Volunteer & Intern Coordinator

At the Monterey Bay Aquarium, we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates and values diversity. We firmly believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices, working together, increases our capacity to serve our visitors and fulfill our mission. We welcome people from all backgrounds into our team and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.

 

Priority deadline for applications is February 3, 2026. Due to the volume of incoming applications, the role may be closed earlier than February 3, 2026. 

 

Job Summary: 

Under moderate supervision, play an integral role in supporting the institution's mission of inspiring conservation of the ocean, facilitating the care of our animal collection and our Sea Otter Program needs, while helping to create an environment in which all volunteers and interns feel engaged and inspired. Coordinate all elements of the intern and volunteer programs, in collaboration with cross functional departments which include Volunteer Engagement, Animal Care, Conservation & Research. Recruit, engage, select, place, train, and report on new and current volunteers and interns. Perform other duties as required.

 

Core Activities:

• Develop and maintain SOPs for required work activities.
• Perform administrative tasks as needed (e.g. maintain volunteer records, organize intern presentations and certificates, respond to volunteer inbox, etc.).
• Generate and create routine reporting for administration, tracking, and annual statistics.
• Provide information and/or resolve inquiries regarding Volunteer, Intern, Conservation Research, Animal Care programs, serving as a primary contact point.
• Support recruitment function:
  • Identify position requirements/descriptions in collaboration with MBA work groups.
  • Evaluate and screen potential candidates.
• Coordinate completion of onboarding checklist (e.g., background checks, DMV pulls, etc.).
• Schedule clinical appointments for physical requirements.
• Facilitate new orientation and safety walk throughs.
• Coordinate and update safety and department specific training requirements; assign and track completion of training courses.
• Monitor program expenses and identify variances to budget.
• Plan and oversee volunteer and intern appreciation events for Animal Care and Conservation & Research. 

 

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities (KSAs):

• College degree or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• 3 years' experience in volunteer and/or intern support or management
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and apply discretion and good judgment when dealing with sensitive matters
• Proficient with Excel and PowerPoint, and virtual meeting/communication platforms
• Ability to work as part of a team and a strong customer focus are essential
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Ability to meet deadlines and multitask in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work within and maintain Monterey Bay Aquarium's Core Values

 

Physical Requirements to Perform Essential Job Functions:

• Typical office equipment
• Constant sitting, standing, walking, bending
• Occasional unassisted lifting up to 50 lbs
• Typical office environment, main aquarium and exhibits, occasional offsite events

 

Hourly Compensation Range:
$25.00- $28.37 USD per hour. Starting rate will vary based on previous experience and relevant skills/knowledge set.

Monterey Bay Aquarium is a nonprofit public aquarium in Monterey, California. Known for its regional focus on the marine habitats of Monterey Bay, it was the first to exhibit a living kelp forest when it opened in October 1984. Its biologists have pioneered the animal husbandry of jellyfish and it was the first to successfully care for and display a great white shark. The organization's research and conservation efforts also focus on sea otters, various birds, and tunas. Seafood Watch, a sustainable seafood advisory list published by the aquarium beginning in 1999, has influenced the discussion surrounding sustainable seafood. The aquarium was home to Otter 841 prior to her release into the wild as well as Rosa, the oldest living sea otter at the time of her death.