lift at least 25 pounds. Must be comfortable talking with the general public and in front of groups, and support the Aquarium of the Bay’s mission. Must have a willingness to learn and participate in mandatory training.
Commitment:
Ability to work a minimum of 8 hours (2 shifts) per month for at least six months, on a regular schedule. Shifts will be 10 am – 2 pm or 2 pm – 6 pm.
Volunteer Docent
Position Duties:
Encourage visitors to ask questions, engage in activities, and explore various exhibit galleries and the Sea Lion Center. Conduct guided tours of the Aquarium of the Bay, including Behind the Scenes tours, for individuals and groups.
Qualifications:
Must be interested in San Francisco Bay biology, with previous teaching or biology experience a plus. Must be willing to learn about the animals in the aquarium and be eager to communicate with people of all ages and backgrounds. Familiarity with the techniques of dialogue and inquiry or teaching a major plus.
Requirements:
Must be able to stand and speak for up to four to six hours at a time and lift at least 10 pounds. Must be comfortable talking with the general public and in front of groups, and support the Aquarium of the Bay’s mission. Must have a willingness to learn and participate in mandatory training.
Commitment:
Ability to work a minimum of 20 hours a month, preferably during the week (4-5 shifts per month), for a minimum of 6 months.
Photography/Video Volunteer
Position Duties:
Take high-quality photos and videos of animals, events, education programs, and activities at the Aquarium. Edits photos or videos and shares them with Aquarium staff.
Qualifications:
Must have experience with photography and videography and have own camera with equipment suitable for high-resolution exhibit photography. Must have experience with editing software and own computer with internet access for editing and sharing images and photos.
Commitment:
Must be able to post photos and videos from home and participate in on-site marketing meetings as needed.
Electrical Consulting Volunteer
Position Duties:
Help develop Facilities and Life Support department staff’s working knowledge of electrical systems and safety procedures. Provide guidance on faultfinding, installation, and circuit testing. Oversee audit of current breaker panel loads and capacities. Help improve the Aquarium’s emergency generators’ power supply circuits during power outages. Modernization of Life Support systems and identification of potential energy savings. Implement preventative maintenance system.
Qualifications:
At least 7 years of proven expertise as an electrical engineer (degree not required, but preferred). Must have an understanding of electrical engineering codes and safety standards. Strong organizational and communication skills. Experience in providing training to students/apprentices preferred.
Commitment:
Flexible scheduling, must be able to stop by the Aquarium to assist team.
To Apply:
Please email hr@bayecotarium.org with the subject line “Volunteer Electrician – [Your Name]”. Please do not fill out the volunteer application.
For more information or sign up as a volunteer, please email Human Resources at hr@bay.org.
Other Volunteer Opportunities
Check frequently for upcoming volunteer events:
- November 12 & December 31: River Otter Snow Days
Location: Aquarium of the Bay, PIER 39
