“Volunteers are seldom paid, not because they are worthless,
but because they are priceless.” – Anon

The volunteers of the Marine Discovery Center are the backbone of our organization. Their enthusiasm and energy helps keep us focused and motivated. If you would like to join this friendly team, please complete the application form and forward it to the address below.

Welcome Desk Volunteers

If you like working with the general public this is the place for you!
Duties include answering phones, booking passengers on our boat and kayak Ecotours answering general enquiries about the Water Taxi and assisting guests shopping in our gift shop. Only basic computer skills are needed. Job shadowing & training provided. Our Volunteers commit to 4-hour shifts one day per week. Office is open 7 days a week.

Marine Discovery “On The Road” Team

If you can’t commit to a regular schedule our On the Road Volunteer Team might work better for you.
MDC is often invited to participate in various special events taking place in our community. Our On The Road volunteers have easy to assemble portable displays and plenty of marketing material. Volunteers usually work half day shifts in teams of 2-4. Many of these events occur over weekends. The On the Road volunteers are given advance notice of upcoming events by e-mail and then select the assignment that suits their schedule. You are not expected to attend every event. Training is provided.

Education Department

Do you enjoy working with children and adults and sharing your knowledge of nature?
We provide Marine Science learning opportunities for over 4000 students and adults each year. These programs require a team of dedicated staff and volunteers especially during the Spring and Summer months. Volunteers assist with setting up and delivering our hands-on/feet-wet educational programs. These programs take place at various Marine Discovery Center facilities including the lab, classroom, boat, dock or kayaks.

Fund Raising Event Volunteers

If you can only volunteer a few times a year this may be of interest to you.
During the year MDC hosts several fund raising events & assists at others when the proceeds are earmarked for us. A lot of advance planning is involved and on the day of the event we need an energetic team of helpers willing to turn their hand to anything that needs doing.

Kayak Tour Sweeps

Are you an experienced Kayaker who could help us occasionally?
Our guided kayak tours go out several times a week led by a Florida Master Naturalist guide. Groups are usually limited to 12 people and if the trips are full we need the help of volunteer sweeps to assist the tour guide in keeping the group together. Kayaking experience is required and the need for a volunteer sweep can usually be established the day before the trip.

Oyster Mat Making

Do you want to be a hands-on volunteer and prefer to work outdoors?
Our very successful Oyster bed restoration program is always looking for volunteers. We need help in drilling oyster shells, assembling the artificial oyster mats and our deployment team which lays the mats when sufficient material has been prepared. Twice a month on Saturday mornings mat-making workshops are held. A great family activity.

Bird Rescue Volunteers

How about being on standby to help injured birds?
Although we have no facility on site to keep or treat injured birds we have a team of dedicated volunteers who are on call one day a week to go out and assist with rescuing injured birds. The birds are placed in a carrying case and sent on the Water Taxi to Ponce Inlet where they are met by staff from the Marine Science Center’s Bird Rescue unit.

Marketing & Brochure Distribution

Would you like to help but want to set your own schedule?
With only a small number of full time employees, we always need help to get the word out about our services. Volunteers help by distributing our brochures to local businesses, condominiums, etc. We will provide a list of locations and materials. Schedule this for a few hours a week at your convenience.