Volunteer

Do you have a passion for marine science and desire to share your enthusiasm with others?

Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant’s service to the community is greatly enhanced by the work of our volunteers. They contribute to our core mission through opportunities in aquarium operations, phytoplankton water quality monitoring, K-12 programming, community outreach and public programs.  Our volunteers share a sense of generosity, duty and a love of our coastal ecosystems. In return, we strive to provide community, support and opportunities to participate in a variety of unique experiences which allow for meaningful contribution and life-time learning.

Why volunteer?

Volunteering with Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant is a great opportunity to build and connect with your community, learn new skills, gain experience in marine science or education or mentorship of others. Whether early in your career and looking for experience, just moved to the area and wanting to become involved or enjoying a much-deserved retirement, volunteering with Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant has something for you. Your skills and experience, in-turn, will lend strength and flexibility to our program.

Marine Education Center and Aquarium Docent

The UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium sees over 30,000 visitors of all ages each year. Docents enhance the educational experience of visitors by providing casual education on the aquarium floor, at the touch tank, and on the trails. They may also assist or lead education programs for students or the public.

Trails and Grounds Maintenance

Volunteers assist with grounds and trail upkeep. Monthly work parties are scheduled for the First Friday of each month and opportunities exist for independent work dates. This team is often involved in preparing and assisting in nest box placement, maintenance and monitoring for the Avian Nest Box Monitoring Group in the spring and summer months.

Avian Nest Box Monitoring

This seasonal community science effort focuses on collecting data on cavity nesting birds following protocols established by NestWatch. Volunteers work with marine educators to place, maintain and monitor nesting birds in a small nest box circuit located on the UGA Skidaway Marine Science Campus. Preparation for nesting season begins in February each year and monitoring efforts continue through August.

Phytoplankton Monitoring Network

Our dedicated team of phytoplankton experts have been taking weekly water samples of the Skidaway River since 2003. They are part of a larger citizen science project designed and managed by NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science to monitor for Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs). A second site at the East Brunswick River is also monitored by volunteers at our Brunswick office. Annual training is required to join our PMN volunteers. Recruitment for these opportunities begins in August.

Oyster Restoration Projects

Opportunities include bagging recycled oyster shell and monitoring of living shoreline restoration sites. Volunteer opportunities are project dependent rather than continuous efforts.

Aquarium Ambassadors

Aquarium ambassadors will be involved in outreach and promotional activities such as conducting casual outreach to building awareness about Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant at festivals, community events, and among tourists.