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?
- What are the policies regarding Covid?
- 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 80 hours a year. Volunteers create their own schedule, so this can be done when you are available! To remain consistent with your volunteer role you should be coming on a monthly basis. Volunteers without service for three months will lose their volunteer status at the Fleet. No service verifications are signed until the minimum service commitments are met.
What are the time requirements?
We ask for an annual commitement of 80 hours. Certain positions, such as Event Ambassador, require weekend or evening availability. Tinkering Studio has an afternoon availability, while the Education Department has mainly morning availability. For Museum Ambassador or Gallery Facilitator, the availability is anywhere within the museums open hours.
Please refer to the current openings 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! 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 excited to work in a dynamic environment with people of all ages, backgrounds and opinions
- Come prepared and are dependable and punctual
- 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. Camp counselors can start at 14.
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.
Visit the “Volunteer Positions” 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! After the Open House, volunteers are invited to an Orientation. From then on new volunteers are placed in a mentorship program where they complete a minimum of three shifts alongside an experienced volunteer. We encourage you to be curious 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 Craveology
- 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. Internships must be done as a partnership with a school or learning institution. Fleet interns have the opportunity to see a project through, prepare and deliver an end of internship presentation and participate in various training opportunities. For more information please email volunteerservices@rhfleet.org.
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! We would love to have you be a part of the team while you are home!
Are there opportunities for high school students to volunteer over the summer?
Yes! Volunteer opportunities are available year round. If you are only available over the summer, then you only volunteer over the summer!
What are the policies regarding Covid?
Everyone over the age of two must wear a face mask in the museum. Volunteers must either be fully vaccinated against Covid or undergo weekly Covid screening tests to volunteer at the Fleet.
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 black pants or capris. 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. 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 group opportunities page for more information.
If we haven't covered your question above, please email volunteerservices@rhfleet.org for more information.
