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Volunteers
Thank you for your interest in the volunteer program at the MMSC.
You must come to the MMSC to fill out a volunteer application. You must be
at least 18 years of age to volunteer with the MMSC. We do not
accept applications by mail or via the internet. Let us explain about
volunteer possibilities:
Stranding Volunteers
These volunteers must live within 15 minutes
of the New Jersey Shore. When a stranding occurs on any beach in New
Jersey, we call our stranding volunteers in that area. They will
immediately go to the location of the animal where they can “size up” the
situation and notify us of what degree of action is required. The
volunteer will receive specific instructions on what to do until the staff
arrives at the scene. (A cell phone is very helpful in these situations.)
The volunteer then stays with the animal until the staff arrives, and
continues to assist in loading the animal into the vehicle.
Stranding volunteers must attend a workshop to give them basic knowledge
of what is to be expected.
Pool House Volunteers
These volunteers are required to put in one
four-hour day (or longer), preferably on the same day each week.
Morning volunteers must be at the MMSC by 8 AM; evening volunteers to be
in by 7 PM. Work consists of scrubbing and cleaning animal tanks,
equipment, and floors. Also helping staff with feedings. Volunteers
with prior animal experience (i.e. vet technicians or rehabilitators)
would have priority, but we will evaluate all volunteers who are
interested in this job. Understand that in general we are very careful
about picking volunteers to work with the animals. We DO NOT want to
make these animals our friends. They are WILD creatures whose lives
depend on keeping their wariness of humans. We only do what is
necessary to maintain their health and then we must leave them alone so
that they may heal without the stress of a human lurking over them.
Call the MMSC at (609) 266-0538
and ask for Jay or Brandi if you would like to volunteer to work with animals.
Museum
Volunteers
These volunteers are our direct line to the public. We ask that
you have good communication skills, and a basic knowledge of the MMSC and
marine mammals. Museum volunteers must have a neat appearance, and we
prefer that you wear a volunteer shirt so that the public can identify
you. (Volunteer shirts are available - approximately $10)
Museum volunteers are to commit to at least one day per month. As a museum
volunteer, you will come in ˝ hour before the museum opens so that you can
be briefed on what animals are at the MMSC. Information is usually
printed for you, so that you may have a reference when talking to the
public about the animals and displays. You will also be asked to help in
cleaning up the museum at days end.
Fund-raising Volunteers
Another important direct line to the public,
fund-raisers not only bring in donations, but also bring awareness to our
cause. Volunteers can expect to put in a lot of hours, doing various
tasks that are needed. Whether it be picking up door prizes from sponsors;
registering swimmers, runners or golfers at the outings; handing out water
or food to the participants; or just running errands for the events, we
can use lots of help. Most of our fund-raising events are between
the months of May and October.
Festival Volunteers
We are asked to attend many festivals and
events to show the public what we do with the animals. Although we
would never take a live animal out to one of these events, we do sometimes
have demonstrations using fiberglass reproductions of the animals.
The large festivals are also a great place to not only create awareness,
but to raise funds for the MMSC. A good basic knowledge of the MMSC
is necessary, as the people usually have questions about our work.
We often sell our shirts and other things at the festivals as well.
Call
the MMSC at (609) 266-0538 and ask for Sheila if you would like to
volunteer for the museum, festivals or fund-raisers, or to find out about
other volunteer opportunities.
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