Volunteer
About Volunteering
![A volunteer points at something red in the water inside of the Sea Discovery Center as a guest looks intently towards it.](/sites/sea.wwu.edu/files/2023-11/Volunteer_inside.jpg)
Volunteers of all ages are ambassadors for SEA Discovery Center and play an integral part in SEA’s role as an aquarium and community space where we come together over a shared love of the ocean. There are over 90-hours of volunteer opportunities each week!
Volunteers give their time, experience, and curiosity, and receive many benefits in return:
- Specialized training in marine science and deep dives into specific species
- Special volunteer-only events and trainings
- A caring community of ocean stewards of all ages and backgrounds
Teen Summer Volunteer Program
SEA's Teen Volunteer Program is open! Join an amazing group of marine enthusiasts this summer for a month-long volunteer training program. If you are 16-19 years old, and are interested in the program, please register.
Program Details
Program Dates
- July 13-August 10, 2024
Requirements
- Age 16-19
- Able to attend Saturday trainings and volunteer shifts
Apply to volunteer
Ready to become a volunteer?
- Must be16-years or older;
- Complete the SEA/WWU Volunteer Application and hit Submit;
- Complete the Background Check and email to:volunteer@wwu.edu
After submitting your application, a member of the SEA team will schedule a brief 5-minute interview (either in person or by video call) to hear more about why you would like to volunteer at SEA Discovery Center. Once your application and background check have been approved, you will be emailed information about your training. Processing can take up to three weeks.
Questions? Email SEA@wwu.edu
Volunteer Opportunities
Education & Outreach
Depending on your preferences you might be on the aquarium floor during open hours greeting guests, discussing exhibits, or assisting at the touch tank. During the school year you may also assist SEA’s lead teacher with lessons in the SEA classroom, the floating classroom, on the beach, or out in schools. As an Education & Outreach volunteer you share your passion for marine life directly with members of the community.
Animal Care & Water Quality
After your initial volunteer training you can undertake further training with the Aquarium Curator to assist with animal husbandry and maintenance of the exhibits behind-the-scenes.
Office & Operations
Do you have a special skill you would like to share with the SEA team? We are always looking for help in the office and around the facility!
You do not need any experience in these fields—only enthusiasm! We will train you. If you are passionate about what we do at SEA, we will help you find the volunteer path that’s right for you.
Current Volunteer Shift Sign Up
Volunteers who have been approved, please use this link to sign up for your Aquarium Volunteer shift. Code: SEADC
![Volunteers standing in front of touch pool.](/sites/sea.wwu.edu/files/2024-03/MicrosoftTeams-image%20%281%29.png)