Wetlands Institute Summer Docent
The docent program is perfect for anyone looking to spend a handful of hours each week interacting with visitors of all ages while increasing their own knowledge about wetlands and coastal ecology. Our docent program provides an opportunity to interact directly with the public as they visit the salt marsh and tour The Wetlands Institute. Roles for our docents include leading and/or providing interpretation during our Salt Marsh Safari programs, Aquarium Teaching and Touch Tank demonstrations, Guided Dune and Beach Walks in Avalon and at Stone Harbor Point, and Back-bay Wildlife Boat Tours.
When: May – September
Eligibility: Adult Volunteer. Docent Training Manual and shadow training in specific program area of interest will be provided. Advanced content training workshops or lectures may be available throughout the year.
Required Commitment: Minimum 1 day a week from May – September.
To get involved in this volunteer opportunity, please contact education@wetlandsinstitute.org with your volunteer interest and details on eligibility and availability.
Summer Nature Program Assistant
Spend a week discovering the New Jersey Shore in a fun and hands-on way by directly assisting our Summer Nature Program Instructors as they engage children age 4-13 in science experimentation and exploration, playing games, going on field trips, exploring the beach, creating arts and crafts, and much more!
When: Late June – Mid August.
Eligibility: Junior Volunteer. Responsible, mature, and enjoys working with children. First-day expectations and responsibilities provided.
Required Commitment: Minimum of 1 complete week M-F from 9:30-12:00 or 9:30-2:00 daily.
To get involved in this volunteer opportunity, please contact education@wetlandsinstitute.org with your volunteer interest and details on eligibility and availability.
Aquarium Teaching and Touch Tank Educator
There is no better way to learn about the local creatures found in the salty waters of the ocean or back-bays than to experience them firsthand! Volunteers in this area will spend the majority of their time educating the public about local fish, invertebrate, and turtle species by providing demonstrations and answering questions at our Secrets of the Salt Marsh aquarium and Terrapin Station teaching and touch tanks. Volunteers should anticipate occasional assistance with aquarium care and cleaning.
When: Year-round.
Eligibility: Junior Volunteer. A Guide to the Animals in the Aquarium and shadow training will be provided.
Required Commitment: Minimum of 20 hours throughout the year.
To get involved in this volunteer opportunity, please contact education@wetlandsinstitute.org with your volunteer interest and details on eligibility and availability.
Community Outreach Events Specialist
Each year, The Wetlands Institute receives invitations to attend many wonderful community outreach events. These events are great places to showcase all the research, conservation, and education efforts currently underway at The Wetlands Institute. As a volunteer, you can play an important and invaluable role in promoting the mission of The Wetlands Institute at events such as these!
When: Year-round – particularly spring and fall.
Eligibility: Adult Volunteer. An Introduction to The Wetlands Institute, all associated research, conservation, and education initiative brochures and information, and shadow training will be provided.
Required Commitment: Minimum of 3 community outreach events throughout the year.
To get involved in this volunteer opportunity, please contact education@wetlandsinstitute.org with your volunteer interest and details on eligibility and availability.
Terrapin Nest Monitor
Have you noticed the small black cages around our property? These are exclosures used to cover diamondback terrapin nests to keep predators away from the eggs. We patrol our property several times each day to spot nesting females and install exclosures. Walk our property and quarter-mile trail to check for terrapin activity, and help us keep an eye on our terrapin population so that we can protect as many nests as possible.
When: June – mid-July. Shifts: 9:30am-12:30pm, 1pm-4pm.
Eligibility: 14 years and up.
Required Commitment: Minimum of 5 days.
To get involved in this volunteer opportunity, please contact research@wetlandsinstitute.org with your volunteer interest and details on eligibility and availability.
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