Volunteer Opportunities

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at the Ocean Institute!

Volunteers applications are currently closed, and will reopen in January 2027.

At the moment, we are unable to accept new applications until next year. We have, luckily, received lots of applications in the recent months and are hitting a capacity for our program. We appreciate your interest in our program. Please be sure to continue checking this page for any updates. 

You can still contribute by participating in one of our public beach cleanups, adopting an animal, or donating.

Ocean Institute volunteers assist students with a fish dissection.

Volunteer Application Process

Volunteers applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and the review process is conducted on a quarterly basis following the below schedule. Once your application is submitted, you can expect to hear from Ocean Institute during the next application review period. 

Application Review Schedule

  • January – Applicants who submitted between October 1 to December 31 will be interviewed.
  • February – Acceptances will be sent out. Required trainings will be held throughout the month.
  • March – Applications under review.
  • April – Applicants who submitted between January 1 and March 31 will be interviewed.
  • May – Acceptance will be sent out. Required trainings will be held throughout the month.
  • June – Applications under review.
  • July – Applicants who submitted between April 1 to June 30 will be interviewed.
  • August – Acceptances will be sent out. Required trainings will be held throughout the month.
  • September – Applications under review.
  • October – Applicants who submitted between July 1 to September 30 will be interviewed.
  • November – Acceptances will be sent out. Required trainings will be held throughout the month.
  • December – Applications under review.

How to Apply

Begin by identifying your areas of interest and familiarizing yourself with our Volunteer Roles, listed below. In order to volunteer, please submit an application online at the link below. All applications will receive a response! Once your application is submitted, you can expect to hear from Ocean Institute during the next application review period (per the above schedule). 

Please note: if you do not receive a confirmation email following submission of your application, we advise you submit another application. 

General Requirements

  • Applicants must complete at least 6 hours per month
  • Applicants must be willing to commit to at least one year of service

Volunteer Positions

Public Program Docents are the heart and soul of our visitor experience. These individuals serve as interpreters, exhibit facilitators and continually inspire members of the community through hands-on marine and maritime education.

Requirements:

  • Applicants must be at least 14 years of age
  • Applicants must complete at least two shifts per month
  • Applicants must be willing to commit to at least one year of
    service
  • These shifts are available Sat-Sun from 9:30AM-12:30PM & 12:00PM-3:00PM as well as during special events and holidays

School Programs Docents work alongside staff in a variety of our school field trip programs. Programs are with students from pre-K to 3rd grade and 4th-6th grade.

Requirements:

  • Applicants must be at least 18 years of age
  • Applicants must possess a four-year degree
  • Applicants must pass a live scan background check
  • Applicants must have weekday availability from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM. Shifts are 2-3 hours and rarely 4 hours long.

Maritime Education Docents serve as interpreters at our Maritime History Center. This is the home of historic maritime artifacts including many from our own Brig Pilgrim. These individuals are also responsible for answering questions from the public, collecting donations and encouraging guests to visit Ocean Institute.

Requirements:

  • Applicants must be at least 16 years of age
  • These shifts are available Mon-Sun from 10:00AM-2:00PM

TIP Docents educate tidepool visitors about the wonderful natural resources present along our coastline in a way that promotes environmental stewardship. This program occurs outdoors, with its home base behind the Ocean Institute at the entryway to the beautiful Marine Protected Area (MPA). The program operates on a varied schedule during daytime low tides, when the marine resources are most vulnerable (but also most visible).

Requirements:

  • Applicants must be at least 18 years of age
  • Applicants must have 3-4 hours of availability from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (weekdays) and/or 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM (weekend)
  • All TIP Docents must also complete the Orange County Marine Protected Area Council (OCMPAC) Tidepool Volunteer Training, held twice a year – inquire for dates.
Applications Open January 2027