Volunteer GuideAt — Monterey Bay Aquarium

Opportunity Summary 

Guides at the Monterey Bay Aquarium use interpretation to connect visitors from around the world to our mission to "Inspire Conservation of the Ocean". Students will learn interpretive techniques such as storytelling as well as marine biology. Guides are first taught to communicate about our Touch Pools, Aviary, Sea Otter exhibit, Rocky Shores exhibit and Monterey Bay Habitats exhibit. Guides are assigned to shift that meets weekly (weekday) or bi-weekly (weekends).

Before each shift, guides will receive updates about the Aquarium and an enrichment to enhance their knowledge of marine biology. This is an opportunity to volunteer at one of the best Aquariums in the world!

We do require a six month commitment for all of our guide.  Shift options are:

  • Mon – Fri (weekly commitment)

    • 9:00 – 12:30, 11:30 – 3:00, 2:00 – 5:00*

  • Sat and Sun (every other weekend commitment)

    • 9:00 – 1:00*, 12:00 – 5:00*

  • * the ending times can vary slightly due to operating hour changes during high-volume seasons. This difference is usually only an additional 30 – 60 minutes but will be advertised to volunteers many weeks prior.

Interested students are required to attend one of the information sessions and then attend a four-session class.

 

CSUMB-specific Info Sessions:

  • January 29th from 6:30pm – 7:30pm PST, via Zoom
  • January 30th from 6:00pm – 7:00pm PST, via Zoom

Required Classes:

  • February 24th from 6pm – 9pm in person
  • February 26th from 6pm – 9pm on Zoom
  • February 27th from 6pm – 9pm on Zoom
  • March 2nd from 6pm – 9pm in person
  • March 4th from 6pm – 9pm in person
  • March 6th from 6pm – 9pm in person

Attendance to 4 of 6 is mandatory, make-ups can be offered.

After guide class, students will receive mentoring from our Interpretive Programs team and experience guides on shift until they are comfortable on at the stations.

8 service learner spots

 

Other requirements:

  • Background Check (e.g. fingerprinting/livescan, driving record)
  • Must be 18 or older
  • Bilingual Desired
Additional risk specific to this opportunity 

SITE LOCATION: Parking and work areas may not be secure or adequately illuminated.

Students will have access to a volunteer parking lot on Foam Street which is a 5-minute walk from the Aquarium. We also offer parking stickers for the Cannery Row Garage if the parking lot is full to cover the parking garage fee. In the winter, it can be dark when students return to their cars, although we do offer a ride service from security if needed.

Opportunity Application Instructions 

Students should attend one of the CSUMB specific information sessions

Register for an info session using this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094AA8A923A4F58-54319160-volunteer#/

 

 

 

Program 
Service Learning
Location Type 
On-site
Location 
Monterey, CA
United States
Students required to have a personal vehicle 
No
Fees students may incur with this opportunity 
Background Check (e.g., fingerprinting, live scans, driving record)
This opportunity provides some form of compensation 
No
Opportunity Availability 
Ongoing