Please complete this application form if you are interested in becoming a new volunteer at The Marine Mammal Center's San Luis Obispo Operations located in Morro Bay. Once you complete the form, please click the continue button at the bottom of this page to submit your application.


Name and DOB

Please provide all applicable information.



Driving Information

Volunteers that drive on our behalf must clear a Motor Vehicle Report. This may include driving for a rescue or assessment, release, or outreach event.

Please enter the following information should we need to complete a Motor Vehicle Report. If you do not have a driver's license or insurance, please put N/A in the boxes.



Driving for The Marine Mammal Center

I agree to provide the Center with a photocopy of my driver’s license if requested, and authorize the Center and/ or the Center's insurance to obtain information regarding my driving record by running a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) through the Department of Motor Vehicles. I understand that the information obtained will remain confidential, will be used only in regard to the use of the Center’s vehicles or driving on behalf of The Marine Mammal Center, and must be provided before I am able to drive any of the Center’s vehicles.



Demographic and Additional Information

In case of emergency: Medical Info &Who to Contact

In case of emergency, please fill out any medical information we should know about. Relevant medications, allergies (medications, fish, bees, etc.), or relevant medical conditions. If none apply or you prefer not to share, please enter N/A.

Please note that this information may be shared with your volunteer supervisor.

This information will NOT be used to determine eligibility to volunteer but will automatically be added to your volunteer profile and will only be referenced in the event of an emergency.

If you have any concerns or would like to have a confidential conversation, please contact volunteer@tmmc.org and we can setup a phone call with you.


In addition, please provide contact information for who we should notify in case of an emergency.



Employer Information

Employers like to support causes that their employees care for and support. And sometimes they will only provide financial, pro bono, or other support to nonprofits that their employees volunteer for. By providing your employer name, it is another way you can help the Center!



Availability

Please list all your available days and all your available evenings ranked in the order of your preference. Please do NOT list any days or evenings that you would NOT be able to commit to for a minimum of six months.

Day Crew 

  • Commit to the same 6-hour day shift every week for a minimum of six months. 
  • Shift times vary depending on season and number of patients onsite. 
  • There are two shifts in a day, AM and PM.
  • Typical day shifts run from 7:30am to 1:30pm (AM) and 1:30pm to 7:30pm (PM). 

Night Crew 

  • Commit to the same night shift every week for a minimum of six months. 
  • Shift times vary depending on season and number of patients onsite. 
  • Typical night shifts run from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. 

Conservation Education 

  • Commit to at least 2 events per quarter; assignments include indoor and outdoor shifts in varying weather for a minimum of six months. 

Patient Transport 

  • Commit to at least one on-call shift per week for a minimum of six months.

Facilities and Equipment

  • Commit to volunteering for a minimum of six months; projects and hours will vary and can be flexible.


Paragraph Question #1 - Volunteer Interest

Why do you want to volunteer at The Marine Mammal Center (the Center)?

A. What do you hope to gain through your volunteer experience?

B. What do you hope to contribute to the Center's community?

C. Do you know someone who is a current member of the Center's community?

(Please elaborate, no one-word responses)



Paragraph Question #2 - Past Experiences

Please tell us about your current or past volunteer experiences.

A. What have you enjoyed and what have you found challenging?

B. What time commitment did you make to this volunteer experience?

(If you have not had previous volunteer experience, share with us about a past job)

(Please elaborate, no one-word responses)



Paragraph Question #3 - Volunteer Expectations

A. What is your understanding of the expectations of being a volunteer at the Center and the specific requirements of your preferred volunteer role?

B. Many of our volunteer opportunities include working continuously for long periods of time, which may include standing, kneeling, lifting 40lbs, and more. Working in a hospital setting can also be emotionally exhausting as we see animals in very poor condition and not all of our patients survive. Do you have any concerns about the physical toll or emotional strain?

C. Animal Care volunteers must be able to work with and around fish. If you are interested in Animal Care, do you have any allergies that may limit your exposure to fish or shellfish?

D. Many of our volunteer opportunities include engaging with the public and discussing our work. Do you enjoy educating others?

(Please elaborate, no one-word responses)



Question #4- Volunteer Name Badge

Please specify how you would like your name to appear on your volunteer name badge. (First Name and/or Nickname AND Last Name).


Do you want your pronouns listed? Yes or No?



Skills

Volunteer Expectations
I understand that:
- This is a competitive application process and not all applicants will be accepted
- Volunteering at the Center is an important commitment and my teammates, the animals, and the Center depends on me
- Volunteering is a continuous learning process and it is expected that I read policy and procedure updates and attend required trainings
- The first 90 days of volunteering serve as an introductory period for myself and the Center to assess the match between myself and my assigned role
- The Center reserves the right to dismiss volunteers from a particular role or find volunteers a different role that will better suit both parties
- If accepted to volunteer, some of my personal information, including my phone number, email address, and pertinent medical information, may be shared with my direct supervisor

I agree that:
- I am 18 years or older
- I can commit to the minimum time requirements as stated in my preferred volunteer role's position description
- I have my own reliable transportation to and from the facility in Morro Bay

By checking the "I Agree" box I agree that I am submitting this application with accuracy and completion and have read and understand The Marine Mammal Center's volunteer expectations and requirements.