Become Involved!
We are all connected to our ocean through our actions and there’s no easier contribution than giving your time. As a non-profit organization, Sea Turtle Inc depends on volunteers to educate our guests on the importance of conservation. By volunteering with us, you can be part of a federally protected program that serves the most critically endangered sea turtle in the Endangered Species List.
Volunteer Benefits
- Become part of a world-renowned team of conservationists
- Volunteer orientation materials and handbook
- Gift Shop discounts
- Social events & opportunities
- Specialized training in conservation (depending on availability)
Requirements
- Must be at least 15 years of age to apply
- Must pay a $25 program fee (covers background check and t-shirt)
- Must pass a criminal background check
Please note: We do not accept court-ordered community service applicants.
Volunteer Tier System
Application Process
Adults
Application for anyone 18 years or older
- Complete an open application
- Pass a criminal background check
- Pay a $25 program fee for shirt and background check fee
- Complete and pass our Volunteer Orientation online quiz
Teens
Application for 15-17 year olds
- Complete an open application
- Pass a criminal background check
- Pay a $25 program fee for shirt and background check fee
- Complete and pass our Volunteer Orientation online quiz
Please call the Education Department (956)761-4511 ext. 102 or email volunteer@seaturtleinc.org if you have any questions or concerns regarding the application process and/or volunteering at our facility.
Volunteer Positions Available
The majority of our volunteer opportunities are education based. Please note our volunteers do not directly interact with any of the rehabilitation processes at our facility.
Resident Advocate
Our Resident Advocates educate the public on what it means to be a Resident here at Sea Turtle, Inc. This position is mostly education based and volunteers are expected to answer questions about our residents and general questions about the facility.
Hospital Greeter
Welcome guests, provide information about Reyna (QR Code: Guided Tour), and distribute maps to those who request them.
Projector Area
Educate visitors on the different species of sea turtles, monitor the touch screen and projector explaining their anatomy and digestion cycle.
Headstart (Tank 6)
Inform guests about our Rescue, Rehabilitation & Release process.
Cold Stun Event & Recovery
Share information about our Cold Stun Room and discuss the largest recorded cold stun event in 2021.
Clinic
This position involves educating the public on entanglement risks, display objects removed from impacted sea turtles, discuss medical treatments, and explain how people can help protect sea turtles.
Crustacean Station
This position is tasked with helping our rehabilitation staff prep food for our current sea turtle patients and residents. Our sea turtles are fed a mixture of seafood that needs to be prepared prior to consumption.
This position requires prior approval from our Director of Animal Care.
Maintenance Assistant
Maintenance assistants are responsible for helping staff with maintenance projects throughout the facility. This could include cleaning, painting, trash removal, plumbing or electrical work and general facility upkeep.
This position is scheduled for Mondays.
Gift Shop Assistant
Gift Shop assistants will assist in the check-in process in our gift shop merchandise, primarily pricing and folding new products. Additional assistance will be done in restocking and maintaining order in the gift ship.
This position is scheduled for Mondays and availability varies depending on need.
In the above video, our volunteer Arturo is educating guests as the Resident Advocate
In the above photo, our volunteers are greeting guests as Hospital Greeter
Whether you are here for a few weeks or a few years, if you are passionate about the conservation, education, and rehabilitation surrounding sea turtles, we want you!
Find out if your employer supports volunteer efforts with incentive programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Applicants must be at least 15 years of age
Volunteer shifts can vary between 2 to 4 hours depending on position and location
Volunteering at our organization can look different depending on what department you volunteer with and the time of year. There are currently two areas in which you can volunteer: on-site education and conservation (seasonal positions). Each department may have specific training and requirements to complete before signing-up for shifts.
Unfortunately, no. Sea Turtles are federally protected under the Endangered Species Act which makes it illegal to touch or work with them without proper permitting.