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Volunteer

Connect People to Nature

The Volunteer Program at the Nat centers on diversity, equity, and inclusion and the values of respect and integrity to create a safe, welcoming, and accessible community that supports lifelong learning and promotes conservation.

We offer a wide range of volunteer opportunities for our community of over 500 volunteers. Our public engagement opportunities include leading hikes as a Canyoneer, providing in-museum school tours and outreach presentations as a Docent, running engagement activities on the museum floor as a NATuralist, and providing whale watching interpretation aboard local cruises as a Whaler. Occasional behind-the-scenes opportunities in the science departments or in administration are also available.

For high school and college students, we offer camp volunteer positions during the summer and are developing internship opportunities in partnership with local schools, which we hope to launch in 2024.

Benefits of Volunteering

  • Inclusion in a community of volunteers and staff who care deeply about nature and conservation.
  • Satisfaction and achievement in supporting a vital organization dedicated to research, education, and community engagement for the conservation of the diverse plant and animal life found in southern California and the Baja peninsula.
  • Fun work that connects to our organization's mission.
  • Excellent training during onboarding and beyond
  • Discounts on Museum lectures and events.
  • Free admission to the Museum.
  • Notices of discounts and Balboa Park events that are free to volunteers.
  • Discounts in the Museum store and café.

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