Youth Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Showing Kids a Turtle Shell

Youth volunteer applications are being accepted through 3:00pm on Saturday, February 28, 2026. Applications are not considered after the deadline. Please note that the current application period is for Summer 2026. Please be sure to follow the instructions noted for applying.

Youth Volunteer Application

Aquarium Store Assistant

Assist store personnel with daily tasks, including tagging new merchandise, restocking shelves, maintaining organized displays, handling basic cleaning tasks, and providing excellent customer service to guests.

This position requires at least seven 4½ hour shifts between June and August. This is a summer position with the option to volunteer during the school year.

Duties

  • Meet and greet the public.
  • Answer customer questions.
  • Suggestive selling.
  • Assist with dusting, straightening, and filling stock.
  • Assist with unpacking and checking in merchandise.
  • Check for damaged or mislabeled inventory.
  • Assist with displaying merchandise.
  • Help maintain the stockroom and assist with annual inventory.
  • May involve heavy lifting.
  • Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications

  • Must be at least 14 years old.
  • Ability to interact with guests and staff in a friendly, outgoing manner.
  • Must have good communication skills.
  • Must be enthusiastic, have a high-energy level, and a pleasant demeanor.
  • Must have the ability to bend and stand for an extended period.
  • Some knowledge about the Aquarium is preferred.
  • Must be comfortable wearing a face covering for an extended period if required.

In place of onsite interviews, we are accepting video submissions for this position. Interviews can be recorded on your cell phone or tablet. After recording, upload your video to YouTube and provide us with the link on your application. If a password is required to access your video, please share it. If permission is required, please remember to grant it to us. Applications received without the interview video will not be considered.

  • Each video should be 5-7 minutes.
  • Introduce yourself. Give your first and last name and two fun facts about you.
  • Share why you want to be a store assistant at the Virginia Aquarium.
  • Tell us about any experience you may have handling or selling merchandise. It can be items you’ve sold for fundraisers, school projects, or other community activities.
  • Find an item in your home, for example, a stuffed animal, a scented candle, or an interesting beverage container. Present that item as if the camera is a guest in the Aquarium store. Tell us fun facts about it and why it’s a great item. Be engaging!

All aquarium store assistant applicants must attend a virtual information session with a parent or legal guardian on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 6:00pm. During the session, the Aquarium’s Volunteer Engagement Office will review the position requirements, the candidate selection process, and expectations for those accepted as volunteers. Access to the information session will be emailed to applicants by the close of business on Monday, March 9, 2026. Again, a parent or legal guardian must attend with the applicant.

Training details will be included in your welcome email if accepted as an Aquarium Store Assistant. Training includes:

  • Online Courses
  • Onsite Orientation
  • SHINE, a guest engagement strategies training.
  • Aquarium Store Volunteer Training, where store staff will provide product knowledge and further instruction specific to the volunteer position.

A complete Aquarium Store Assistant application form must be submitted online and include the following:

  • An interview video submission. The link to your video must be provided on your application.
  • The completed application must be viewed and signed by a parent or legal guardian.
  • Two references that are not related to you. Follow the recommendation instructions noted on the application form.
  • A valid email address for the applicant is required on the application; communication is done primarily via email.
  • Remember, incomplete application packets are not considered.

Birthday Party Assistant

Virginia Aquarium youth programs provide a unique opportunity for youth to explore science, immerse in nature, and participate in conservation efforts. Volunteers help make these experiences safe, educational, and memorable by assisting with camps and birthday parties. Birthday Party Helpers assist Aquarium education staff in providing superior children’s birthday parties.

This position requires a minimum commitment of one year. For this position, scheduling is flexible, allowing volunteers to sign up for program opportunities that fit their availability. Volunteers must commit to at least two shifts a month.

Duties

  • Set up and break down program materials.
  • Welcome party guests.
  • Lead games and party activity stations.
  • Assist party guests during Aquarium tours.
  • Answer basic questions about the Aquarium.

Qualifications

  • Must be 13 or older to apply.
  • Must be enthusiastic and outgoing with a high-energy level and pleasant demeanor.
  • Comfortable engaging with children of varying ages.
  • Physically capable of bending and standing for extended periods.
  • Reliable and punctual attendance is essential.
  • Must be able to take direction.
  • Previous experience working with children is a plus.

In place of onsite interviews, we are accepting video submissions for this position. Interviews can be recorded on your cell phone or tablet. After recording, upload your video to YouTube and provide us with the link on your application. If a password is required to access your video, please share it. If permission is required, please remember to grant it to us. Applications received without the interview video will not be considered.

  • Each video should be 5-7 minutes.
  • Introduce yourself. Give your first and last name and two fun facts about you.
  • Share why you want to be a birthday party helper at the Virginia Aquarium.
  • Tell us about any experience you might have speaking in front of a small or large group or working with children.
  • Find an item in your home or backyard to talk about. For example, a fish tank or a garden. Present that item as if the camera is a child attending a birthday party at the Aquarium. Tell us fun facts about it. Be engaging!

All birthday party helpers must attend a virtual information session with a parent or legal guardian on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 6:00pm. During the session, the Aquarium’s Volunteer Engagement Office will review the position requirements, the candidate selection process, and expectations for those accepted as volunteers. Access to the information session will be emailed to applicants by the close of business on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Again, a parent or legal guardian must attend with the applicant.

Training details will be included in your welcome email if accepted as a birthday party helper. Training includes:

  • Online Courses
  • Onsite Orientation
  • Onsite Birthday Party Helper Training

A complete birthday party helper application form must be submitted online and include the following:

  • A completed application viewed and signed by a parent or legal guardian.
  • Two references that are not related to you. Follow the recommendation instructions noted on the application form.
  • A valid email address for the applicant is required on the application; communication is done primarily via email.
  • Remember, incomplete application packets are not considered.

