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
- New friendships
- Smiles and thanks of visitors from all over the world
- 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
Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and able to work a regular 8 hour weekly shift for a period of at least six months. All volunteers are required to attend a volunteer orientation. For certain volunteer roles, there may also be physical and/or experience requirements.
Here you can find a list of open opportunities, if you are interested in volunteering at the Bay Ecotarium or one of its divisions.
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, first aid certification, 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.
Photographer Volunteer
Position Duties:
Roving photographer takes photos of Aquarium animals, guests, education programs, and events. Willing to provide untouched or edited images to Bay Ecotarium for promotional use.
Qualifications:
Must be at least 18 years old and an experienced photographer. Must provide work samples.
Requirements:
Must have own camera, with equipment suitable for high resolution photography in our exhibit areas, including acrylic tunnel tanks and low-light environments. Must also have a computer with internet access and photo editing software and be able to work onsite or from home.
Commitment:
Must be able to post all photos from home within 48-hours of photo shoot, and participate in onsite marketing team meetings, as needed.
Videographer Volunteer
Position Duties:
Takes videos of various animals and activities at the Aquarium. Projects may include documenting public programs and creating themed, narrated short-films. Edits videos and posts on YouTube.
Qualifications:
Must be at least 18 years old, an experienced videographer and film editor. Must provide work samples.
Requirements:
Must own video equipment suitable for filming in our exhibit areas, including acrylic tunnel tanks and low-light environments. Must have a computer with internet access and video editing capabilities, and be able to work onsite or at home.
Commitment:
Must be able to work on Aquarium video projects and participate in onsite marketing team meetings, as needed.
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 11 & December 31: River Otter Snow Days
Location: Aquarium of the Bay, PIER 39
