Volunteer
Volunteers are needed for a variety of roles at the Back Bay Science Center and Upper Newport Bay. Some roles are managed through California Department of Fish and Wildlife, while others are managed through partner organizations. We anticipate more volunteer opportunities at the Back Bay Science Center in Fall 2026. To stay informed, reach out to nicolette.baker@wildlife.ca.gov with your contact information and resume. Thank you for your interest in volunteering!
Volunteer for Open House: Community Day
Newport Bay Conservancy trains Associate Volunteers and Naturalist Volunteers who are staffed at the Back Bay Science Center for Open House: Community Day. More information can be found at Newport Bay Conservancy.
California Coastal Cleanup Day
California Coastal Day is an opportunity for people across the state to clean California's creeks, rivers, lakes, coast, and shorelines the third Saturday of September. Almost every body of water in California ultimately flows to the ocean which means a lot of trash is carried along the way. So no matter where you live in the state, by participating, you are helping to protect California's coast and ocean. Upper Newport Bay is one site location for the event and is organized by Orange County Coastkeeper and Newport Bay Conservancy.
Phytoplankton Monitoring Intern
California Department of Public Health partners with California Department of Fish and Wildlife to monitor toxic plankton blooms along the coast which can impact the health of all species. The Back Bay Science Center serves as a sample site for this data recording. Currently not accepting applications, please check back.
Additional Volunteer Opportunities
A StoryMap was created by the 2025/2026 California Climate Action Corps Fellows to share details of organizations that are working to combat climate change and may be seeking volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering with these organizations, please reach out to them directly. Thank you for your volunteerism!