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.

Volunteers assist with daily gift shop functions. Volunteers are expected to provide excellent and informative customer service, stock items, finalize sales and sell admissions.

Requirements:

• Applicants must be at least 15 years of age
• These shifts are only available during public visitation hours (Saturdays & Sundays + holidays and public events)

Information Booth volunteers assist in greeting all visitors to Ocean Institute. Volunteers direct and manage flow of multiple groups to ensure a timely and safe welcome. During public program hours, you will check-in members or those with pre-purchased tickets, and provide information about the offerings. Throughout the day, Information Booth volunteers serve as Ocean Institute ambassadors by providing information and directions about programs and facilities available, as well as information about the Dana Point harbor.

Requirements:

• Applicants must be at least 16 years of age
• These shifts are available Mon-Fri from 9:00AM-2:00PM & Sat-Sun from 9:00AM-3:00PM

Crew volunteers maintain and repair Ocean Institute’s historic tall ship, the Spirit of Dana Point. From woodworking, painting, oiling, and varnishing, to rigging and sailing skills, these volunteers work to ensure the upkeep of the 18th-century style schooner. Volunteers will primarily participate in dockside maintenance, mostly on Saturday mornings, and may have the opportunity to be involved in educational/sailing programs.

Requirements:

• Applicants must be at least 16 years of age
• Applicants must have availability from either 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM on Weekdays or 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM on Weekends

Horticulture volunteers maintain Ocean Institute’s Native Plant Garden. This is a public space behind Ocean Institute that features plants native to our coastline and serves as an educational space as well as a relaxation space to many. Garden volunteers will assist with weeding, pruning, picking up trash, planting, and restoring signage in the area. Volunteers will primarily participate maintenance and may have the opportunity to be involved in educational programs if desired.

Requirements:

• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age or accompanied by an 18+ year old
• These shifts are available Mon-Sun 8:00am-12:00pm or 10:00am-2:00pm

• Tidepool Hike Assistant
• Kayak Tour Assistant
• RVSE Naturalist