Adult Volunteer Opportunities

This position is perfect for individuals with a biology background who love marine animals. It is also great for candidates looking for training and experience. Volunteers work behind the scenes assisting staff with food preparation, husbandry, and caring for aquariums.

Requirements

Must have the ability to lift at least 30 pounds and stand for extended periods. Candidates should be comfortable handling bugs such as crickets and mealworms and comfortable around snakes and dead rodents. You must also be at ease in small, tight spaces and working in environmental extremes such as cold, hot, and dusty conditions. Individuals interested in biology and herpetology with a love for animals are ideal.

Shifts

We have openings for Thursdays and Saturdays from 7:00am-11:00am, 8:00am-12:00pm, or 8:00am-2:30pm.

Commitment

A minimum of one four-hour shift a week for three months is required.

Stranding Response volunteers promote the conservation of marine animal species through research, response, rehabilitation, and education. Volunteers respond to dead and live marine mammal and sea turtle strandings, help with live sea turtle rehabilitation and medical procedures, assist with marine animal necropsies (animal autopsies), and assist with data collection.

Requirements

Candidates must be physically and mentally fit, able to carry at least 35 pounds, hike for 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 30 minutes of the Virginia Aquarium, and pass a background check. New volunteers must attend training on Saturday, October 26, 2024, 8:00am – 4:00pm.

Schedule

Monday-Sunday from 8:00am-4:30pm for response shifts, and 9:00am-4:30pm for husbandry shifts. Shifts may be shorter based on the day's needs.

Commitment 

A minimum of three shifts a month, a mixture of response and husbandry, for at least six months, is required.

To Apply

Please complete the Stranding Response Application .

Do you love learning and enjoy connecting with a diverse group? This can be the perfect position for you! As a guest engagement docent, you will share information about the aquarium’s exhibits and Virginia’s marine environment with visitors. Applicants with an interest in marine biology are ideal. This is also an excellent opportunity for retired educators or individuals involved in education.

Requirements

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.

Commitment

Following training, a minimum commitment of one four-and-a-half hour shift a week for one year is required.

Training

New guest engagement docents must attend a seven-session onsite training at the Virginia Aquarium.