March 26 - The Galleries will close at 4PM. Last IMAX film is at 4PM.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long is each volunteer commitment?
- What are the time requirements?
- Do I need a science background?
- What qualifications do volunteers or interns need?
- Who can be a volunteer?
- Who can be an intern?
- What is the youngest age for volunteering?
- Are all volunteer candidates accepted?
- How can I get started?
- Will I be trained before I start my volunteer work?
- What are the benefits of volunteering or interning at the Fleet?
- Does the Fleet offer internships?
- Does this position pay? I am looking for a job at the Fleet.
- Can I volunteer if I am a college student and only home for the summer/winter?
- Are there opportunities for high school students to volunteer over the summer?
- Is there a volunteer uniform?
- Will I be standing for a long period of time?
- I’m driving, how do I get to the Fleet?
- Is parking free?
- Is the Fleet on a public transit route?
- Can the company I work for volunteer at the Fleet?
- Anything else?
How long is each volunteer commitment?
Volunteers are asked for a minimum service commitment of six months. Shorter commitments can be arranged for the summer, especially for high school or college students.
What are the time requirements?
Requirements are specific to each volunteer position. Generally, hours (shifts) and days of service are flexible during the Fleet’s hours of operation. A commitment of 12 or more hours of service per month is typically sought. Certain positions, such as Event Ambassador, require weekend or evening availability and a commitment of six hours per month. Similarly, Tinkering Studio and Education Program positions have more specific needs, as the Tinkering Studio is only open from 11:30-4:00 each day and education programs mostly take place in the morning or mid-day.
Please refer to the volunteer and intern listings for the specifics related to each position. Many are flexible in their scheduling requirements and allow you pick a regular shift or volunteer as you are available, while still meeting the minimum time commitment.
Do I need a science background?
No! Museum Ambassadors, for example, welcome guests, staff the information podium, monitor the theater and galleries, and perform other non-scientific duties. For some positions, such as with Gallery Facilitators, some experience in either science or education is helpful; however, for most positions your enthusiasm, love of learning and willingness to help is all that is needed.
What qualifications do volunteers or interns need?
We look for volunteers and interns who:
- Are energetic, outgoing and friendly, with enthusiasm and interest in the Fleet Science Center
- Have excellent communication skills
- Can work independently and be flexible in a variety of settings
- Have a keen interest in lifelong learning
- Are exciting to work in a dynamic environment with people of all ages, backgrounds and opinions
- Come prepared and are dependable and punctual
Please review the volunteer and intern listings for specific qualifications for each position.
- Volunteers should be 15 years of age or older.
- Volunteers should be friendly, outgoing and enjoy working with people.
- Volunteers should have an interest in enhancing the public understanding and enjoyment of science and technology.
- Interns must be currently enrolled in high school or college; high school interns must be enrolled in an internship program through their school.
- Interns should be friendly, outgoing and enjoy working with people.
- Interns should have an interest in enhancing the public understanding and enjoyment of science and technology.
What is the youngest age for volunteering?
The minimum age is 15. Exceptions can sometimes be made for some positions if the youth has participated in our programs in the past, is in high school and has a keen interest in science; however, these opportunities are limited. Students should contact volunteerservices@rhfleet.org or (619) 238-1233 x835 with any questions.
Are all volunteer candidates accepted?
While the Fleet endeavors to place each applicant, it is not always possible to find an assignment that matches the interest, availability and talents of the applicant.
Read through the list of open volunteer and intern positions to find some that you are interested in. Then, visit the “How to Apply” page of our website, which goes through all the steps to starting as a volunteer or intern with the Fleet and includes a link to our online application.
Will I be trained before I start my volunteer work?
Yes! All volunteers participate in a “New Volunteer Orientation.” Then, depending on the particular volunteer position, you will either participate in formal training sessions or informal, “on-the-job” training. Both employees and experienced volunteers will participate in your training and are always available to answer questions. We encourage you to be curios and ask a lot of questions, and we will work hard to make sure you have all the support you need to succeed.
What are the benefits of volunteering or interning at the Fleet?
