Join the E-Seal Volunteer team

Where Passion Meets Purpose!

Complete the online Volunteer Application today! 

Welcome visitors from all over the world!

Elephant Seal Visitor Center Volunteers assist staff with retail sales and visitor education at the San Simeon-based visitor center, answering visitor questions about the elephant seals and their environment and area attractions. Open since 2022, the Elephant Seal Visitor Center welcomes over 20,000 visitors per year.

Volunteer shifts are either 9:45am-1:00pm or 1:00pm-4:15pm, to allow time for opening and closing procedures.

Volunteers complete an independent study program and participate in elephant seal docent training when offered, as well as continuing education sessions. Retail Sales cash handling, mentoring and additional exhibit training is provided.  (BACK TO TOP)

Spend the day outdoors at the rookery!

Mobile Retail Sales Volunteers transport materials to the bluff, to provide items for sale and answer visitor questions at the Elephant Seal Viewing Area.

Shifts are primarily on weekends, from 9:30-1:30 PM or 12:30-4:30 PM, to allow time for collection and transport of materials to and from the viewing area.

Must be able to lift materials for transport and set-up and stand/walk in an outdoor environment on uneven terrain in a variety of weather conditions.

Volunteers complete an independent study program and participate in elephant seal docent training when offered, as well as continuing education sessions.  (BACK TO TOP)

Inform and inspire readers!

Volunteer Newsletter Editor helps develop and distribute engaging digital newsletters to keep our community informed and inspired.

This role is ideal for someone with strong writing, editing, and organizational skills who enjoys storytelling and digital communication.

Basic graphic design and familiarity with email marketing platforms and newsletter design is helpful.

Volunteers complete an independent study program and participate in elephant seal docent training when offered, as well as continuing education sessions. In addition to the required in-depth FES training, additional training or planning time is required for special assignments. (BACK TO TOP)

Join the office team!

Office Volunteers assist staff with online orders, preparing merchandise for display and preparing for social and educational events.

Volunteer shifts as needed; may not be regularly scheduled. Shifts will generally be from 9:45-1:00 PM or 1:00-4:15 PM, Monday through Saturday.

Volunteers complete an independent study program and participate in elephant seal docent training when offered, as well as continuing education sessions. (BACK TO TOP)

Contribute to Elephant Seal Research!

Community Science Volunteers contribute to scientific knowledge. by observing and reporting flipper tags and short-term dye marks, doing surveys, and participating in the elephant seal colony census.

Must complete elephant seal docent training and additional training in seal identification criteria. and observation data reporting requirements.

Shifts are scheduled in advance for colony census and are flexible for flipper tag surveys. This is a perfect opportunity for active photography enthusiasts who use a telephoto lens and high resolution camera.

Work also involves standing or walking up to 100% of the time. Must be able to walk for a mile, over uneven surfaces and inclines in a variety of weather conditions. (BACK TO TOP)

Collaborate in the community!

Volunteer Outreach Educator provides community-based education through presentations and tabling at community events, both near and far.

Must have strong verbal communication and public speaking skills and be experienced with presentation technology (such as Powerpoint, Google Slides, Canva) and giving virtual presentations using Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or other video conferencing tools.

Must complete elephant seal docent training and participate in continuing education. Flexible scheduling, depending on event needs. (BACK TO TOP)

Help build careers!

Internship Program Coordinator supervises the William R. Goodger Memorial Internship Program in collaboration with the California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

The internship team is responsible for selecting and supervising FES/CalPoly interns. From January to June, interns practice interpretation and education skills through interaction with rookery visitors and completion and presentation of a research project, in collaboration with a Cal Poly graduate student.

Coordinator requirements include completion of elephant docent training and experience working with students and university programs. (BACK TO TOP)

Plan and host special events!

Volunteer Event Coordinator helps plan and execute engaging educational and other special events in support of the FES mission.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys coordinating logistics, working with people, and creating memorable experiences for attendees.

