Join the Whale Scout naturalist volunteer team! As a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting Pacific Northwest whales through land-based conservation experiences, volunteers are at the heart of our organization and mission. Learn more about volunteering below and apply by October 16th using this application form. There will be a day-long training session on October 29th in Burien at the Environmental Science Center.
Whale Scout’s intention is to be an inclusive, diverse, and collaborative organization that contributes to equitable opportunities for all to have a voice and take meaningful action on behalf of the environment. We are striving for a volunteer team that reflects our region’s diversity while honoring and being informed by the knowledge and traditions of its first stewards, the Coast Salish people.
Role of volunteer naturalists:
- Assists the public in land-based whale watching
- Offers positive, inclusive, educational experiences
- Illustrates food-web and watershed connections between Southern Resident killer whales, salmon, native vegetation, and water quality
- Communicates science, policies, and stewardship actions with the general public
- Participates in local sightings networks
- Attends and volunteer at salmon habitat restoration events
Benefits of being a volunteer naturalist include:
- Playing an active role in orca recovery
- Learning experiences including trainings and field trips
- Camaraderie with other volunteers
- Educational materials and volunteering supplies
Expectations:
- Volunteer naturalists will conduct themselves professionally and in alignment with our diversity, equity, and inclusion objectives
- Volunteer naturalists are asked to commit to about 2 hours a month of service
To apply, please turn in this online form by October 16th. Accepted applicants will be notified October 19th. The in-person training will be October 29th in Burien. If in-person attendance is not possible, please email director@whalescout.org.