Thank you for your interest in volunteering at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center! There are several opportunities to volunteer at the Center including with education, husbandry, research and the gift shop. Education volunteers devote their time to guest interaction; including answering questions and/or assisting with daily programs, groups, and outreach events. Volunteers working in the husbandry area assist with food preparation, water changes, laundry, and other tasks. Several volunteers also dedicate their time in the Gift Shop/Admissions area helping answer phones and providing customer service.

We ask that volunteers commit to at least two shifts a month in order to optimize their experience at the Center. Training is provided for all volunteers so there is no need to be a sea turtle expert.

**Please note that all volunteers are responsible for a $25 fee to cover training and background checks. (Effective 9/2011)

What volunteer opportunities are available?

  • Admissions and Gift Shop Associates
  • Membership and Adoption Program Volunteer
  • Docents
  • Educational Program Docents
  • Husbandry
  • Turtle Walks and Hatchling Walks (seasonal)
  • Night Patrols (seasonal)
  • Terrapin Patrols (seasonal)

Click here to view our volunteer opportunity directory for more information.

What are the benefits?

  • Volunteer t-shirt and nametag
  • Monthly Jekyll Island parking pass
  • 10% discount in our gift shop
  • Training on sea turtle biology, conservation, and rehabilitation
  • Monthly focus classes
  • The chance to work with a team of passionate and dedicated people

What are the minimum age requirements?

  • At least 16 years old (must have parental consent if under 18)
  • Must be 18 or older for any research or husbandry volunteer opportunities

What are the commitment requirements?

  • At least 2 shifts per month
    • Shifts are 4 hours long and typically are scheduled from 9am-1pm or 1pm-5pm, but we are willing to work with your availability.
  • At least a 3 month commitment
    • We have a number of volunteers that help us out all year round and also several seasonal volunteers that help us out during the summer and winter.
    • Due to the large time investment needed to properly train volunteers, we do not accept volunteers on a short-term basis (less than 3 month commitment) at this time.
    • Volunteers are also responsible for completing 28 hours in the education department before moving on to any other department at the GSTC.

****If you are unable to meet the minimum time requirements, please consider volunteering with our partners, the Jekyll Island Foundation.

What is the process of becoming a volunteer?

Step 1: Complete a volunteer application:

Step 2: Interview
After receiving your application you will be contacted for an interview (either phone or in person) to discuss volunteer oportunities and upcoming trainings.
Step 3: Attend Training
All new volunteers must attend this fun and educational training.
*Training days and times may be added or cancelled due to interest or need.  If you absolutely are unable to attend training please let us know, and we may be able to make alternate arrangements.

Step 4: Pass the Sea Turtle Skills Assessment

At the end of volunteer training, all new volunteers must take and pass our sea turtle knowledge skills assessment to show that they’ve mastered the basic sea turtle knowledge needed. Once you pass, you’ll be eligible to volunteer in any department of the GSTC!

* Eligibility to work in all departments does not ensure you will be able to automatically move into your first choice department.  Each department has department specific training and there may be a wait for some departments.