Strong organizational and time-management skill, with excellent communication and interpersonal abilities. Must have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and proof of insurance.

In addition to the required in-depth FES training, additional training or planning time is required for special assignments. (BACK TO TOP)

Develop opportunities for support!

Volunteer Fundraising Assistant helps support The Friends of the Elephant Seal’s mission through fundraising initiatives and donor engagement.

This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy connecting with people, promoting meaningful causes, and helping generate financial support for programs and services that make a positive impact.

Assists with outreach to potential donors, sponsors, and community partners. Represents the organization professionally at events and community activities. Strong communication, organizational and time management skills.

In addition to the required in-depth FES training, additional training or planning time is required for special assignments. (BACK TO TOP)

Expand your digital content skills!

Volunteer Website Content Assistant helps maintain and update the organization’s website so visitors can easily access accurate, engaging, and up-to-date information. about elephant seals, conservation programs, educational resources, retail opportunities, fund-raising campaigns and special events.

Requires familiarity with website platforms such as WordPress, Divi, Squarespace, WP forms and similar systems.

In addition to the required in-depth FES training, additional training or planning time is required for special assignments. Volunteers will work with communications or leadership team members to prioritize updates and content needs. (BACK TO TOP)

Support evolving IT needs!

Volunteer Information Technology (IT) Coordinator provides technical expertise and support to help the organization effectively utilize technology to achieve its mission. This volunteer role is responsible for supporting information technology systems, troubleshooting technical issues, and recommending technology solutions that improve organizational efficiency and communication.

Requires familiarity with current information technology, computer systems, network administration,  including MS 365 for Nonprofits.

In addition to the required in-depth FES training, additional training or planning time is required for special assignments. Volunteers will work with leadership team members to prioritize updates and organizational needs. (BACK TO TOP)

Research and share resources!

Volunteer Library Resource Curator is responsible for developing, organizing, maintaining, and promoting the organization’s mission-related library and information resources. This role ensures that members, staff, volunteers and stakeholders have access to accurate, relevant, and well-managed materials that support the organization’s mission, programs, and educational objectives.

Requires familiarity with digital resource platforms and information science resources.

In addition to the required in-depth FES training, additional training or planning time is required for special assignments. Volunteers will work with communications or leadership team members to prioritize project objectives and organizational needs. (BACK TO TOP)

Make history come alive!

Volunteer Organization Historian is responsible for collecting, preserving, documenting, and communicating the history and heritage of the organization. This role ensures that significant events, achievements, records, photographs, publications, and stories are accurately maintained for future generations.

They serve as the custodian of the organization’s historical records and promotes awareness of its legacy among members and stakeholders.

In addition to the required in-depth FES training, additional training or planning time is required for special assignments. Volunteers will work with staff and leadership team members to prioritize updates and content needs. (BACK TO TOP)

Become a Docent on the Bluff!

Elephant Seal Docents are State Park volunteer interpreters who serve the public at the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery in Hearst San Simeon State Park.

If you enjoy the outdoors, love to share knowledge, are passionate about protecting wildlife, and are fascinated by elephant seals and marine life, consider becoming a volunteer docent-interpreter. Professional-quality training, reference materials, and mentoring are provided.

To learn more, click here: Volunteer with California State Parks! 

All volunteers meet enrollment requirements with California State Parks prior to participation in training.  Applicants must be 18 or older.

The Friends of the Elephant Seal is a cooperating association with California State Parks and a supporter of the Docent Training Program.

For additional information, use the link above, or reach out to the State Park District Volunteer Coordinator, Monica Rutherford:  (805) 460-8762 or [email protected]

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From mid-December to mid- March, young male elephant seals – often driven off other beaches by dominant bulls –haul out to rest on William R. Hearst Memorial Beach, a popular destination for both people and their dogs. Docents share safe viewing tips with visitors, helping to protect both wildlife and the public.