Volunteer Programs

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium's Summer Docent Program is an excellent introduction to Southern California marine life. This program also develops skills in presenting information and interacting with the public, which are the foundation of informal education, as well as excellent tools to be used throughout life, no matter your career choice.

The Summer Docent Program has two sessions, based on the grade of the participant. After acceptance into the program, and attending the mandatory training week, the Docents will create educational projects and lead guided tours, summer camp classes or experiences.

Middle School Summer Docent Program June 16 to July 11, 2025

Entering Grades 7, 8 and 9 in the Fall of 2025

Training week (attendance is required): June 16 - 20, 9am-3:00pm

High School Summer Docent Program July 14 to August 8, 2025

Entering Grades 10, 11 and 12 in the Fall of 2025

Training week (attendance is required): July 22 - August 8, 9am-12:30pm

All materials must be received by 4:00 PM Friday, April 25, 2025. 

2025 Docent Application Instructions
2025 Docent Application 
2025 Docent Teacher Reference

Please contact CMA Volunteer Coordinator, Floyd Anderson, if you have any questions.   

Join the team to support staff in communicating scientific concepts to the public, delivering exceptional animal care, and handling daily maintenance and cleaning of the Aquatic Nursery laboratory.

          Responsibilities include: 

• Provide informal educational presentations, focusing on the animals within the Aquatic Nursery, ocean conservation, and current research projects.
• Perform regular cleaning and maintenance of the laboratory and equipment. 
• Administer both frozen and live food to Aquatic Nursery animals
  
  Qualifications include:
   
• A minimum time commitment of 4 hours per week for 6 months
• Strong communication skills with the public
• Must be 18 years or older to volunteer at the Aquatic Nursery
  
  Application period:
   
• Recruitment in May and November
• For details and to be added to the interest list for the next recruitment period, please fill out the Aquatic Nursery Interest Form

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

 Please contact CMA Volunteer Coordinator, Floyd Anderson, if you have any questions.

Join our team of experts to provide husbandry and maintenance for our diverse collection of local SoCal marine fish, sharks, octopuses, and more! Through hands-on training, you will help care for species from our local tidepools, kelp forests, and sandy beaches.

Responsibilities include: 

• Exhibit cleaning and maintenance
• Food preparation and feeding
• Animal enrichments and observservations
• Record Keeping

Qualifications include:

• Time commitment of at least 8 hours per week for 6 months
• Ability to communicate effectively with the public
• Willingness to get wet, dirty, and handle marine animals!
• Animal Care Volunteers are required to be 18 years and over

Application period: 

• Applications will re-open as needed 
• For details and to be added to the interest list for the next available application period, please fill out the Animal Care Volunteer Interest Form.
• Other questions? Please email Lindsey.Williamson@lacity.org

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 April through mid-June. Volunteers in this position must be able to be on their feet for two or more hours on the beach and grass areas.

Training sessions are conducted in March of each year.  Please contact CMA Volunteer Coordinator, Floyd Anderson, if you have any questions.

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. Qualifications include a desire to learn about marine animals and the ocean environment and an interest in children. Following training, docents volunteer one morning a week (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).

Touring Docents complete a 12-week training class on Monday mornings. Training is offered in September each year. A fee of $30 covers training materials. Financial aid is available.  Please contact CMA Volunteer Coordinator, Floyd Anderson, if you have any questions.

Discover the Pacific gray whale and other exciting marine life off our Southern California coast, and then share your knowledge with others aboard whale watch vessels and in classrooms. If you are college age (18 or above), would like to learn about marine mammals and be willing to share your knowledge with others as a guide aboard a whale watch or by visiting schools from December 26 through the end of March, we want you!

Training classes begin on the first Tuesday of October, at 7:00 p.m. and the weekly classes continue through the end of March. The classes are approximately two hours in duration and are free. No prior experience is necessary, all training will be provided.

No reservations are needed – join us on the first Tuesday of October at 7:00 p.m. when we will dive into the details during a fun orientation. We will meet in the John M. Olguin Auditorium at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. For more information, visit www.CabrilloWhalewatch.org