Volunteer
Connect People to Nature
The Volunteer Program at the Nat centers on 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 aCanyoneer, providing in-museum school tours and outreach presentations as aDocent, running engagement activities on the museum floor as aNATuralist, and providing whale watching interpretation aboard local cruises as aWhaler. Occasional behind-the-scenes opportunities in the science departments or in administration are also available.
For high school students, we offer camp volunteer positions during the summer.
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.
