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Join the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium Volunteers and help us educate thousands of visitors each year about the local Southern California marine environment. Volunteers serve in many capacities in front of the public and behind the scenes.

Our goal is to provide volunteers with meaningful experiences. As a CMA Volunteer you join a family of individuals who have provided over 600,000 hours of service during the past 30 years. Every job done by a volunteer contributes to the mission of the Aquarium.

Download and take a look at the current edition of CMA's monthly volunteer newsletter,
Fins and Tales 

Once accepted into our program, volunteers are registered with the City of Los Angeles. Volunteers 15 years and older are subject to fingerprinting and a background check. All volunteers under 18 years of age must have parent permission to volunteer. Volunteers are encouraged to become a member of FRIENDS of Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. Nametags are provided; T-shirts are available for purchase.

No matter what your skills or talents, we welcome your application to become a CMA Volunteer. To begin your volunteer journey please review the opportunities below and complete the appropriate application found below. You may also contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Randi Abrams-Gonzalez for an application or more information. She can be reached by phone at 310/548-8398, or by email at randi.abrams-gonzalez@lacity.org. After reviewing your application, you will be called for an interview to determine your interests, your schedule and our current volunteer needs.

PROGRAMS VOLUNTEERS

TOURING DOCENT (adults) Docents, "volunteer teachers," guide children on one-hour tours through the aquarium exhibit hall and give demonstrations on the beach. They provide information and conduct various activities relating to animals and plants of our local tidepools, beaches, kelp forests, islands and open ocean. Touring Docents complete a 12-week training class (one Monday morning per week) offered in September of each year. Following training, docents volunteer one morning a week for two school years (October-June). Volunteers in this position should be able to be on their feet for two one-hour tours each morning either in the exhibit hall (Fall/Winter) or on the beach (Spring Outdoor program). A fee of $75.00 covers training materials and one-year membership in FRIENDS of Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. Financial aid is available. Applications for the 2007 class will be accepted through September 2 and the training begins Monday, September 10 and runs through December 10 from 9 am to 12:30 pm.

SPRING OUTDOOR PROGRAM DOCENT (adults) Join us on the beach! Docents provide school children with information about the ocean and conduct related activities on Cabrillo Beach. Qualifications include an affinity for the outdoors; a desire to learn about marine animals and the ocean environment; and an interest in children. Docents are asked to commit to work one morning per week from April 10 through June 8. Training sessions are conducted in March of each year. 2008 trainings are Mondays, March 10 and 24, 9am - 12:30pm. Volunteers in this position must be able to be on their feet for two or more hours on the beach and grass areas. Applications are due by March 1, 2008.

AFTERNOON INFORMATION BOOTH (adults) Volunteers act as public greeters at the Information Booth assisting staff one afternoon per week, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Volunteers may provide demonstration activities such as touch tank programs.

JUNIOR & SENIOR HIGH SUMMER DOCENT PROGRAMS - Applications will be available Monday March 3. Applications are due Friday April 25. Students entering grades 7-12 in the fall may participate in CMA's summer docent programs. One in our Aquatic Nursery (see below) and one in our Aquarium Exhibit Hall.

Download 2008 Junior and Senior High Summer Docent forms
Cover Letter/Instructions
Application
Teacher Reference

Summer Exhibit Hall Docent Program – One week of mandatory training is followed by four weeks of service, one or two mornings a week, providing one hour tours, talks and demonstrations in the CMA exhibit hall during a four-week period. Training and activities relating to Southern California tidepools, beaches, kelp forest, islands, open ocean and touring techniques are included. Two sessions are offered: Juniors (students entering 7 - 9th grade in the fall) volunteer June 23 through August 1. Seniors (students entering 10 - 12th grade in the fall) volunteer July 28 through August 29. Cost of the program is $75.00 (includes name badge, shirt and field trips). 60 students will be accepted into each session. Financial aid is available.

Summer Aquatic Nursery Docent Program – 16 students will be accepted into this program. Two weeks of mandatory training is followed by 8 weeks of service, one or two mornings a week, providing tours in the Aquatic Nursery with lab activities and baby animal displays in the Science Hatchery education program. Optional field trips and wrap-up parties are offered. Students volunteer June 23 through August 29. Cost of the program is $55.00. (includes name badge, shirt, field trips). Financial aid is available.

