Join our Estuary Events Crew!

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Who are Estuary Events Crew Members, and what do they do?

Estuary Events Crew Members act as ambassadors for the Morro Bay National Estuary Program. They set up, run, and break down Estuary Program information and activity booths at festivals, fairs, and other event settings. At these events, they actively engage children and adults with information and hands-on activities that encourage stewardship of the Morro Bay estuary and watershed. Estuary Events Crew Members love working with people and demonstrate strong communication skills. They are comfortable working outdoors, typically with access to a shade tend, and do well in a fast-paced environment. Events Crew Members share an appreciation for the environment, estuary wildlife, and the community. Their unbiased, science-based approach to sharing information about the Morro Bay estuary and watershed increases public awareness of important issues facing the bay, along with the understanding that everyone can help protect this precious natural resource.

Our organization: a local nonprofit designed to benefit Morro Bay and the people who love it

The Morro Bay National Estuary Program works collabortively to protect and restore the Morro Bay estuary for people and wildlife. The Estuary Program is a non-regulatory, not-for-profit organization that conducts monitoring and research, restores natural habitats, and educates residents and visitors on how to keep Morro Bay clean and healthy. The Morro Bay National Estuary Program is one of 28 national estuary programs around the country that are working to safeguard and improve the health of some of our nation's most important coastal waters. The Estuary Program achieves results by closely collaborating with many partners to accomplish our shared goals of protecting and restoring the estuary and the watershed. For more information about the program, visit MBNEP.org.

Estuary Events Crew Members' Duties

• Volunteer at three or more events as a representative of the Morro Bay National Estuary Program. Events may include: Morro Bay Harbor Fest (first Saturday in October), Summer Solstice Festival Education Fair (middle to end of June), Coastal Discovery Fair (middle to end of August), as well as other events hosted by the Estuary Program and our partners.
• Arrive on time for each event shift, and be prepared for your shift. (Dress in layers, wear sunscreen as appropriate.)
• Conduct hands-on activities that often combine science and art, and that appeal to a wide range of ages.
• Interact with members of the public in a friendly and professional way.
• Accurately represent the mission, goals, and activities of the Morro Bay National Estuary Program, and refer detailed questions to Estuary Program staff as needed.
• Participate in required trainings before volunteering.

Time commitment

Estuary Events Crew Members must be available to work at least three events each year, for three or more hours at each event.

Training program and timeline

All Estuary Educators will participate in two mandatory training sessions, and review required materials at home. During the first session, they will learn about the Morro Bay National Estuary Program and basic information about the estuary itself. They will also participate in several potential event activities. Estuary Educators will receive training materials to take home and review at the end of this first session. During the second session, volunteers will discuss and ask questions about the review materials, learn more about the Morro Bay estuary, and discuss their availability for upcoming events.