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 and others are managed through partners. We are anticipating more volunteer opportunities to open in the Fall. If you are interested in volunteering with us, please send your resume and contact information to nicolette.baker@wildlife.ca.gov. Thank you for your interest in volunteering!

Visit this StoryMap!

The Back Bay Science Center, like many organizations, deeply values volunteers. Volunteers are key to assisting organizations, including mitigating for climate change. The linked StoryMap was created by the California Climate Action Corps Fellows at the Back Bay Science Center 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!

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

Pacific Staghorn Sculpins in Holding Tank

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.

Fellowship Opportunity

Interested in more than just volunteering? Through the California Climate Action Corps, you can work hands-on with CDFW staff at the Back Bay Science Center. Each year, two aspiring professionals are accepted for an 11-month fellowship. The Back Bay Science Center, like many organizations, deeply values creating spaces for individuals to learn and develop environmental science skill sets. Fellows are key to assisting the Back Bay Science Center, including mitigating for climate change. If you are interested in becoming a California Climate Action Corps Fellow here at the Back Bay Science Center, please find more information linked below.

Apply Now