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 Visitor Specialists
Visitor specialists serve as representatives of the Ocean Discovery Center, curating visitor experiences in the space. Visitor specialists welcome and orient guests to the Ocean Discovery Center, answer questions, and assist with any visitor needs.
Gray's Reef Ocean Discovery Center Interpreter Guide
Interpreter guides bring the story of Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary to life, using the Ocean Discovery Center as a tool to connect visitors to our blue planet and the National Marine Sanctuary System. Volunteers in this position will conduct guided tours, create and host ocean-themed programming, and assist the Education Specialist with school field trips.
Important Note: Interested interpreter guide volunteers begin as visitor specialists.
Gray's Reef Street Team
Street team volunteers act as ambassadors to the public by advancing the educational mission of the Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary at public events by setting up information booths, games, and supporting outreach programs for the public.
Marine Research Support Volunteers
Marine research support volunteers support active scientific operations of Gray's Reef including equipment handling and organization, data management, and onboard mission support.
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. A background check is conducted by NOAA. A background check is not needed to participate in one-time events.
Age
The sanctuary accepts volunteers 16 years of age or older (volunteers under the age of 18 must have parent or guardian's support). Some activities, like joining on the Marine Research Support team, only allow volunteers 18 years of age or older
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.