Volunteer with us
Do you have a passion for the Salish Sea? Are you interested in learning more about this unique estuary and the animals that call it home? If so, then you are a perfect candidate to be a Harbor WildWatch volunteer!
Looking for information about our paid internships?
Volunteer Information
Volunteering with Harbor WildWatch is fun and rewarding! We hold interpretive educational programs year-round and need volunteers to help spread our message of stewardship.
No experience is necessary to become a volunteer ! We provide multiple training opportunities each year to prepare you for your volunteer experience. We ask in return that you commit to a minimum of 15 hours of service each year.
Whether you are a student looking to gain experience or retiree hoping to share your knowledge with the community – we have a place for you at Harbor WildWatch! Volunteer opportunities include:
- Naturalist guide at the beach, estuary & wetland
- Docent at the Marine Life Center on Gig Harbor’s waterfront
- Touch tank interpreter at community events
- Marketing and administrative projects at our office
Just want to help community science?
You don’t have to be an official Harbor WildWatch volunteer to participate in science with Harbor WildWatch! Check out our field work programs open to public participation (Usually May–June & December–January).
How to Become a Volunteer:
- Complete all portions of the Volunteer Application below. A staff member will contact you with additional information.
- All volunteers must pay the registration fee of $30/annually to participate. This covers cost of training and includes a name badge, t-shirt, annual commemorative pin, and membership to the Steward Club. Additional clothing options are available for purchase. Because of the nature of our work, all volunteers are subject to a background check at no charge.
- Sign-up to volunteer through BetterImpact. This will allow you to add your volunteer dates to your calendar and receive email reminders. You will recieve this link via an email from Harbor WildWatch staff.
- Order additional clothing if you wish. A short-sleeved shirt is included in your registration fee, but additional gear is available. This includes long-sleeve shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, and hats. Please note that clothing orders are placed in bulk quantities and may not be available immediately.
- Questions? Contact Operations Coordinator, Liz Racine, for more information.
Volunteer Application
Harbor WildWatch Volunteers are invited to participate in a day of training that includes a beach and classroom session to prepare folks for the summer beach season and beyond. This training is a great way to learn more about Harbor WildWatch and ways we educate others about the sea life of the Salish Sea during our low tide tours. Even if you can’t make this training, registering will help us update our active volunteer list. Plus you will be on our radar for connecting you with recordings of the volunteer training sessions for your future reference. Contact liz@harborwildwatch.org with any questions. See you at the beach!
Save the Date!
May 16th, 10:00-4:30pm. Location details TBA – lunch will be provided.
Sign up with the Volunteer Application above to register for training.
Missed the training? Contact liz@harborwildwatch.org to inquire about secondary training options