The Living Coast Discovery Center’s dedicated volunteers are an essential part of our team. Donating a combined 15,000 hours of energetic, wildlife-loving effort annually, the Discovery Center’s volunteers work in every area of the institution.
We encourage people age 16 and older who care about San Diego wildlife and coastal resource conservation to become volunteers.
Volunteers generally work 2 to 4 hours per week during the week or on the weekend. Discovery Center volunteers receive a discount on membership, parking privileges on the Refuge, and invitations to special volunteer-only workshops and lectures.
Become a Docent! For a volunteer application, contact Tina at Tina@cvnc.us or 619-409-5905. Click Here to download a full docent training flyer
Docents are highly trained volunteers who help educate adults and children about coastal resource conservation, natural history, and more! Docents lead scheduled tours for children and/or adults. Tour dates and times vary and can accommodate almost anyone’s busy schedule. Docent training will be held on Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Discovery Center beginning September 27th, for 9 wks.
Teen Volunteers The Living Coast Discovery Center is one of the very few zoological organizations in San Diego that provides volunteer opportunities for teens. The program brings teens with a common interest in nature and conservation together while developing leadership skills, a sense of responsibility and a desire to give back to the community. Teens age 16 and older are invited to contribute to the educational mission of the Center through facilitating hands-on activities with guests. What a great way to positively impact the community while gaining experience working as a member of a team! Join the team! Come to the Discovery Center in person, call the Volunteer Coordinator at (619) 409-5905, or email Tina@cvnc.us for an application and volunteering information. In the application, we invite you to detail your experience, interests, and other important information, and then make an appointment for an interview and orientation. Volunteers are trained on a one-on-one basis by our crew leaders. Sponsored by 
Internships available!
Do you really love interacting with people AND animals?
Download a pdf of the Guest Experience Intern Job Description here
To apply, send a cover letter and resume to sherry@cvnc.us
Are you thinking of a future in Marine Biology or just really like hanging out with the fishes?
Download a pdf of the Aquarium Intern Job Description here
To Apply, send a cover letter and resume to amanda@cvnc.us
Hawks and falcons and eagles, oh my!
Download a pdf of the Bird Crew Intern Job Description here
To apply, send a cover letter and resume to lindsay@cvnc.us
Additional positions may be available in the Development or Education Departments- please email any inquiries.
Education: amanda@cvnc.us
Development: anna@cvnc.us
Partial list of volunteer positions:
Aquarists
Arts & Crafts Leaders
Bird Crew
Docents
Education
Guest Experience /Roving Interpreters
Guest Greeters
Maintenance Crew
Office/Clerical
Shark & Ray Monitors
Please check with the Volunteer Coordinator for current openings.
Partners Volunteer Match and Volunteer San Diego also list specific needs that come up for the Discovery Center. Check out those links or call us and we’ll let you know what is going on, and where we can use some help.
If you are a San Diego area professional and are interested in volunteering on one of the Chula Vista Nature Center Board Committees, contact Dr. Brian Joseph at (619) 409-5909 or drbrian@cvnc.us. The Board Committees include: Fundraising, Finance, Education and Outreach Programs, and Marketing.
