Frequently asked Questions
Who can volunteer at the Port Townsend Marine Science Center?
What do volunteers do at the PTMSC?
What kind of volunteer commitment is required at the PTMSC?
How are volunteers recognized and what are the benefits of being a volunteer at the Port Townsend Marine Science Center?
How do I become a PTMSC Volunteer?
What if I have other questions or want to set up a volunteer interview?
Who can volunteer at the Port Townsend Marine Science Center?
You must be at least 13 years of age, or accompanied by a parent of guardian, and be able to complete a volunteer interview and all necessary training to fulfill a volunteer position.What do volunteers do at the PTMSC?
The most exciting aspect of volunteering for us is the wide variety of opportunities available. Some of these are seasonal in nature. For example, divers and collectors are primarily needed in the spring and fall for animal collections and releases and citizen scientists are needed for grant-specific projects which may take place just two or three days out of the year. Other opportunities are on-going and require a stronger volunteer commitment because of the time and training involved. These include exhibit interpreting and greeting and home crew work. Behind the scenes, we also need office assistance, graphic design, photography, fund raising and much more. See the complete list of Positions Available.What kind of volunteer commitment is required at the PTMSC?
You decide how much time you have to give and what you want to do. Your time commitment is dependent on the type of volunteer position you agree to participate in. For example:Exhibit Volunteers: 1 shift either weekly or bi-weekly (Shifts are 2 hours in Fall, Winter, Spring & 3 hours in Summer)
Home Crew Volunteers: 1 shift either weekly or bi-weekly (approx. 2 hours)
How are volunteers recognized and what are the benefits of being a volunteer at the Port Townsend Marine Science Center?
- The PTMSC host a volunteer gathering and award ceremony in the spring and fall of each year. At these events volunteers are awarded pins for hours of service: 50 Hour Octopus Pins & 200 Hour Gold Name Buttons. Volunteers who have made contributions of time and energy above and beyond their normal commitment are given special recognition. Special education programs and field trips are offered throughout the year just to volunteers. Volunteers may purchase their first PTMSC shirt or sweatshirt at a reduced rate in the Gift Shop Volunteers receive the MSC PEN, our volunteer newsletter, which is published eight times a year. Four issues are integrated into the quarterly editions of the Center's newsletter the OCTOPRESS; four issues are sent out separately. Each issue of the MSC PEN announces upcoming events and volunteer opportunities, as well as other articles by and for volunteers.
- Volunteers may check out books from the PTMSC library for two weeks at a time and have full access to the reference books kept at the Marine Science Center & the Natural History Exhibit.
How do I become a PTMSC Volunteer?
All prospective volunteers should fill out a volunteer application and are interviewed by the Volunteer Coordinator. Prospective volunteers are given a basic orientation to PTMSC operating procedures. Dependent on interest in particular volunteer opportunities, volunteers who have successfully completed the above would then sign up for specific training.
What if I have other questions or want to set up a volunteer interview?
You can contact the PTMSC Volunteer Coordinator by calling (360) 385-5582 ext. 112
or email volunteer@ptmsc.org