Volunteers make each day brighter
Volunteers can get involved with MSI in several ways, including helping kids discover science or facilitating arts and crafts activities at marine camp, maintaining the aquarium tanks at MSI’s facility, or even just by helping with tasks in the MSI office. Corporate groups and individuals are welcome to help give back to the community while learning more about the marine environment.
Volunteer/internship positions are unpaid.
Volunteer and Internship Opportunities
Volunteer opportunities
School Break Jr. Counselor: Leader in Training
Emphasis in Educational Development, Child Development and Leadership
Program Description
Become a Junior Counselor (Leader in Training) at our 4-day Marine Science Camp for children ages 5-11 and gain valuable hands-on experience! Volunteers will assist Marine Science Camp Instructors with a variety of tasks essential to running a fun and educational program. You'll help with setting up and breaking down activity stations, supporting check-in and check-out, caring for animals, participating in arts and crafts, restocking supplies, and even leading songs and games. This is a great opportunity to engage with campers, help with classroom management, and develop leadership skills.
Primary Responsibilities
Assisting with check-in/check-out
Setting up and breaking down activity stations
Assist with animal safety and water changes
Participating in or leading songs and games
Helping with classroom management and camper engagement
Commitment
February 18-21 | Tues - Fri | 8 AM - 3:30 PM (FULL)
No camp on Monday in observance of Presidents Day
March 31 - April 4 | Mon - Fri | 8 AM - 3:30 PM
April 7-11 | Mon - Fri | 8 AM - 3:30 PM (FULL)
October date TBD | Registration opens August 2025
November TBD | Registration date TBD
Requirements
Minimum age requirement is 13*
Able to work independently and in a team, follow directions carefully and communicate effectively
Volunteers should possess a high level of maturity and accountability
Good communication skills, problem solving and willingness to get dirty are essential
Reliable transportation
It is essential that volunteers coordinate their internship (with guidance from guardians)
*Limited to one 13 year old per session
Summer Jr. Counselor: Leader in Training
Emphasis in Educational Development, Child Development and Leadership
Program Description
Join our exciting 5-day Marine Science Camp for children ages 5-11 and gain valuable leadership experience as a Junior Counselor (Leader in Training)! Volunteers will assist Marine Science Camp Instructors in various aspects of running a successful program, from setting up and breaking down stations to helping with check-in and check-out. You'll also observe the safety of animals, participate in arts and crafts, restock supplies, and even lead songs and games. This is a hands-on role that offers the chance to engage with young campers and support their learning experience.
Primary Responsibilities
Assisting with check-in/check-out
Setting up and breaking down activity stations
Assisting Instructors with animal care and water changes
Participating in or leading songs and games
Helping with classroom management and camper engagement
Commitment
5 days per week, 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Two-week commitment, does not need to be consecutive
Requirements
Minimum age requirement is 13
Able to work independently and in a team, follow directions carefully and communicate effectively
Volunteers should possess a high level of maturity and accountability
Good communication skills, problem solving and willingness to get dirty are essential
Reliable transportation
It is important that volunteers coordinate their volunteer session (with guidance from guardians)
Hammerhead Building Team
Program Description
The Marine Science Institute (MSI) is looking for handy volunteers with experience in carpentry, plumbing, electrical, framing, landscaping, roofing, general contracting, or any other field of construction to help with our daily operations, and list of projects. Our facility is located right on the San Francisco Bay, includes a 4,000-gallon aquarium system and a 110ft dock for our 90ft research vessel, so there’s no shortage of projects. MSI relies heavily on the generosity of volunteers to carry out our mission, and we want to invite anyone with relevant experience and interest in joining our team of “Hammerheads” to apply today.
Primary Responsibilities
Volunteers will work directly with our Facilities Engineer to select, plan, and carry out any necessary projects.
Some projects may be conducted entirely by volunteers after the initial planning phase with our Engineer.
Most projects are carried out Monday through Thursday, and occasionally weekends.
Projects may include but are not limited to: building wood lockers, storage boxes, display cases, rough window installation, re-plumbing of aquarium life support systems, wood deck and fence repair, construction of wooden shade structures, construction of barn doors or gates, installation of artificial lawn, concrete pouring, etc.
Commitment
The minimum required work window is 4 hours per day. However, most work is project based and time needs will vary greatly depending on the time of year.
Requirements
Minimum age of 18.
Experience in one of the fields of construction mentioned above is preferred
Able to work independently and in a team
Follows directions
Capable of lifting 40 pounds
Volunteers should possess a high level of maturity and accountability
Good communication skills, problem solving and willingness to get dirty are essential