- Free admission to the galleries and theater shows on the days of your shifts
- Earn free passes to the Fleet each month
- Special discounts in the North Star Science Store and Galileo’s Café
- Discounted memberships
- Invitations to Fleet parties, annual Volunteer Recognition Event, other special events, lectures and workshops (with free or discounted admission)
- Gain new skills and experience
- Meet interesting people from all around the world
- Satisfaction of providing a community service
- Achievement of your personal and professional goals
- Recognition and gratitude for your service
Does the Fleet offer internships?
Yes, the Fleet offers unpaid internships. Departments with internship positions may include: Human Resources, Marketing, Multimedia Services, Education, Information Systems and Special Events. Visit our volunteer and intern listings page for a complete list of open positions.
Does this position pay? I am looking for a job at the Fleet.
No. Volunteering is an unpaid position and does not ensure you a job at the Fleet. Volunteers support the Fleet by donating their time and talent. Through volunteering here, you will gain valuable experience that can be added to your résumé. If you are interested in a paid position, please visit our employment page.
Can I volunteer if I am a college student and only home for the summer/winter?
Yes! Over the summer, volunteer opportunities are available as:
- Summer Camp Counselors (commitment = 1 full day training in June; five days/week for a minimum of two weeklong camps, which equals a minimum of 45 hours)
- Gallery Facilitators, Museum Ambassadors or Tinkering Studio Activity Volunteers (commitment = 60 hours over three months)
- Department Assistants (commitment = 3-8 hours/week for three months)
In the winter, opportunities may be available depending on the length of your break and whether or not you have volunteered at the Fleet before or will volunteer the following summer.
To apply, visit our How to Apply page. For other information, please email your questions to volunteerservices@rhfleet.org.
Are there opportunities for high school students to volunteer over the summer?
Yes! Volunteer opportunities are available as:
- Summer Camp Counselors (commitment = 1 full day training in June; five days/week for a minimum of two weeklong camps, which equals a minimum of 45 hours)
- Gallery Facilitators, Museum Ambassadors or Tinkering Studio Activity Volunteers (commitment = 60 hours over three months)
- Department Assistants (commitment = 3-8 hours/week for three months)
Interested volunteers should apply April through early June. Volunteers must currently be in high school to apply. For more information, please email your questions to volunteerservices@rhfleet.org.
All volunteers must present a professional image while on duty at the Fleet. For positions that interact with our guests, we require volunteers to wear a Fleet-furnished volunteer shirt with khaki pants, skirts or shorts. Volunteers working behind the scenes may wear business casual clothing or follow other guidelines provided by their department. All volunteers and interns must wear closed-toe shoes.
Will I be standing for a long period of time?
A majority of the guest-facing volunteer positions may require long periods of standing. If needed, accommodations can be made upon request.
I’m driving, how do I get to the Fleet?
Driving directions can be found on the directions page of our website.
Free parking is available in a convenient adjacent parking lot south of the Fleet Science Center, as well as in several other nearby lots. Parking is available on a first come basis. Parking lots are the property of the City of San Diego, and rules for usage are subject to changes enacted by the City. There is also parking on the street after 9:00 a.m.
Is the Fleet on a public transit route?
The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (SDMTS) provides bus service to Balboa Park. The #7 bus stops near the Fleet on Park Boulevard. Routes 3 and 120 stop on the other side of Balboa Park on Laurel. View the transit map or visit www.sdmts.com to plan your route.
Can the company I work for volunteer at the Fleet?
Yes! The Fleet encourages corporations to work with us and provide hands-on community service that aligns with our mission. Projects are designed to be enjoyable and fulfilling, meet your company’s goals, and provide employees with meaningful, teambuilding opportunities. Projects can include facilitating educational activities, painting or renovating various spaces, sponsoring technology installations and more. Visit our corporate opportunities page for more information.
If we haven't covered your question above, please email Volunteer Services at the Fleet for more details: volunteerservices@rhfleet.org.
The Fleet is located at
1875 El PradoBalboa Park
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 238-1233
