Zoo or aquarium volunteering
Monterey Bay Aquarium Teen Conservation Leaders
Monterey Bay Aquarium Teen Conservation Leaders is a volunteer program run by Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, CA. Open to: 14 and up.
- Who can join
- 14 and up
- minimum age posted
- Status
- Opens seasonally
- Season
- Summer
- Cost
- Not posted
About the program
A summer service-learning program in Monterey, outside the six Bay Area counties but used by Bay Area teens. Teens earn community service hours.
Teens choose a Guest Track, an Animal Care and Engineering Track caring for invertebrates, or a Science Communication Track running social media.
Key facts
- Run by
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Where
- Monterey, CA
- Who can join
- 14 and upEntering 9th-12th grade in fall 2026 and at least 14 by June 8, 2026
- Commitment
- Volunteer 3 to 4 days per week; summer program June 8 to August 2, 2026 with mandatory training
- Applications
- Applications closed for 2026; interviews were in March (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
- Cost
- Not posted
- To apply
- Application
- In-person interview (by invitation)
- Mandatory training
Making the most of it on a college application
- Stay long enough to take on more responsibility, such as a second year or training new volunteers.
- Keep a log of hours and a few specific moments. They become the activities list entry and, often, an essay.
- Pair it with something that shows the same interest from another side, such as a class, a competition, or a summer program.
Email me the Teen Conservation Leaders details
A link to this page, with the age rule and application window, plus similar programs.
More in the Bay Area
- Happy Hollow Park & Zoo ZooTeen
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- When to apply
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| Opportunity | Where | Who can join | Commitment | When to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Happy Hollow Park & Zoo ZooTeenVolunteering · Zoo or aquarium | San Jose, CA | Ages 14 to 17 | Minimum 48 hours a year or 4 hours per month | Applications accepted year-round; files reviewed mid-summer. 2027 season applicants contacted end of summer 2027. (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability) |
| Oakland Zoo Teen Summer InternshipsInternship · Zoo or aquarium | Oakland, CA | Grades 11 to 12 | About 200 hours across 7 weeks, Sunday-Wednesday or Wednesday-Saturday, 9 am-4:30 pm; Summer 2026 ran June 10 to about August 1 | Applications closed for Summer 2026; info meetings were held in March (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability) |
| Oakland Zoo Teen Wild GuidesVolunteering · Zoo or aquarium | Oakland, CA | 13 and up | Every other weekend during the school year; once a week in summer | Application open year-round; Fall 2026 applications were due September 1 (past window; confirm next cycle) |
| Oakland Zoo ZooCamp Teen Assistants and InternsVolunteering · Zoo or aquarium | Oakland, CA | Grades 9 to 12 | Varies by role; camp runs in 1-week sessions, June 1 to August 7, 2026 | Summer 2026 applications were open February 1 to April 1; check back for Summer 2027 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability) |
| San Francisco Zoo & Gardens ARC Junior ZoologistVolunteering · Zoo or aquarium | San Francisco, CA | Ages 15 to 17 | Two days per month for six months | Not posted |
| San Francisco Zoo & Gardens ARC Nature Trail VolunteerVolunteering · Zoo or aquarium | San Francisco, CA | Ages 12 to 14 | Minimum seven days per month; seasonal, June to September | Applications for 2027 open in March (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability) |
All zoo and aquarium programs in the Bay AreaPre-Vet and Animal Science opportunitiesBiology and Environmental Science opportunitiesEvery opportunity
Frequently asked questions
How old do you have to be to join Monterey Bay Aquarium Teen Conservation Leaders?
14 and up. Entering 9th-12th grade in fall 2026 and at least 14 by June 8, 2026
How many hours does Monterey Bay Aquarium Teen Conservation Leaders require?
Volunteer 3 to 4 days per week; summer program June 8 to August 2, 2026 with mandatory training
When does Monterey Bay Aquarium Teen Conservation Leaders take applications?
Applications closed for 2026; interviews were in March (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
What do you need to apply?
Application, In-person interview (by invitation), Mandatory training.
Sources and method
Suggested attribution: Dewey Smart. “Monterey Bay Aquarium Teen Conservation Leaders”. https://www.deweysmart.com/opportunities/monterey-bay-aquarium-teen-conservation-leaders.
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