• Who are the Academy volunteers?
• Why volunteer?
• What are the benefits of volunteering?
• Do I need a science background?
• Are all volunteer candidates accepted?
• What is the volunteer time commitment?
• What opportunities are available on weekends?
• Are there fees?
• Getting started

Academy volunteers are from all walks of life and diverse demographics, but have a common sense of purpose in identifying with the Academy's mission to explore, explain and protect the natural world. Volunteers are professionals, hobbyists, retirees, students, homemakers, or employed full-time. Some have extensive science backgrounds, others have none. The Academy welcomes all skills, interests, and talents. Volunteers must be 16 years of age.

Many volunteers are interested in the educational opportunities and challenges offered at the Academy, the chance to teach, acquire specialized skills, and be exposed to new areas of learning. Others have fond memories of the Academy as children and love natural science. Still others want the opportunity to see, touch and learn about some of the Academy's 20 million specimens. All are conservation-minded people who want to give back and be part of the greater world.

Volunteers develop new skills, explore their personal interests, and make a contribution that enables the institution to grow beyond anything possible with paid staff alone. Volunteering is a great way to meet kindred spirits and connect with the community. Did you know? Studies show volunteering is also good for your physical health and sense of well-being.

Not always. If you want to work behind the scenes in the research departments, familiarity with scientific terminology and some experience and background are helpful. But there are assignments where your enthusiasm and willingness to help is all that is needed

The aquarium does have some specific requirements for some of their assignments.

All new Docents and Academy Guides take a basic Academy-style intro to science and nature before they begin a course.

In other areas volunteers without specific experience are individually coached or trained by their supervisor.

While we endeavor to find a match for each applicant, it is not always possible to find an assignment that is appropriate for both the applicant and staff.

Volunteer positions vary in terms of the weekly time commitment, depending on the assignment and needs of the departments. Volunteer shifts are available throughout the week and on weekends.

Yes! The Academy is open every day of the year. Volunteers can work in the aquarium, at the tide pool, or on the main floor as an Academy Guide or visitor service volunteer. Volunteers may also work at the Naturalist Center on weekends.

Volunteering at the Academy is free, but Academy Guides and Docents pay a nominal fee for books and materials. Academy Guides and Docents are also required to become members. There may be some additional costs if a uniform is required.

If you're interested in volunteering at the Academy, you may call the Volunteer Services Manager to receive an application in the mail. Once the application is received you will be contacted for an interview.

For more information contact:

Rosalind Henning
Manager of Volunteer Services
Phone (415) 321-8111
Email:

Mailing address:
California Academy of Sciences
875 Howard St.
San Francisco, CA 94103

The California Academy of Sciences is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from individuals who will contribute to its diversity.

Contact

Volunteer Links