Early Closing This Saturday
The Virginia Aquarium will close at 3:00pm on Saturday, October 5 to prepare for a fundraising event. The last guests of the day will be admitted at 1:00pm, and the Nature Trail will close at 2:00pm.
Adult Volunteer Opportunities
Stranding Response Volunteer
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.
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.
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.
A minimum of three shifts a month, a mixture of response and husbandry, for at least six months, is required.
Guest Engagement Docent
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.
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, a minimum commitment of one four-and-a-half hour shift a week for one year is required.
New guest engagement docents must attend all seven sessions of onsite training at the Virginia Aquarium.
Class Name | Class Date | Location |
Session 1: | Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025 5:30pm-7:30pm | North Building Classroom |
Session 2: Upland & Coastal River Rooms | Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025 5:30pm-7:30pm | North Building Classroom |
Session 3: Restless Planet | Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025 5:30pm-7:30pm | North Building Classroom |
Session 4: Sharks, Sea Turtles, & Cold Water Gallery | Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025 5:30pm-7:30pm | North Building Classroom |
Session 5: | Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025 5:30pm-7:30pm | North Building Classroom |
Session 6: | Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025 5:30pm-7:30pm | South Building Theater |
Session 7: Emergency Procedures & Wrap-Up | Tuesday, March 4, 2025 5:30pm-7:30pm | North Building Classroom |
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.
