Volunteer Opportunities

EDUCATION VOLUNTEER The University of Texas Marine Science Institute (UTMSI) Volunteer Program offers individuals the opportunity to engage with the public, support marine science education, and contribute to conservation awareness. Education volunteers play a crucial role in helping UTMSI provide hands-on, interactive learning experiences for visitors of all ages. Whether leading tours, assisting with aquarium care, or supporting educational programs, volunteers gain valuable experience while making a meaningful impact in their community. 

RESPONSIBILITIES UTMSI offers a variety of education volunteer opportunities, each providing a unique way to contribute to marine science and conservation efforts. Volunteers can serve as Wetlands Education Center Interpreters, leading guided nature tours, or assist as Aquarium Volunteers with feeding, cleaning, and maintaining exhibits. Patton Center and Bay Education Center Docents help engage visitors with marine science exhibits, while Marine Science Education Volunteers support hands-on K-12 programs. R/V Katy Volunteers assist with marine science education aboard the research vessel, and Event Volunteers help with festivals and outreach events, staffing booths and facilitating activities. Each role offers a rewarding opportunity to make a difference.

REQUIREMENTS

• At least 18 years of age
• Have a passion for marine science, education, and conservation. 
• Enjoy engaging with the public, students, and visitors. 
• Can commit to scheduled volunteer shifts or events. 
• Are eager to learn and share knowledge about coastal ecosystems. 
• Successful completion of a background check is required.

VOLUNTEER BENEFITS

• Hands-On Experience – Work alongside educators and marine scientists in an interactive learning environment. 
• Public Engagement – Help inspire curiosity and appreciation for marine science through outreach and education. 
• Flexible Opportunities – Choose from a variety of roles that align with your interests and availability. 
• Skill Development – Gain experience in public speaking, science communication, marine education, and aquarium care. 

HOW TO APPLY

1. Complete the UTMSI Volunteer Interest Form and select your preferred roles.

2. Wait for follow-up communication from the Volunteer Coordinator regarding the next steps in the onboarding process.

Please Note: Position availability varies throughout the year, and selection does not guarantee immediate placement.

STEWARDSHIP AND RESEARCH VOLUNTEER The Mission-Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) is offering an exciting volunteer opportunity for individuals passionate about conservation, habitat restoration, and field-based environmental research. Volunteers will gain hands-on experience in vegetation monitoring, habitat maintenance, seed collection, invasive species control, and marine debris removal—activities essential for preserving the health of our estuarine ecosystems. This volunteer role is ideal for those looking to develop skills in coastal stewardship while making a tangible impact on Texas’ coastal landscapes.

RESPONSIBILITIES As a volunteer, you will assist with a variety of stewardship and research tasks that support the health of coastal ecosystems. Responsibilities include monitoring and documenting vegetation changes in estuarine habitats, conducting habitat maintenance, and collecting and processing native plant seeds for restoration projects. Volunteers will also help identify and remove invasive species to protect local biodiversity and participate in marine debris removal efforts to keep coastal areas clean.

REQUIREMENTS

We are looking for volunteers who:

• Are 18 years or older.
• Have an interest in environmental science, habitat restoration, or coastal ecosystems.
• Are comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Can work both independently and as part of a team.
• Are eager to learn and contribute to ecosystem health.

VOLUNTEER BENEFITS

• Hands-on Experience – Gain valuable experience in habitat restoration and coastal research.
• Field Experience – Work alongside researchers and environmental professionals to support conservation efforts.
• Learn Local Ecosystems – Deepen your knowledge of estuarine environments and the science behind their protection.
• Skill Development – Build skills in environmental research, teamwork, and coastal habitat management.

HOW TO APPLY

1. Complete the Stewardship and Research Volunteer Interest Form and select your preferred roles.
2. Wait for follow-up communication from the Volunteer Coordinator regarding the next steps in the onboarding process.

Please Note: Volunteer opportunities vary throughout the year, and submitting an interest form does not guarantee immediate placement.

ARK ANIMAL RESCUE AND RELEASE Volunteer with the Amos Rehabilitation Keep (ARK) under the Mission-Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) to assist in the rescue and release of injured and orphaned birds and sea turtles. Volunteers play a critical role in providing care and transportation for these animals, supporting ARK’s mission to rehabilitate and return wildlife to their natural habitats. This opportunity provides previous volunteers with the chance to register and gain hands-on experience in wildlife rescue while contributing to marine conservation efforts.

New volunteers will have the chance to apply at a later date. Please check back for updates on when registration will open.

