Volunteering with HMSC
Imagine yourself sharing fascinating information with coastal visitors in a world-class marine science research facility. As a volunteer at the Hatlfield Marine Science Center, this picture can become a reality.
You don't need to be a scientist to participate. HMSC offers training, which will teach you everything from how to interpret to how to feed sea stars. Ongoing training, mentorship programs, and seminars are available to continually enhance your knowledge.
We have about 70 active volunteers, without whose generous donation of time the Visitor Center could not function. Meet some of them and find out what they have to say about the experience.
VOLUNTEER ASSIGNMENTS
- Exhibit and aquarium interpreters
- Free-Choice Learning research
- Bookstore staff
- Education program assistants
- Animal feeders and caretakers
- Help with exhibit design and construction
(Not all assignments are available at all times; some require only a limited number of helpers.)
BENEFITS AND OPPORTUNITIES
- HMSC Bookstore discounts
- Membership in HMSC Friends Group, which includes the quarterly newsletter, Upwelling
- Sneak preview of new exhibits and displays
- Invitations to special science programs and guest lectures
- Monthly volunteer newsletters and meetings with advance news about what's coming up at the Visitor Center
- Behind the scenes visits with researchers
- Tours of HMSC facilities, including visiting research vessels
- Flexible scheduling
- Volunteering is a great way to meet new people with similar interests in science and the sea!
REQUIREMENTS
Volunteers must
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Enjoy meeting and talking with people from all backgrounds
- Have an interest in marine life and marine science
- Be a life-long learner and willing to share what they learn with others
- Attend initial volunteer orientation
- Be available for our monthly volunteer meetings
HOW TO APPLY
Fill out an application: Drop by the HMSC Visitor Center to pick up an application form or contact Volunteer Coordinator Rebecca Schiewe, 541 867-0226 or rebecca.schiewe@oregonstate.edu with your postal or e-mail address to receive one via mail or electronically.
Orientation: After your application is received, the Volunteer Coordinator will contact you to schedule a one and a half hour long orientation session to get you acquainted with volunteer duties, Visitor Center staff, and to show you around behind the scenes.
Following orientation you will sign up to shadow one of our experienced volunteers for a shift, (a shift is 3 hours in winter and 3.5 hours in summer).
Schedules: We prefer that volunteers commit to two shifts per month whenever possible. Shifts are scheduled for half days:
- 10 am - 1 pm and 1 pm - 4 pm from Labor Day to Memorial Day
- 10 am - 1:30 pm and 1:30 pm - 5:00 pm during the summer season.
Meetings: Monthly meetings and training sessions are held throughout the year (excluding summer) on the second Tuesday of the month from 2 pm to 4 pm. We encourage all volunteers to attend.
