Interpreter Guide at the Gray's Reef Ocean Discovery Center

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Interpreter Guides serve as a connecting link between the national marine sanctuary, discovery center, and visitors; guides invite visitors to make their own connections to the sanctuary and its stories.

Volunteering at Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary’s Ocean Discovery Center (https://graysreef.noaa.gov/visit/centers/) is a fun opportunity to make a splash in your community! Volunteers will help bring the sanctuary into downtown Savannah by helping visitors explore the center, present ocean-themed programs, and answer questions to promote community awareness and engagement.

Duties:
Under the direction of sanctuary staff, interpretive guides may

• Provides in-depth information on Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary, the National Marine Sanctuary System, NOAA, and coastal and ocean ecosystems
• Lead interpretive education programs and activities related to the natural, historic and cultural significance of Gray’s Reef, other local marine waters, and the ocean as a whole
• Facilitate guest interactions with exhibits and activities-maintain a safe learning environment, preserve functionality and appearance, and increase understanding
• Provide assistance with other center functions as needed; such as, host desk and directional flow, collections, and general cleaning and maintenance

• Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age or older (parental or guardian consent is required for less than 18 years of age) to volunteer
• Complete and submit the volunteer application packet, including submitting fingerprints as part of the NOAA volunteer background check
• Attend a volunteer orientation workshop and/or training
• Complete the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries Code of Conduct
• Follow volunteer uniform guidelines
• Be able to stand for prolonged periods of time and carry small packages (<30 lbs)

• Be comfortable speaking in front of people and managing groups-both local visitors and out-of-town guests
• Be willing to become actively involved in leading and/or creating Ocean Discovery Center programs
• Demonstrate good communication skills, possess basic problem solving skills, and be flexible with new changes and challenges
• Although not required, having experience or understanding of marine science, environmental management, or teaching is beneficial

Training are offered to expand knowledge and understanding of Gray’s Reef resources, live-bottom habitats, and marine science topics.

Interpreter Guides must be able to work a minimum of two volunteer shifts per month. Interpreter guide shifts are dependent on the center’s program schedule and vary by day of the week or time of day. The maximum time of an interpreter guide shift is four hours including regular breaks. The Ocean Discovery Center is open from 10:00am-4:00pm and a 30-minute opening and closing period is included in each shift.

About the Center: Located in downtown Savannah, Georgia, the Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary Ocean Discovery Center features interactive exhibits for you to explore the wonders of the sanctuary. Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary, located 19 miles east of the Georgia coast between Savannah and Brunswick, is one of the largest near-shore live-bottom reefs in the southeastern US.