Join a community of dedicated volunteers who support our 100% tuition-free programs and help to empower the next generation of science and conservation leaders. We welcome all types of volunteers, from parents to scientists. Our volunteer opportunities range from single-day activities where you can restore an urban canyon to year-long mentoring of students as they prepare for college.
Sign up as a Volunteer
1. Join a visitor tour. We encourage prospective volunteers to join a visitor tour to familiarize yourself with Ocean Discovery and our range of short-term and long-term volunteer opportunities. We offer tours Wednesdays (3:30-4:30pm) and you can check the calendar for times.
2. Submit a volunteer application. If you decide volunteering is right for you, create an account and complete an online volunteer application or stop by the Living Lab so we can help you create an account. All youth volunteers (under the age of 18) will need parent/guardian permission to volunteer and volunteers younger than middle school age will need to be accompanied by a parent/guardian. If you go to a school in our school-shed, you and your family can volunteer too!
Once your application is approved (usually within 48 hours), you’ll receive an email from us letting you know you are ready to get started.
During this process, we’ll ask for some basic information about you including your name and address. We’ll never sell this information to anyone or share it with anyone outside of Ocean Discovery. The information we collect helps us stay connected with you about upcoming activities and events. It also ensures we continue to deliver quality programming.
3. Sign up for a volunteer opportunity. Congratulations! Make a difference by signing up for short-term volunteer opportunities or explore a long-term role that will deepen your involvement. Long-term roles may require additional steps. See below for volunteer opportunity descriptions. If you need help, come on in or give us a call and we can get you started.
Volunteer Opportunities
We need a variety of types of volunteers.
Opportunities for Everyone
Opportunities for High School to Post-College
Opportunities for Science Professionals and Graduate Students
Short-Term Opportunities
Canyon Volunteers (September-June)
Learn about and restore local canyon habitat in order to create a safe and beautiful educational environment for our students to explore and discover science. Join us every 2nd Saturday of the month from 10:30am-12:00pm at the Living Lab ready to clean, pull invasives, plant natives, etc. For volunteers of all ages and all backgrounds. Youth who are younger than middle school age will need to be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
Long-Term Opportunities
Homework Help
Provide elementary-high school aged youth with homework help in multiple subject areas. Help them understand questions, stay on track, and feel supported in their academic success. For High School through retired adults familiar with elementary through high school course work content. Held on Tuesday/Thursday (3-7pm), Wednesday (1-7pm).
Short-Term Opportunities
Canyon Volunteers (September-June)
Learn about and restore local canyon habitat in order to create a safe and beautiful educational environment for our students to explore and discover science. Join us every 2nd Saturday of the month from 10:00am-12:00pm at the Living Lab ready to clean, pull invasives, plant natives, etc. For volunteers of all ages and all backgrounds. Youth who are younger than middle school age will need to be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
Long-Term Opportunities
AmeriCorps Discovery Fellow
Fellows serve in our programs and deliver rigorous science education to our students in City Heights. Click here for more information on the AmeriCorps Discovery Fellows.
Homework Help
Provide elementary-high school aged youth with homework help in multiple subject areas. Help them understand questions, stay on track, and feel supported in their academic success. For High School through retired adults familiar with elementary through high school course work content. Held on Tuesday/Thursday (3-7pm), Wednesday (1-7pm).
Short-Term Opportunities
Career Show and Tell Volunteer
Inspire elementary and middle school students to pursue a career like yours. During this time you will give a brief 10 minute presentation about your career and answer questions from rotating groups of students. Opportunities are available M-F throughout the year. For available dates, please see our Calendar of Opportunities.
Canyon Volunteers (September-June)
Learn about and restore local canyon habitat in order to create a safe and beautiful educational environment for our students to explore and discover science. Join us every 2nd Saturday of the month from 10:00am-12:00pm at the Living Lab ready to clean, pull invasives, plant natives, etc. For volunteers of all ages and all backgrounds. Youth who are younger than middle school age will need to be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
Long-Term Opportunities
College Access Mentor
Support high school students on their pathway to college. Work one-on-one with a student as they prepare their personal statement, FAFSA application, and visit college campuses. Click here for more information on College Access Mentors.
Scientist-in-Residence
Scientists-in-Residence live and work at our Living Lab in San Diego, CA. Interactions between a Scientist in Residence and students and the local community will instill a belief that discovery is possible for everyone. Click here for more information on Scientists-in-Residence.
Homework Help
Provide elementary-high school aged youth with homework help in multiple subject areas. Help them understand questions, stay on track, and feel supported in their academic success. For High School through retired adults familiar with elementary through high school course work content. Held on Tuesday/Thursday (3-7pm), Wednesday (1-7pm).
Calendar of Opportunities
View our calendar for upcoming opportunities.
- Visitor tours & events are designated by the color green.
- Volunteer opportunities are designated by the color orange.
- School-shed programs are designated by the color blue. These programs are for school-shed members.
When you click on the calendar item, you will be taken to our registration portal where you can create an account and/or sign up for opportunities.
