We could use your help to educate others! If you’re passionate about manatees and have some time to spare, fill out our Online Volunteer Application (see link on this page). Scroll down for a list of volunteer positions.
We Need Volunteers!
You can help Save the Manatee Club by becoming a Club volunteer. SMC volunteers staff tables at manatee-related events, engage in speaking presentations, help out in the SMC offices, write letters and send e-mails on issues of concern to manatees, and report information to manatee researchers. You can make a difference for manatees!
If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out our Online Volunteer Application.
For those wishing to inquire about earning community service hours at the Club’s office in Maitland, Florida, please do not fill out the Online Volunteer Application form. Please click the following link to download the Community Service form. (Note: the form is fillable.) For eligibility and availability, contact Ally Greco, the Club’s Volunteer Activities Coordinator, at agreco@savethemanatee.org or call 407-539-0990. Our office hours are 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Mon. – Fri.
Save the Manatee Club Volunteer Cary Evans started as a Manatee Observer in summer 2019, and quickly became a valuable addition to the volunteer team. “The experience changed me more than I expected and made me realize how little many people know about manatees,” she told the Club. Since then, Cary volunteered at several events this past winter and has also helped developed our presentation program.
Volunteering for Save the Manatee Club means becoming a voice for manatees by teaching the public all about them. “My favorite moments are where I get to teach others about manatees,” Cary said. “These moments are even more special when I see them get really excited about it and even turn around to immediately repeat what I said to a friend or family member.” Cary’s enthusiasm for teaching has shined in her volunteer work on the Club’s presentation slides and content. From creating colorful graphics to providing engaging activities for kids, her contributions will be shared in upcoming trainings with the rest of our volunteers.
Cary’s adopted manatee is Gator, a curious Blue Spring manatee who has been caught on camera playing with alligators and turtles. Why? “A lot of people don’t know that manatee do not have natural predators, and his story is such a good example to share with others about how alligators and manatees coexist in the same habitat,” she explains. Cary works at Walt Disney World and is currently in school to obtain her master’s degree in Environmental Policy and Management. Save the Manatee Club is grateful to have Cary dedicate her limited spare time to be a voice for manatees.
To learn more about volunteering for Save the Manatee Club, visit savethemanatee.org/volunteer.
Melissa and Mike Fishman from Rockledge in Brevard County, Florida wear their volunteer T-shirts and caps whenever they table at events for Save the Manatee Club. Join our volunteer team and earn points through the Volunteer Rewards Program to get your free shirt and cap.
Learn More
Earn It, Pin It, Show It!
Save the Manatee Club presents a variety of service pins to further recognize and honor the efforts and importance of our loyal volunteer/members. The special, customized pins are earned by registered volunteers who staff education tables for the Club at events, help out in our Maitland office, or give manatee presentations for the Club at local schools, libraries, etc. Wear the pins on the Club’s lanyard which holds the volunteer name tag, or on the Club’s volunteer cap or t-shirt.
See the Pins
Blue Spring Manatee Observer Volunteer:
This position is open to residents of Volusia, Orange, Lake and Seminole Counties between the months of April – October. Manatee Observer Volunteers will educate visitors and help prevent manatee harassment at Blue Spring State Park during the summer months if manatees enter the spring run. Volunteers may be pre-scheduled or called on short-notice to assist at the park. Mandatory orientation sessions are offered in the spring. Volunteers can assist from the boardwalk or from a kayak. Mandatory kayak training is also offered in the spring. Click the following link to read more about the Manatee Observer Program. For detailed information on this position please email Cora Berchem at cberchem@savethemanatee.org.
Grassroots Activism (E-mail Action Alert Team):
This position is available for volunteers living both in and outside of Florida who have access to e-mail. There is no age or membership requirement for grassroots activism volunteers. This is a critical way you can help manatees. Write, fax, or e-mail policy makers at all levels of government and let them know you support strong manatee protection measures. We will e-mail notices of manatee issues that require your help.
Festivals:
This position is available for Florida residents who are 18 years of age or older (must also have a valid driver’s license and current auto insurance). Save the Manatee Club asks festival volunteers to become a member, which means they Adopt-A-Manatee for themselves or as a gift (starting at a $25 donation). Festival volunteers staff information tables at manatee-related events year-round. They provide information on the Club and manatees to the public and should be knowledgeable (or eager to learn) about protecting manatees and their aquatic habitat. Days and times of festivals vary. This requires a minimum of 2-4 hours per festival.
In-Office:
This position is available for Florida residents in the Maitland, Florida area who are 16 years of age or older. There is no membership requirement for in-office volunteers. Volunteers help our team with various office tasks such as preparing mailing orders, folding brochures, quality checking items, organizing event materials, and more. Office hours are Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Flexible schedule).
Manatee Sighting Network:
If you live along a river, estuary, canal or coastal area in Florida, you can help provide valuable information to researchers who are tracking manatees. There is no membership requirement for manatee sighting network volunteers.
Speaking Presentations:
This position is available for volunteers 18 or older, living both in and outside of Florida. There is no membership requirement for volunteer presenters. Volunteers present about manatees and the Club to schools and other public groups, both virtually and in person. They should be knowledgeable (or eager to learn) about protecting manatees and their aquatic habitat. Materials will be provided.
Manatee Outreach Ambassador:
This position is available for volunteers living both in and outside of Florida, and a great opportunity for those who visit Florida. There is no age or membership requirement. Manatee Outreach Ambassadors will help Save the Manatee Club find public places to provide manatee information and outreach material, such as parks, marinas, tour operators, visitor centers, schools, and more. They will email suggestions to SMC staff. Training will be provided.