Getting involved in one of CORAL's volunteer projects is a wonderful way to support our work and learn more about global coral reef conservation. In exchange for contributing your time and sharing your talents, you'll learn new skills, interact with conservation specialists, make a real difference for our planet, and have fun in the process.

Our volunteer projects vary throughout the year, but we're always looking for help. The volunteer program is flexible, which means we try to match available opportunities to your skills and availability. Current volunteer opportunities are listed below, but from time to time we also need help with such tasks as research, administration, design, educational programs, special events, writing and editing, and more. Many of our volunteers are long-term partners, often moving on to another project after completing the initial assignment. And a few of our current staff members even started as volunteers, which is a testament to the passion of our volunteer crew. We hope you'll consider joining us!

Current Volunteer Opportunities

How to Volunteer

  • Send a note describing your skills, interests, and availability to volunteer coordinator, Mathew Higham.
  • Or mail the same information to Mathew Higham, The Coral Reef Alliance, 351 California Street, Suite 650, San Francisco, CA 94104 USA

Please Note:

  • You must be at least 15 years old to volunteer at CORAL.
  • International volunteers: Unfortunately CORAL is neither able to assist with visa applications (other than to send a letter of invitation), nor to offer housing or a stipend for international volunteers. If you plan to be in the San Francisco Bay Area and are able to arrange housing for yourself, please consider volunteering at CORAL as a way to enrich your visit.

Frequently Asked Volunteer Questions

What time commitment will be expected of me?
Volunteers commit to different periods of time, depending on their interests, schedules, and availability. Some volunteers have been active with CORAL for many years; others join our team to see a specific project through to completion. Most projects do require a minimum commitment of approximately 4 hours per week for 3 months or more.

How will I be supervised?
CORAL volunteer coordinator, Mathew Higham, will help you shape your volunteer experience. Mathew is responsible for overseeing the volunteer program, recruiting volunteers, and making the initial contact with CORAL managers to set up volunteer assignments. He will ensure that your skills are perfectly matched to current projects, and will manage your day-to-day volunteer activities. Depending on what project you are helping with, you will be interacting with a variety of CORAL staff.

What will I gain from volunteering at CORAL?
As a member-supported nonprofit conservation organization, we rely on the goodwill and support of our volunteers to develop and maintain our programs and promote our efforts toward global coral reef conservation. By engaging in a wide variety of volunteer opportunities, volunteers gain technical knowledge and refine their work habits and management techniques. You may choose to enhance your resume by listing the experience and skills you've gained through your volunteer work at CORAL.

How are volunteer efforts rewarded at CORAL?

  • After volunteers have worked at least 100 hours, they receive a one-year CORAL membership.
  • Active volunteers are invited to CORAL Brown Bag Lunches during which CORAL staff, visiting scholars, and scientists present overviews of current projects.
  • Reimbursement of transportation costs for local volunteers (Muni/BART fare).
  • A CORAL wall calendar

Please Note: Though working as a CORAL volunteer doesn’t guarantee being hired for a paid position, volunteers with appropriate qualifications may apply for available paid staff positions.

Current Volunteer Opportunities

Please Note: Our volunteer opportunities are updated regularly, so be sure to check back if you do not find anything that matches your interests!

PROGRAM VOLUNTEER

Description: If you want to be involved in a fun and international marine conservation project, this is the volunteer position for you! We are looking for a conservation enthusiast to help CORAL's conservation program department with various tasks, including research, preparation of workshop materials, and general administrative assistance.
Skills/Experience needed: Research, writing, and computer skills and a background or interest in a related field (biology, environmental studies, international development). College library access highly desirable. Database management or graphic design experience a plus.
A must: Flexibility, attention to detail, a sense of humor, creativity, and love for marine life.
Commitment: 4 hours per week for 3 months minimum.

COMMUNICATIONS VOLUNTEER

Description: Between our publications, Web site, and a library of more than 500 pieces of outreach and educational material, we have a lot of information to organize. Assist us in creating and maintaining this information by editing/proofreading, performing Web site improvements, cataloging photos and video clips, collecting and entering data, maintaining current materials, and organizing and improving our in-house library. We seek experience with InDesign and other related graphics software to review and improve documents and help with the design of new materials.
Skills/Experience needed: Interest in education for all ages, editing or proofreading experience, background in a related field (biology, environmental studies, international development). Experience with Web site maintenance and graphic design a plus.
A must: Flexibility, attention to detail, a sense of humor, creativity, and love for marine life.
Commitment: 4 hours per week for 3 months minimum.

DEVELOPMENT VOLUNTEER

Description: Seize this opportunity to enhance your professional skills and save coral reefs at the same time. Assist our development staff with various administrative tasks, including mailings and membership materials, database entry and filing, and online research. Depending on your skills, interests, and availability, there may also be opportunities for other projects from time to time.
Skills/Experience needed: If you are focused, dependable, enjoy new learning opportunities, have outstanding attention to detail, are computer literate, and like the idea of contributing to the greater good of the planet, this is the opportunity for you.
A must: Flexibility, attention to detail, a sense of humor, creativity, and love for marine life.
Commitment: 4 hours per week for 3 months minimum.