Volunteers play a crucial role in helping Ocean First Institute achieve its mission of ocean conservation through research and education. Whether you’re passionate about wildlife conservation, environmental education, or hands-on cleanup efforts, there are many ways to get involved. Join us in making a positive impact!
Volunteering is a powerful way to give back to the environment and make a difference in your community. By donating your time and skills, you contribute to conservation efforts, educate future generations, and help protect our planet’s precious ecosystems. Volunteers not only gain valuable experience and knowledge but also become part of a network of passionate individuals working towards a healthier ocean and planet.
Northern Leopard Frogs Conservation Project
Responsibilities:
- Assist students and teachers in gathering and analyzing data on Northern Leopard Frog populations, tracking the frogs’ progress, and ensuring the health of local ecosystems.
- Help with the rearing and care of tadpoles, ensuring they thrive as they transition into adult frogs before being released back into their habitats.
- Engage with the local community, educating the public about the Northern Leopard Frog Conservation Project and its importance, raising awareness about the species and the critical conservation work being done.
Who Can Volunteer: Anyone with an interest in wildlife conservation, including students, educators, and community members. Fieldwork may require physical activity and an interest in working outdoors.
Students monitoring water quality and habitat conditions for northern leopard frog tadpoles.
Community Outreach
Responsibilities:
- Represent Ocean First Institute at community events and festivals
- Engage with the public about marine conservation topics and Ocean First Institute programs
- Assist with setting up and managing outreach tables
- Support social media and marketing efforts for conservation awareness
Who Can Volunteer: Individuals passionate about environmental education and outreach. Great for students, educators, and those with communication skills.
Ocean First Institute staff at Scuba Con, sharing our conservation programs, symbolic adoptions, and ocean-themed merchandise to support marine research and education
Local Waterway Cleanups
Responsibilities:
- Collect and properly dispose of litter and plastic waste
- Record data on types of waste collected
- Educate the community on the impact of plastic pollution
- Assist with organizing and leading cleanup events
Who Can Volunteer: Open to individuals, families, school groups, and corporate teams. No prior experience is needed—just a commitment to making a difference.
Every action counts. A simple act of picking up plastic can help protect marine life and keep our beaches clean.
Educational Programs
Responsibilities:
- Support in delivering educational presentations and activities on topics like marine conservation, plastic pollution, and local wildlife.
- Help facilitate hands-on activities for students during programs.
- Assist in setting up and organizing materials and resources for educational sessions.
- Mentor or guide small groups of students during interactive lessons or outdoor field activities.
- Help track student progress and provide feedback to program coordinators.
Who Can Volunteer: Open to individuals, families, school groups, corporate teams, and summer camps. No prior experience is needed—just a passion for education and a commitment to making a positive impact!
Educational Programs Coordinator working with a Boulder County environmental club to analyze local waterways for microplastic contamination, fostering hands-on scientific research and conservation efforts.
Social Media Content
Responsibilities:
- Create and schedule posts for Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, & LinkedIn
- Create and share engaging content about OFI programs & marine research
- Assist with capturing photos and videos at events or programs.
- Track engagement and suggest creative ways to reach new audiences.
Who Can Volunteer: Open to individuals, students, content creators, and digital media enthusiasts. No prior experience is needed—just creativity, a passion for storytelling, and a love for the ocean!