RESPONSIBILITIES As a volunteer, you will help rescue and transport injured or orphaned birds and sea turtles to the ARK rehabilitation facility, ensuring they receive the necessary care. Once animals have recovered, you will assist in releasing them back into their natural habitats at designated locations. Volunteers may also help collect important data on rescued wildlife to support conservation efforts. Throughout your service, you will work closely with ARK staff, following safety protocols and best practices to ensure the well-being of both the animals and volunteers.

REQUIREMENTS

• At least 18 years of age
• Former volunteer
• Comfortable working with wild animals in outdoor environments.
• Ability to lift and carry animals or equipment as needed.
• Adhere to ARK’s established safety guidelines and animal handling procedures.
• Those interested in sea turtle rescues must have completed a Padre Island National Seashore (PINS)-issued training within the past 12 months.

VOLUNTEER BENEFITS

• Hands-On Wildlife Experience – Work directly with seabirds and sea turtles in a conservation setting.
• Contribute to Marine Conservation – Play an active role in rescuing and rehabilitating local wildlife.
• Skill Development – Gain knowledge in animal handling, transport logistics, and environmental stewardship.
• Flexible Opportunities – Volunteer for scheduled shifts or assist with emergency rescues when available.
• Community Impact – Help protect and restore coastal wildlife populations.

HOW TO APPLY

1. Complete the ARK Animal Rescue and Release Volunteer Interest Form and select your preferred roles.
2. Wait for follow-up communication from the Coordinator regarding the next steps in the onboarding process.

SEA TURTLE NESTING VOLUNTEER Protect Nesting Sea Turtles with the Amos Rehabilitation Keep (ARK)! From April 1 to July 15, you can make a real impact by helping detect and safeguard nesting sea turtles, their nests, and eggs on Mustang Island. This year, volunteer registration is open only to those who have completed the 2025 PINS training and have previously volunteered with us.

New volunteers will be able to apply for this opportunity in early 2026, provided they have completed the 2026 Sea Turtle Nesting and Stranding Volunteer Training.

RESPONSIBILITIES As a volunteer, you’ll have the unique opportunity to ride along with ARK staff on UTV or vehicle patrols, conduct beach patrols in your own vehicle, assist in collecting and transporting sea turtle eggs, document and tag nesting turtles under expert guidance, and educate the public about sea turtle conservation.

REQUIREMENTS

• At least 18 years of age
• Former volunteer
• Must have attended the 2025 Sea Turtle Nesting and Stranding Volunteer Virtual Classroom Training
  • Virtual training required for patrolling
  • Virtual and in-person training required for documenting turtles, tagging, taking biopsies, excavating eggs, and transporting eggs
  • Note: Padre Island National Seashore (PINS) offers nesting training in February/March, which is required for those working with both stranded and nesting turtles. If you are patrolling for nesting turtles, you must take the nesting training every year. If you want to work with stranded turtles, you need to complete one of the two trainings (cold-stunning or nesting) each year to meet the ARK’s permit requirements.
• Possess a valid driver’s license if transporting eggs Comfortable working in extreme heat or wind and physically fit to perform the duties

VOLUNTEER BENEFITS

• Hands-On Experience – Work directly with ARK staff in sea turtle conservation, participating in patrols, egg collection, and turtle documentation.
• Public Engagement – Educate the public about sea turtle conservation and the importance of protecting these species.
• Flexible Opportunities – Volunteer based on your availability, with scheduling occurring bi-monthly to suit your schedule.
• Skill Development – Gain valuable skills in field research, marine conservation, science communication, and teamwork in an exciting outdoor environment.
• Impactful Contribution – Be part of a mission that helps safeguard sea turtles and their habitats on Mustang Island.
• Exclusive Training – Receive specialized training in sea turtle nesting, patrolling, and conservation efforts from experts at the Amos Rehabilitation Keep.

SCHEDULING

• ARK Staff will request each individual’s availability prior to each scheduling period (usually bi-monthly).
• Patrollers will be scheduled based on their availability.
• All participants in the turtle program are asked to contribute to patrolling efforts during the nesting season; assisting with nest sites is appreciated, but patrol involvement is also requested.
• If unable to make a volunteer shift, contact the ARK representative as soon as possible.
• Volunteers are responsible for submitting patrol effort reports and all photos of nesting turtles, tracks, and eggs to the ARK for required databases in a timely manner.

HOW TO APPLY Interested candidates should complete the Sea Turtle Nesting Volunteer Interest Form by the application deadline of April 1.