Volunteer with California State Parks!
SeaLife Stewards are State Park volunteer interpreters who serve the public through inspiring respectful wildlife viewing while kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) throughout Morro Bay State Park and surrounding waters.
Otters, seals, sea lions and seabirds along the Central Coast are often stressed by visitors, who may be unaware of marine mammal and seabird sensitivity to human disturbance. This water-based education program can be a very effective way to reduce disturbance to wildlife and increase public awareness. Ideally, SeaLife Stewards approach visitors before they encounter wildlife and will engage them with information about the animals, encouraging them to observe from a safe distance.
Skills/Qualifications
Volunteers are representatives of California State Parks while on duty. Conduct must reflect pride in their service to the visitors and a dedication to providing the highest level of public service by maintaining a professional appearance and attitude. Volunteers must be friendly, courteous and possess good communication skills. They must be punctual, dependable, and possess a willingness to learn and share their knowledge of marine mammals, seabirds, and the bay and ocean environment. Volunteers must be able to meet the physical requirements of the assignment including completion of a kayak safety and swim test and work duty shifts as scheduled unless adverse weather conditions develop. Volunteers wear State Park Volunteer identification while on duty.
Recruitment, Training, and Commitment
The SeaLife Steward volunteer season typically lasts from Memorial Day through Labor Day. During this season, volunteers are required to work two four-hour shifts per month. Volunteers are asked for a one-season commitment.
Our recruitment for seasonal summer volunteers is currently open. Prospective volunteers will be interviewed and if accepted, volunteers will be required to complete registration paperwork, a Live Scan, and training.
Application
To apply to become a SeaLife Steward volunteer with California State Parks, please complete the following steps.
- Visit https://bttr.im/0rle3.
- Create a MyImpactPage.com account.
- Complete the online application form.
- In the “About You” section, in response to “What volunteer position/program are you seeking?”, enter “SeaLife Stewards”.
- Double check application information and click “submit application”.
Contact Us
For any questions, please email the Volunteer Coordinator at sealifestewards@parks.ca.gov.