The Whale Museum

Job/Internship/Volunteer Opportunities

Employment Opportunities:

NEW: Visitors' Experience Associate

Hours: Negotiable, Part- to full-time, variable days/hours

Pay: Starting at $17.50, adjusted for experience

Reports to: Visitors’ Experience Manager

Summary:

The Visitors’ Experience Associate is part of a dynamic team that helps to ensure that The Whale Museum’s visitors get the most out of their visit. VEAs are responsible for greeting visitors; all monetary transactions, including admissions, memberships, and merchandise purchases; as well as answering the phone. Additionally, VEAs provide education and interpretation to visitors through answering visitors’ questions, leading tours, and assisting with education programs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Admissions & Retail

·         Greet and welcome visitors into the museum and provides a brief orientation

·         Demonstrate excellent cash handling and electronic transaction skills

·         Process transactions for admissions, memberships, merchandise, etc.

·         Ensure all merchandise is visible, attractively presented and accounted for

·         Receive new merchandise

·         Keep public areas (including rest rooms) clean and tidy

Education & Public Relations

•         Maintain a friendly and respectful attitude to all visitors and staff

•         Assist with guided tours and education programs as needed

•         Stay updated on and provides information relating to the Southern Resident orcas and the Salish Sea

•         Keep Gift Shop area clean and organized

Desired Qualifications:

·         Customer service and retail experience

·         Team player with excellent interpersonal skills, able to interact effectively with Museum visitors, staff, Board members, and volunteers

·         Familiarity with the San Juan Islands, cetacean biology and natural history, specifically the Southern Resident orcas and the Salish Sea

·         Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

·         Ability to work irregular hours, including weekends, evenings, and holidays

 

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to info@whalemuseum.org. 


Volunteer Opportunities:

Soundwatch Volunteer Program

Volunteer with the Soundwatch Boater Education Program! As a Soundwatch Volunteer you will assist the program in educating boaters on and off the water about the regulations and guidelines around operating vessels around marine wildlife. Both land-based and on-water participation opportunities are available. Both Soundwatch North (San Juan Island-based) and Soundwatch South (Seattle-based) branches offer volunteer opportunities. View full volunteer role description here.

Note: Attendance at a Soundwatch Volunteer Orientation is mandatory to participate. Orientations are usually held once a year in May. The 2025 Orientation has already taken place. If you are interested in participating next year, please check this website in Spring 2026 for date and time announcements. If you have any questions, contact program staff at: soundwatch@whalemuseum.org


San Juan County Marine Mammal Stranding Network

The Stranding Network depends on volunteers for the reporting, response, research, and monitoring of marine mammals throughout San Juan County. Stranding Network Volunteers may assist staff in many ways, including but not limited to reporting injured/sick/dead marine mammals, joining stranding responses, monitoring the reporting hotline, assisting in necropsies, transporting animals, and equipment maintenance. Volunteer Trainings are held every spring. Attendance is encouraged.

Note: 2025 Stranding Network volunteer trainings have already happened, but if you would like to be involved please contact erin@whalemuseum.org.

Volunteer Museum Docent:

The Whale Museum's Exhibit Hall is open daily. Each year, approximately 30,000 people visit. We are looking for volunteer docents! If you are interested in learning more or spending time telling visitors about the Salish Sea and the amazing marine life therein, please email Grace.

Want to get involved, stay informed and be engaged?

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