CMA/American Cetacean Society-Los Angeles Chapter WHALEWATCH TRAINING PROGRAM - Volunteers (college age and up)are trained as naturalists to narrate whale watching trips on boats that depart from local landings December 26 through March observing gray whales, dolphins, sea lions and birds. Naturalists also give presentations in classrooms. Meet in the John M. Olguin Auditorium. Registration taken at the first three meetings. Tuesday, October 2 and every Tuesday through March 2008, 7 - 9 pm. Information/reminder e-mail: cabrillowhalewatch@gmail.com. or call 310/548-7562.

ONE-DAY SPECIAL EVENTS Individuals and groups are welcome to help out at various events throughout the year. Please call ahead to schedule yourself or your group to help out. A list of upcoming events may be obtained by contacting our Volunteer Coordinator, Randi. Students may fulfill community service or service-learning requirements at CMA in our regular programs or through individual arrangements. Per City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks policy we may not provide opportunities for individuals who are court referred. Contact your local Volunteer Center for these opportunities.

Click here to see our current list of one-day volunteer opportunities.

EDUCATION VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

SEA RANGER (grades 5 through adult) CMA's Sea Ranger program provides volunteers for interpretation and monitoring of the Cabrillo Beach Coastal Park habitats including the salt marsh (Salinas de San Pedro), Point Fermin Marine Life Refuge tidepools and inner harbor and outer Cabrillo Beach and fishing pier. Training sessions take place quarterly on four Thursdays, May, 22, 29, June 5 and 12. A fee of $30 is charged for uniform/materials. Financial aid is available. For more information call 310-548-7562 x 217 or 219. Sponsored by Royal Caribbean / Celebrity Cruises Ocean Fund.

* Sea Rangers: click here to download the current schedule of Sea Ranger activities and flier for the next Sea Ranger training 

EDUCATION VOLUNTEERS (all ages) Volunteers assist Education Staff with various activities including Sea Search programs, marine lab/classroom set-up; beach programs like Key to the Sea; helping in the Exploration Center; special tours; providing educational and recreational programs to schools and the public. Ongoing enrichment and training is available.

EXPLORATION CENTER VOLUNTEER TRAINING (adults and youth 16 years and older) Volunteers facilitate visitor use of the Exploration Center and help guide visitors to the habitats of the Cabrillo Beach Coastal Park and the Aquarium exhibit hall. Volunteers may work with school groups, individuals and families as they investigate, using all their senses, life in the mud, along the rocky shore, breakwater, pier and sandy beach. Ongoing training is available. For more information call Alfonso Montiel at 310-548-7562 x 203.

NATIVE GARDEN WORKDAY/BEACH CLEANUPS (adult and youth) - join us the 1st Saturday of each month, meet in the garden, sign up is REQUIRED. Assist with weeding and planting while learning more about the plant and animal inhabitants of the Cabrillo Native Garden or help clean the beach. Meet at 8 a.m.(check the schedule) for 2 hours. To sign up, please contact our volunteer coordinator, Randi Abrams-Gonzalez at 310/548-8398, email: randi.abrams-gonzalez@lacity.org.

Care for the Coast Saturday, July 5, 2008 from 8:00– 10:30am
Special Beach Cleanup following July 4th festivities. Starts with a tidepool walk and then cleaning the beach.
Fee: Free Meet at the aquarium.

Keep it clean on International Coastal Cleanup/Adopt-A-Beach day, Saturday, September 15, 2007 from 9 am - 12 noon You can make a difference! Spend a morning with CMA and others who care to improve our environment. We’ll conclude with refreshments at an Open House at the Salinas de San Pedro salt marsh from 12noon to 2pm (see Salt Marsh Open House). Groups are requested to call ahead: 310-548-7562, Linda Chilton x 217.

RESEARCH VOLUNTEERS

AQUATIC NURSERY/JELLY LAB (adults and youth 14 years and older)
Volunteers start with interpretation of lab activities to aquarium guests. As experience is gained volunteers may assist lab staff with tank maintenance and animal husbandry. Docent and animal husbandry trainings are offered. Join the Aquatic Nursery staff to tour school groups through lab activities and baby animal displays in the new Science Hatchery education program!

