Volunteer Opportunities
Are you interested in volunteering with Gumbo Limbo Coastal Stewards?
Do you share a passion for the conservation of coastal environments and want to be an advocate for Gumbo Limbo Coastal Stewards? Read more below to find out about our many volunteer opportunities!
Our Mission
Founded in 1984, Gumbo Limbo Coastal Stewards has had a longstanding history of advocating for our endangered sea turtles and for the enrichment of the Gumbo Limbo Environmental Complex. Operating with the mission to inspire others to support the conservation and research of our coastal and marine ecosystems, Gumbo Limbo Coastal Stewards are looking for a new team of volunteers to help carry out our mission!
Volunteer Areas
We are looking for a diverse team of volunteers to help us in the many sectors of Coastal Stewardship! Please acknowledge that volunteers are welcome to participate in more than one sector!
Retail & Sustainability
- Assist our retail staff in supporting our goal to sell only sustainable, eco-friendly products to guests. We take pride in being able to educate all guests about the positive impact they can have as consumers, and about our goal to be a truly sustainable retail store. We sell products that are local, made in the USA, and don’t rely on plastic or environmentally harmful packaging.
- Volunteers will be responsible for stocking the floor, ringing up items, pricing, ensuring that the store is always presentable and clean, and creating a welcoming & inviting environment to educate guest about our mission!
Fundraising & Events
- Opportunities to be out in the community educating the public about marine turtle conservation and bringing family and friends together to support the Coastal Stewards mission.
- Volunteers will assist setting up and breaking down tables and tents, greeting guests and managing informational booths, educating and talking to the public, assisting the staff with tasks as needed.
Education
- Opportunities to educate the public on marine turtle conservation to the daily visitors received at our sea turtle rehab center.
- Volunteers will be on the floor, near the rehab tanks inspiring and interacting with visitors giving daily talks about patient updates, sea turtle educational facts, and soliciting donations, in additio n to updating guests on patient progress and threats our sea turtles face.
Sea Turtle Care
- Opportunities to be more hands on with sea turtles at the discretion of the rehabilitation staff to assist with daily care of patients.
- Volunteers will assist sea turtle rehab staff in cleaning and tank maintenance, diet preparation, behavioral observations, enrichment, restocking supplies, laundry, and other duties as needed.
Volunteer Requirements
- Must be 16 years or older.
- Sea Turtle Rehab volunteers must be 18 years or older. Rehab volunteers must be willing to get dirty, tolerate south Florida weather, bend frequently, and lift up to 50 pounds. Previous animal care experience is not required, but a bonus.
- Volunteers must be willing to commit to one day a week, for one 4 hour shift at minimum. Shifts can vary based on department, activity, or event.
Volunteer Benefits
- Positive, inspiring environment
- Opportunities to teach the community (locals and out of town visitors) all about our wonderful coastal environment and marine turtle conservation efforts.
- Interactions with others that share the same passion as you.
- 30% discount at the retail store
- Volunteer appreciation events and activities
How to become a volunteer
Thank you so much for showing interest in becoming a Coastal Stewards Volunteer! We appreciate your passion for out coastal environments, and marine turtle conservation. We are so thrilled you have chosen to support our organization to donate your time and skills to.
- Become a Coastal Steward member here.
- Please fill out and submit the application below.
- Fill out the form to agree to a level II background check, and a disclosure agreement.
- We will contact you directly with your email contact info once all the paperwork and information has been accepted.
- Orientations will be scheduled at an ongoing basis.
Apply to volunteer today!
Please fill out the Google Form below and we will reach out to you soon!
