Connect People to Nature

The Volunteer Program at The Nat centers diversity, equity, and inclusion and the values of respect and integrity to create a safe, welcoming, and accessible community that supports lifelong learning and promotes conservation.

We offer a wide range of opportunities for our community of more than 500 volunteers.

• Public engagement volunteers: Canyoneers lead hikes throughout the County, Docent educators and NATuralists volunteer in schools and at The Nat, and Museum Whalers serve as interpretative guides alongside our partner cruise operator.
• Volunteers who prefer to work behind the scenes may assist our science departments and administrative departments.

For high school and college students, we offer camp volunteer positions during the summer and are developing internship opportunities in partnership with local schools, which we hope to launch in 2023.

Learn more about current volunteer needs.

View Current Needs

Benefits of Volunteering

• Being part of a diverse community of volunteers and staff who care deeply about nature and conservation.

• Satisfaction and achievement in supporting a vital organization dedicated to research, education, and community engagement for the conservation of the diverse plant and animal life found in southern California and the Baja California Peninsula.

• Fun work that connects to our organization’s mission.
• Excellent training.
• Discounts on Museum lectures and events.
• Free admission to the Museum.
• Notices of discounts and Balboa Park events that are free to volunteers .
• Discounts in the Museum store and café.