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 a Canyoneer, providing in-museum school tours and outreach presentations as a Docent, running engagement activities on the museum floor as a NATuralist, and providing whale watching interpretation aboard local cruises as a Whaler. 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.

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