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About volunteering with Sea Shepherd Australia

Volunteer Application Process

Becoming an Active Onshore Volunteer with Sea Shepherd Australia is a fun, rewarding and fulfilling experience. You'll meet many like-minded individuals and create longlasting friendships and memories but it's also a big commitment. Our chapters (volunteer groups around the country) are involved in various activities including running outreach stalls at public events, where we engage with the public and raise funds by selling merchandise and our Direct Action Crew memberships, to support our campaigns that defend, conserve and protect our oceans.

 

Before applying, we do ask that all volunteers remain active and are involved in events on a regular basis as well as attending Induction Training and regular Chapter Meetings. 

There are a number of activities that you can be involved in as an active onshore volunteer at Sea Shepherd Australia from: 

• Participating in outreach stalls at public events
• Participating/organising our Marine Debris Campaign beach clean-ups
• Joining our Education Team to deliver exciting school talks to schoolchildren

Our chapters primary goals are: 

• Raise donations to fund Sea Shepherd's Global campaigns
• Engage with the public to raise awareness on the plight of our oceans
• Encourage the public to support Sea Shepherd Australia

Your role as an Active Onshore Volunteer

When you join as a volunteer there are certain obligations you need to meet and an expectation that you will make every effort to be an active committed volunteer.

Firstly ensure that you:

• Follow instructions provided by the coordinators. They are here to ensure that we comply with our obligations as volunteers representing Sea Shepherd.
• Are actively involved with the chapter. We expect that allvolunteers who join will make an on going contribution to the team. If you change your mind or can’t commit anymore then contact the Chapter Coordinator to discuss.
• All volunteers must actively monitor the Sea Shepherd Volunteers Facebook Group for new events and register your interest where you can help.
• The page will also have updates on campaigns and other information you need to stay up to date on.
• If selected for an event team then we expect you to commit to the event.
• If you are interested in other roles then take the initiative and contact the relevant Coordinator to discuss getting involved.

When you join us as a volunteer, you need to sign a number of policies including our Code of Conduct. 

Code of Conduct

We understand that not everyone in the team will be friends, but this is a workplace and you are expected to treat everyone with respect and understanding.

• Alcohol and drug use: Must not use drugs or drink alcohol while on duty on a stall as a volunteer.

• Discrimination & Bullying: Absolutely unacceptable in our team. We have a diverse range of people in our chapter and we expect everyone to treat each other with respect. Always remember that everyone is here, or should be here, to defend the oceans and is working to the best of their abilities. 

New Volunteer Obligations

There is a requirement you need to meet in the first six months of joining as a volunteer:

• Completing the online training, modules and questionnaire.
• Attend at least one beach clean-up as a volunteer
• Volunteer on a merchandise stall
• Help with a quarterly stocktake

Once these are complete then you'll officially become an active onshore volunteer! 

Active Onshore Application Form

Ready to defend, conserve, and protect our oceans? Active Onshore Application Form.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Sea Shepherd Australia, Sea Shepherd Global and Sea Shepherd Conservation Society?

Sea Shepherd was founded in 1977 by Captain Paul Watson. Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS) originally stared in Canada but moved to the United States as we are now known in North America. Up until 2012, SSCS was our central organisation that helped coordinate our campaigns. In 2012, the Japanese Government gained an injunction against SSCS, which stopped them from being involved in campaigns against illegal whaling. Following this, Sea Shepherd Global was created as the new central organisation to support campaigns. Now, SSG directs our global strategy. Following the injunction against SSCS, many of our individual entities, including Sea Shepherd Australia, have also stepped-up to run campaigns. This has helped create a global movement of Sea Shepherds.

Why is there an application fee?

Sea Shepherd is a non-profit organisation, run purely on the donations of our supporters. To ensure that these donations are not directed away from our campaigns, the fee helps to cover administrative costs involved in processing your volunteer application.

What is involved in becoming a volunteer?

Firstly, please read the information provided on the Volunteer Application Process webpage. If you believe you can agree to the requirements, please complete the Active Onshore Application Form. Once this has been completed you will be provided with access to our Online Induction Program.

After you have successfully completed this, your details will be provided to the Chapter closest to you. They will be in to contact shortly afterwards to bring you onboard and provide further training on the activities you will be undertaking.

How long does the process take?

Once you have successfully completed the Online Induction Program, your details will be forwarded to your local Chapter.  They will then contact you within a few days.

What will I be doing as a volunteer?

Onshore Volunteers are involved in running outreach and merchandise stalls. This involves providing public awareness on Sea Shepherd campaigns and selling merchandise. Other activities include giving talks at schools and community groups, helping to place donation tins with businesses, providing administrative support to some of the chapter tasks. Each Chapter varies slightly in what activities they undertake. This will be explained in more detail during your induction.

How much time do I need to commit to volunteering?

Active volunteering requires you to have volunteered during the last 3 months. How much time you need to commit each week will depend on your own availability and what activities in the Chapter you volunteer for. Merchandise stalls may run from a few hours to a full day.

What if there is not a Chapter near to me?

Many of our Chapters are based in the capital city of each state/territory. This doesn’t mean that they don’t operate in your area. To find out whether the Chapter has activities in your area that you could become involved with send them an email. They may be looking to expand in to your area. To find your local Chapter visit: http://www.seashepherd.org.au/australia/chapters.html

Who do I contact if I have an issue with the application form?

If you are having an issue in completing the Active Onshore Application Form, please email australia@seashepherd.org.au or contact us via 1300 623 267.