Volunteer at NMLC
From animal care and education to events, fundraising, facilities, and behind-the-scenes support, volunteers help care for stranded marine animals, welcome the public, and keep the organization moving.
Whether you want to work directly with animals, help visitors learn, support daily operations, or lend a hand at events, there is a volunteer path that can match your interests, availability, and experience.
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Turning Care Into Action
Volunteering at NMLC is a meaningful way to support marine animal rehabilitation, conservation education, and the daily work that keeps the organization moving.
Volunteers help make important work possible across NMLC, from cleaning enclosures and preparing feeds to supporting educational programs, fundraising events, administrative work, facilities projects, and public outreach.
Many volunteers are drawn to NMLC because they want hands-on experience, a closer connection to marine animals, or a way to contribute to conservation in their own community. Others come because they want to learn, give back, or be part of something that directly supports the care and release of stranded marine mammals and sea turtles.
The work can be demanding. Animal care, in particular, involves a lot of cleaning, time, patience, and consistency. But for many volunteers, the reward is worth it: helping sick or injured animals through rehabilitation and, when possible, seeing them return to their ocean home.
Volunteers also describe NMLC as a strong community, with staff who provide training, support, and hands-on learning. Even volunteers who arrive with little or no experience can build skills over time and find a role where they can contribute.
Volunteer Benefits Include:
- Gaining valuable hands-on experience
- Discount on purchases in our Discovery Center gift shop
- Discounted rates on educational programs
- Annual Volunteer Appreciation event
- Continuing education and training
- An opportunity to be part of our community
“Seeing these animals through rehab… and to see them released into their ocean home on the beach is the most rewarding thing that we do here.”
Volunteer Opportunities
Not Currently Accepting Applications
Animal Care*
Animal Care volunteers assist with the overall care of NMLC’s marine animal patients, including sea turtles and seals.
This work may include cleaning enclosures, preparing feeds, maintaining the life support system, and assisting with routine husbandry procedures such as restraint, tube feeding, and wound care.
Ideal For:
Volunteers interested in marine animal rehabilitation, animal care, and conservation.
Min. Age:
18
Commitment:
At least 6 months of service, 1 weekly shift, typically 4-5 hours, and attendance at two animal care team meetings per year.
Not Currently Accepting Applications
Native Turtle Care
Native Turtle Care volunteers help with the daily husbandry of NMLC’s Northern Red-Bellied Cooter and Diamondback Terrapin head start animals, as well as Eastern Box Turtle ambassador animals.
Responsibilities include cleaning, feeding, and record keeping.
Ideal For:
Younger volunteers who are interested in working with animals but are not yet eligible for Animal Care.
Min. Age:
14
Commitment:
At least 6 months of service and 1 weekly shift, typically 1-2 hours.
Administrative
Administrative volunteers help support the behind-the-scenes work that keeps NMLC moving.
Tasks may include donor database updates, donor relations, filing, answering phones, data entry, gift shop support, event organization, and fundraising support.
Ideal For:
Volunteers interested in nonprofit operations, office support, and mission-driven administrative experience.
Min. Age:
18
Commitment:
At least 6 months of service and 1 weekly shift of at least 2 hours.
Education
Education volunteers help share information about marine animals, ocean conservation, and NMLC’s work with the public.
Volunteers may assist with onsite and offsite educational programs, including school visits, fairs, festivals, summer programming, and school vacation week activities.
During slower parts of the year, education volunteers may also help create or update educational programs for busier seasons.
Ideal For:
Volunteers who are passionate about leaving an environmental and conservation impact on our current and future generations.
Min. Age:
14
Commitment:
At least 6 months of service and 1 weekly shift. Hours vary depending on the season and program needs.
Facilities
Facilities volunteers help maintain the buildings, grounds, and physical systems that support NMLC’s work.
Tasks may include yard work, weeding, landscaping, snow shoveling, cleaning, special projects, and support for the physical plant and life support system.
Facilities volunteers are an important part of keeping NMLC’s operations running smoothly.
Ideal For:
Jacks and Jills of all trades
Min. Age:
Varies based on tasks
Commitment:
At least 6 months of service is preferred, with 1 weekly shift when possible.
Fundraising
Fundraising volunteers help NMLC raise the funds needed to continue its mission.
Volunteers may assist with in-person and virtual events, event planning, outreach, grant writing, gift processing, and other fundraising needs.
Contact us for group and independent fundraisers on our behalf.
Ideal For:
Volunteers who enjoy planning and day-of-event activities.
Min. Age:
Varies based on tasks
Commitment:
At least 6 months of service is required. 1 weekly shift is preferred, with hours varying based on workload and staff needs.
Becoming a Volunteer in 5 Steps
Step 1.
Email us to let us know you’re interested in volunteering.
Step 2.
Attend a New Volunteer Orientation, where you can learn more and explore current volunteer opportunities.
Step 3.
After orientation, decide on the department you are interested in. We will work with you to schedule training and next steps.
Step 4.
Complete your training – including reading materials with quizzes and on-site “shadow shift” training.
Step 5.
Once training is complete, volunteers are added to the schedule based on role, availability, and department needs.
Volunteer Requirements
- Complete a volunteer application
- Attend a New Volunteer Orientation
- Complete any required training for their volunteer area
- Commit to the time requirements for their role
All volunteer roles require a minimum 6-month commitment.
Weekly shift expectations vary depending on the department.
“Even if you start with no experience, you can come in and we will train you up.”