Check back regularly for available 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
Fishes, Herpetology, & Inverts Assistant
This position is perfect for individuals with a biology background who love marine animals. It is also ideal for candidates seeking training and experience. Volunteers work behind the scenes assisting staff with food preparation, husbandry, and caring for aquariums.
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 be 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 of animals, are ideal.
We have openings for Monday from 7AM to 11AM or 8AM to 12PM. Please apply only if you are available on Monday at the noted times.
A minimum of one four-hour shift a week for three months is required.
On-Site Program Education Assistant
The Aquarium offers engaging, interactive educational programs for students from preschool to college. The On-site Education Program Assistant assists with teaching students through hands-on learning activities, including experiments, live animal demonstrations, problem-solving exercises, and observational exercises.
Candidates must be at least 21 years old, have experience teaching students, demonstrate strong customer service skills, and be able to lift up to 25 pounds. Additionally, volunteers should be able to stand for extended periods and respond to basic inquiries about the Aquarium.
This position offers flexible scheduling. Programs take place at the Virginia Aquarium during the academic year, from September through June, Monday through Friday, between 9:00am and 5:00pm. Shift assignments are based on programs scheduled by schools. Volunteer schedules are coordinated approximately one month in advance of each program. This position requires a minimum commitment of one academic school year.
Scout Program Assistant
This volunteer position will bring out the young scout in you. Volunteers assist staff with Scout Day programs, overnight events, and service projects. This includes supporting activity stations during programs and overnight stays, setting up and dismantling stations, communicating program information to Scouts and leaders, and potentially assisting with animal programs and touch pools, contingent upon prior training and approval.
Candidates must be at least 18 years old; however, volunteers as young as 15 with prior Scout experience will be considered. Applicants should be able to bend and lift to 25 pounds, stand for extended periods, be comfortable with public speaking, and interacting with children and teenagers. Experience in developing and leading various crafts and recreational activities is preferred.
This role offers flexible scheduling, with a minimum of two Scout activities per quarter.
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.