Animal Husbandry Training
Thursday, June 5 from 3 - 5pm
Tuesday June 10 from 3 - 5pm
One-day sessions introduce the Aquatic Nursery and themes of aquaculture, animal care and laboratory techniques. Choose a session that fits your schedule. An information packet for daily duties will be provided. Located in the Aquatic Nursery. Contact Dr. Kiersten Darrow at 310-548-7592 x204.

Docent program
Thursday March 6 from 3 - 5pm
The Aquatic Nursery is looking to recruit docents for school and public tours. Immerse yourself in the ever-changing world of scientific research. Help teach children about conservation and investigations into our spectacular local Southern California marine life. Dance along with younger students while demonstrating the life of sea jellies and tide pool animals. Guide older students through basic research techniques at our multimedia microscope stations. Come “sea” what we have to offer!
A three-month minimum commitment is required.
For more information contact Dr. Kiersten Darrow (310-548-7562 x 204).

GRUNION RESEARCH PROGRAM TRAINING (under 18 parental permission required)
Saturday, March 1, 2008 from 10 - 12pm
Saturday, March 8, 2008 from 10 - 12pm
Bright lights and waves of visitors anticipating a glimpse of the silver grunion fish in your hands…Join our team to interpret CMA’s grunion research program to the public at outer Cabrillo Beach and conduct cryopreservation investigations in the Aquatic Nursery. Attendance at most evening grunion programs is required. Meet in the Aquatic Nursery. For details, contact Dr. Kiersten Darrow at 310-548-7592 x204.

AQUARIST VOLUNTEERS (adults) A 6-month to 1-year commitment is required; one 4-8 hour shift per week.

Feeder: Volunteer position to assist staff with feeding of live animal collection. Duties include: food preparation, feeding of animal collection, observation of animal feeding habits and answering questions from the general public.

Aquarist Assistant: Volunteers assist aquarists with routine tasks such as cleaning tanks, monitoring water conditions, etc. Training is offered on-the-job. Previous experience with saltwater aquariums is desirable.

FRIENDS of CMA

GIFT SHOP VOLUNTEER (adults and youth 16 years and older) Volunteers assist gift shop manager in daily operations - affixing price labels to merchandise, stocking shelves with merchandise and running the cash register.

FRIENDS OF CMA COMMITTEES (adults) Volunteers serve on various committees supporting the work of FCMA in Membership, Development or Fundraising Events: Grand Grunion Gala and Chocolate Lobster Dive.

FCMA/PR MAILINGS – join us (generally) the third Thursday of each month from 4 - 6pm. September 19, October 17, November 14, December 12, 2007. Assist staff with labeling and stuffing of mailings to FRIENDS members and for public relations. Check at the Information Booth for location of the day’s mailing.

OTHER

OFFICE/CLERICAL (adults and youth)
Volunteers assist office staff with various clerical duties: mailings, filing, data entry, etc. Hours are flexible depending upon staff needs.

BENEFITS FROM VOLUNTEERING: New friendships and camaraderie with other people who share an interest in the ocean environment * Helping the public learn about the ocean and its local inhabitants * Satisfaction of knowing that you are essential to the success of the Aquarium’s programs and services * Free parking * Staff Volunteer Party * Annual Awards Dinner * Continuing education opportunities * Monthly volunteer newsletter, Fins and Tales

Volunteering is a great way to explore career interests!

Students may fulfill community service or service-learning requirements at CMA in our regular programs or through individual arrangements.

Click here to see our current list of one-day volunteer opportunities.

Per City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks policy we may not provide opportunities for individuals who are court referred. Contact your local Volunteer Center for these opportunities.Call our Volunteer Coordinator for more information.

Questions? More information and applications for these opportunities are available from our Volunteer coordinator, Randi Abrams-Gonzalez at 310/548-8398, email: randi.abrams-gonzalez@lacity.org.

Click below to download a volunteer application as an Adobe Acrobat PDF:
CMA Volunteer Application (108Kb)

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