How to Apply

Signing up to volunteer at the Visitor Center is easy.

Fill out an application

Download and then email or mail in a Visitor Center volunteer application. You can also drop by the Visitor Center to pick up an application form or contact the Volunteer Coordinator, Renee Fowler (541-867-0226 or [email protected]) with your postal or email address to receive an application form via mail or electronically.

Orientation

After your application is received, the Volunteer Coordinator will contact you to schedule an orientation session. Orientation typically lasts for an hour and a half. During this time, you will get acquainted with your volunteer duties, the Visitor Center staff, and get to see behind the scenes. 

Following orientation, you will sign up to shadow one of our experienced volunteers for a shift (a shift is 3 hours in winter and 3.5 hours in summer).

volunteer shifts

We request that volunteers commit to two shifts per month whenever possible. Shifts are scheduled for half days:

  • 10 am - 1 pm and 1 pm - 4 pm from Labor Day to Memorial Day
  • 10 am - 1:30 pm and 1:30 pm - 5:00 pm during the summer season
Benefits of Volunteering

Volunteering is a great way to meet people with similar interests in science and the sea. Becoming a volunteer at the Hatfield Visitor Center has other benefits including:

  • Sneak previews of new exhibits and displays
  • Invitations to special science programs and guest lectures
  • Monthly volunteer newsletters and meetings with advance news about what's coming up at the Visitor Center
  • Behind-the-scenes visits with researchers
  • Tours of HMSC facilities, including visiting research vessels
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Training opportunities