Check back regularly for upcoming opportunities! New positions open throughout the year to support our work in animal care, education programs, facility maintenance, dive operations, Stranding Response, retail, guest experience, and more.
Adult Volunteer Opportunities
Guest Engagement Docent
Do you love learning and enjoy connecting with people? Put that curiosity to work as a Guest Engagement Docent! Guest Engagement Docents help bring the Aquarium experience to life by engaging visitors in conversations about our exhibits, marine life, and Virginia’s marine environment. We’re looking for curious, enthusiastic adults who enjoy learning, sharing what they discover, and helping guests make connections with the world around them.
An interest in marine biology, environmental science, education, or informal learning is a plus—but not a requirement. This opportunity may be especially appealing to retired educators, college students interested in strengthening their informal teaching or science communication skills, and lifelong learners with an interest in the marine environment.
Must have good communication skills, be comfortable with public speaking, interacting with children, and be able to stand for an extended period. Candidates should also be comfortable with large crowds and varying noise levels.
Following training, Guest Engagement Docents commit to one four-and-a-half-hour shift per week for a minimum of one year.
New Gallery Docent Training combines interactive classroom sessions with hands-on experimentation and role-playing at Aquarium exhibits. The training consists of four sessions, and attendance at all four is required.
In addition to an overview of the “day in the life of a gallery docent,” you will be introduced to the Aquarium’s main exhibits: the Upland and Coastal River Rooms, Chesapeake Bay Gallery, Restless Planet, Sharks, Sea Turtles, Cold Water Gallery, the touch pools, and the Chesapeake Bay Aquarium.
Facilitators will also share tips and basic techniques for connecting with Aquarium guests and effectively sharing exhibit content.
Class Name | Class Date | Location |
Session 1: | Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026 5:30PM-7:30PM | North Building Classroom |
Session 2: Upland and Coastal River Rooms, Restless Planet, Sharks, Sea Turtles, & Cold Water Gallery | Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026 5:30PM-7:30PM | North Building Classroom |
Session 3: | Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026 5:30PM-7:30PM | North Building Classroom |
Session 4: | Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026 5:30PM-7:30PM | South Building Education Hall |
Stranding Response Volunteer
Stranding Response volunteers promote the conservation of marine animal species through response, rehabilitation, and education. Volunteers respond to dead and live marine mammal and sea turtle strandings, assist with live sea turtle rehabilitation and medical procedures, participate in marine animal necropsies (animal autopsies), and contribute to data collection.
This hands-on position is ideal for dependable, adaptable individuals who are interested in marine animal conservation, enjoy working as part of a team, and are prepared for the sometimes challenging and unpredictable nature of stranding response.
Candidates must be physically and mentally fit, able to carry at least 35 pounds, hike two miles or more, and work in extreme weather conditions. Candidates must also have a valid driver's license and a good driving record, live within one hour of the Virginia Aquarium, and pass a background check. New volunteers must attend training on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 8AM-4PM.
Monday-Sunday: standby shifts, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; husbandry shifts, 9AM-4:30PM. Shifts may be shorter based on the day’s needs.
A minimum of three shifts a month, a mixture of standby and husbandry, for at least one year, is required.
Want to Volunteer But Short On Time?
Take a peek at our one-day volunteer opportunities!
Already a Volunteer?
Log into the volunteer portal to access your schedule, records, and more.
Have Questions?
Contact our Volunteer Engagement Office at (757) 385-0274 or via email.