Volunteer Program Descriptions
What you need to know about our Volunteer Program
If you're thinking about applying for our Volunteer Program, we encourage you to take a look at the following information before submitting your application. You'll find volunteers from all walks of life at the Aquarium—students, retirees, homemakers, even full-time workers. If you choose to apply, placement will occur after your interview and will be based on your interests, availability, experience and our areas of need.
What are the requirements for becoming a Volunteer?
First, you'll have to complete an application and be successfully reviewed by our staff. You must also have positive references. Applicants must be at least 15 years old.
Our Scheduled Volunteers need to commit to at least six months of service. These volunteers give a minimum of a ½ day weekly, or a full day every other week. Their involvement begins with our docent training, which typically involves 6 training sessions— 5 evenings and one Saturday. Our volunteer office will inform about the next training class when you apply.
If a weekly or bi-weekly commitment isn’t possible, we also have Special Events Volunteers who periodically assist with activities at the aquarium—including overnight trips, summer camp programs, seasonal events, administrative projects, and more.
We ask that all volunteers come appropriately dressed for their location, comply with our staff policies and procedures and, above all, bring their enthusiasm!
What kind of benefits can I expect as a Volunteer?
You'll find that there a quite a number of benefits to becoming a Volunteer. These include:
o Free Aquarium admission for yourself
o Discount on most items in Gift Store and Café
o Staff rates on programs & tickets
o Continuing education and training
o Annual Volunteer Appreciation Night
o Invitations to all staff events
o Worker's Compensation benefits
o An opportunity to be part of our community
o Unparalleled experiences learning and developing unique skills
In addition to these benefits, your work as a Volunteer will pay you back in other ways. You'll gain experience in an exciting field. You'll receive on-the-job training in a friendly work environment. You'll have the satisfaction of helping others and spreading environmental awareness. Best of all, you'll contribute to our mission of research, education, and conservation.
Where can I expect to work?
Volunteers are involved in a wide variety of functions at the Aquarium. Following initial training, volunteers assist in several roles, including exhibit education, classroom assistance, the stranding team, and husbandry in animal care areas. We also have specialized SCUBA Volunteers who dive our tanks, as well as Special Events Volunteers who help on individual events and projects.
If you’d like to see currently available opportunities and the job requirements of each, please view our Volunteer positions. You can review position descriptions and requirements by clicking on the name of a position on the online Volunteer Application Form
Ready to apply? Click here to fill out our online application!