Work With Us
Join a team of certified lifeguards, watermen, and mentors making the ocean accessible for every kid in Santa Barbara.
Open Roles
We accept new volunteers every spring and fall. Even if nothing is listed below, send us your info — we keep a list and reach out when spots open.
Ocean Program Coach
This role is reserved for post-high school students. Start as a volunteer, minimum 4 sessions (2 hours each) over the course of our 8-week season. Volunteers become eligible for part-time employment in the following season upon completion of volunteer hours.
Job Summary
In supporting our after-school season, our volunteers are the driving force for our ocean sport programming. They are there to create the meaningful experiences that transform our participants into ocean lovers. SL operates from a fun first perspective but relies on our coaches to continually engage our participants in ways that encourage curiosity and self discovery in marine habitats. Our volunteers are as knowledgeable and passionate about protecting the ocean as they are about playing in it. Activities include: stand up paddling, kayaking, boogie boarding, surfing, tide pooling - all of the fun ways to learn about the ocean! Commitment is up to 3-4 hours/week for 2.5 months, April-June (Spring) and September-November (Fall).
We're looking for:
- ✓ Current lifeguard or willing to certify
- ✓ Experience with youth (coaching, tutoring, camps)
- ✓ Comfortable in the ocean in all conditions
Learn-to-Swim Instructor
Teach non-swimmers (ages 5–14) foundational water safety and stroke technique as part of our Big Blue Bridge free swim program.
We're looking for:
- ✓ Water Safety Instructor (WSI) certification preferred
- ✓ Patient, encouraging energy with young kids
- ✓ Available weekday afternoons
Pathway to Mentorship
Our Pathway to Mentorship guides you from an experienced ocean enthusiast to a confident Sea League mentor. We equip you to lead — whether you're teaching a child to catch their first wave or exploring tide pools.
Start with the ocean
Every great coach starts with a passion for the water and a desire to give back — no professional surf credentials required.
Train to standard
Hands-on training in water safety, outdoor pedagogy, and youth development before you lead a session.
Mentor kids
Watch kids go from nervous at the shoreline to paddling out on their own. That turnaround is the job.
Fit a student schedule
After-school weekdays and weekend mornings. Built to sit alongside UCSB coursework.
Show up consistently
The commitment is showing up for the same twelve kids, week after week, for a full season.
Grow into the work
Youth development, marine education, and outdoor leadership — a resume that opens doors, and a team that keeps people coming back.
