Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering with Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary is a great way to get involved in your community and support the mission of the sanctuary:
to protect, conserve, and enhance the natural and cultural resources, values, and qualities of the sanctuary for current and future generations.
Explore some of the opportunities offered by the sanctuary below:
Gray's Reef Ocean Discovery Center Greeter & Docent
You can give tours of the center and present ocean-themed programs to the public, classes, and other guests of the center in downtown Savannah, Georgia.
Gray's Reef Street Team
Join us at public events, parades, or festivals to inspire and inform the public about Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary.
Team Ocean Diver
The most rewarding way to support your sanctuary is to see the wonders for yourself! Team Ocean divers assist scuba science diving at Gray's Reef. This opportunity requires a significant time commitment as Team Ocean divers must be certified by the NOAA Dive Program or hold scientific diving reciprocity through the American Academy of Underwater Sciences.
Speaking Team
Do you have a knack for public speaking? Help share the wonders of Gray's Reef with community groups and organizations building awareness and support for your national marine sanctuary.
Communications and Digital Media
Help your sanctuary virtually through graphics and other digital media, plan outreach campaigns and events, or write articles about the sanctuary to broaden audiences.
Vessel Support
Join our boat operators and Team Ocean divers on trips to the sanctuary. Assist as a deckhand supporting the operators and divers with their science missions.
To share your interest in these opportunities, please complete this form which is sent to the Gray's Reef volunteer coordinator.
Eligibility
Citizenship
Volunteers and interns must have U.S. citizenship or legal permanent resident status. Considerations can be made for existing J-1 visas, and in some cases a F-1 visa. A background check is conducted by NOAA. A background check is not needed to participate in one-time events.
Age
The sanctuary accepts volunteers over the age of 14 (volunteers under the age of 18 must have parent or guardian's support). Some activities, like scuba diving, only allow volunteers over the age of 18.
Time commitments
The volunteer role determines the number of hours, which vary. Gray's Reef offers both year-round and seasonal opportunities. Some opportunities can be offered virtually, contact the volunteer coordinator for more information.