Be the Movement

Volunteers

Volunteers are vital to the operation of all 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.

Thank you for everything you do! Your effort and dedication inspire people to preserve our marine environments, and we are truly grateful.

Volunteer Benefits

There are many perks that go along with volunteering at Bay Ecotarium, including:

Ongoing professional training
Individual Plus Aquarium membership (after 100 hours of service)
First-hand look at behind-the-scenes operations
25% 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 AND DIVE VOLUNTEER MUST BE 18 YEARS OLD.

Teen Volunteers

Teen volunteers must be 14-15 years old. Limited availability.

Position Description:

Click here to view the SEA Team Volunteer position description.

Volunteer Diver

We currently have availability on weekdays ONLY for Animal Care and Dive but open weekend availability in Education. Please email volunteers@bayecotarium.org to join the weekend waitlist.

Position Description:

On SCUBA, assists 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 seven gill 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, CPR and AED certified, and possess necessary dive equipment (booties, gloves, and mask). Bay.org volunteers ages 18+ are required to pass a background check (fee required).

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

We currently have availability on weekdays ONLY for Animal Care and Dive but open weekend availability in Education. Please email volunteers@bayecotarium.org to join the weekend waitlist.

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. Bay.org volunteers ages 18+ are required to pass a background check (fee required).

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 and lift up to 25 pounds, walk up and down stairs and ladders, and be tolerant of a wet work environment.