Guest Engagement Docent

Volunteer shares information about the Aquarium's exhibits and Virginia's marine environment with guests. This position requires a minimum of one 4½ hour shift per week for one year. This position is great for homeschooled teens. ​

Duties

  • Interpret Aquarium exhibits to guests to include conservation messaging.
  • Interact with guests in a positive and engaging manner.
  • Emphasize the conservation of our resources.
  • Ensure the safety of the animals in their exhibit.

Qualifications

  • Must be at least 14 years old and have an interest in the marine environment.
  • Ability to take direction and work within a team and independently.
  • Must have good communication skills, enjoy interacting with the public, and be comfortable with public speaking.
  • Ability to learn by reading, listening, or observing.
  • Must have the ability to stand for an extended period.
  • Must be reliable and punctual.
  • Should be comfortable with large crowds and varying noise levels.

In place of onsite interviews, we are accepting video submissions for this position. Interviews can be recorded on your cell phone or tablet. After recording, upload your video to YouTube and provide us with the link on your application. If a password is required to access your video, please share it. If permission is required, please remember to grant it to us. Applications received without the interview video will not be considered.

Read and follow the instructions for your video submission:

  • Each video should be 5-7 minutes.
  • If you are selected to volunteer and plan to wear a mask, please wear one during your recording. We want to be sure you can communicate clearly while wearing a mask. Please note that face coverings are not required.
  • Introduce yourself. Give your first and last name and two fun facts about you.
  • Share why you want to be a Guest Engagement Docent at the Virginia Aquarium.
  • Tell us about any experience you might have speaking in front of a small or large group.
  • Select an item in your home or backyard to talk about. For example, a fish tank, a garden. Present that item as if the camera is a guest at the Aquarium. Tell us fun facts about it. Be engaging!

All Aquarium guest engagement docent applicants must attend a virtual information session with a parent or legal guardian on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 6:00pm. During the session, the Aquarium’s Volunteer Engagement Office will review the position requirements, the candidate selection process, and expectations for those accepted as volunteers. Access to the information session will be emailed to applicants by the close of business on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. Again, a parent or legal guardian must attend with the applicant.

If accepted as a Guest Engagement Docent, training details will be included in your welcome email. Training includes:

  • Online Courses
  • Onsite Orientation
  • Attendance at four onsite Guest Engagement Docent training sessions.

A complete Guest Engagement Docent application form must be submitted online and include the following:

  • An interview video submission. The link to your video must be provided on your application.
  • A completed application that has been viewed and signed by a parent or legal guardian.
  • Two references that are not related to you. Follow the recommendation instructions noted on the application form.
  • A valid email address for the applicant is required on the application, as communication is done primarily via email.
  • Please ensure all application materials are complete. Incomplete submissions will not be considered.

Onsite Summer Camp Assistant

Virginia Aquarium youth programs offer unique opportunities for youth to explore science, immerse themselves in nature, and participate in conservation efforts. Volunteers help make these experiences safe, educational, and memorable by assisting with camps, birthday parties, and scout overnights. Onsite Summer Camp Assistants assist Sea Camp instructors in providing a safe, educational, and memorable experience for participants.

Volunteers must commit to at least nine shifts between June and August.

Duties

  • Set up and break down program materials.
  • Welcome participants and assist with check-ins.
  • Facilitate play and activity stations.
  • Assist with live animal presentations and guided tours.
  • Assist with overall supervision of participants.
  • Answer basic questions about the Aquarium.

Qualifications

  • Must be 14 or older to apply.
  • Must be enthusiastic and outgoing with a friendly demeanor.
  • Comfortable working with children of varying ages.
  • Must be reliable and punctual.
  • Must be comfortable working outside during high temperatures in the summer.

The youth program staff will contact applicants for a one-on-one interview. All interviews will be completed by Thursday, April 30, 2026. If accepted, applicants will be notified by Friday, May 8, 2026.

All Aquarium guest engagement docent applicants must attend a virtual information session with a parent or legal guardian on Monday, March 9, 2026, at 6:00pm. During the session, the Aquarium’s Volunteer Engagement Office will review the position requirements, the candidate

selection process, and expectations for those accepted as volunteers. Access to the information session will be emailed to applicants by the close of business on Friday, March 6, 2026. Again, a parent or legal guardian must attend with the applicant.

Training details will be included in your welcome email if accepted as a youth program assistant. Training includes:

  • Online Courses
  • Onsite Orientation
  • Onsite Summer Camp Assistant Training: SAVE-THE-DATES Tuesday, June 2, 2026; 5:30pm-7:00pm and Thursday, June 2, 2026; 5:30pm-7:00pm.

A complete youth program assistant application form must be submitted online and include the following:

  • A completed application viewed and signed by a parent or legal guardian.
  • Two references that are not related to you. Follow the recommendation instructions noted on the application form.
  • A valid email address for the applicant is required on the application; communication is done primarily via email.
  • Remember, incomplete application packets are not considered.

Special Events Docent

As a special events docent, you will share information about the Aquarium’s exhibits and Virginia’s marine environment with guests attending special events, and assist with event preparation, setup, and cleanup. This position requires a minimum of two shifts a month for one year: a special events prep or cleanup shift and one special event.

Duties

  • Interpret Aquarium exhibits to guests to include conservation messaging.
  • Interact with guests in a positive and engaging manner.
  • Emphasize the conservation of our resources.
  • Ensure the safety of the animals in their exhibit.
  • Help with special event prep, setup, and cleanup.

Qualifications

  • Must be at least 14 years old and have an interest in the marine environment.
  • Must be friendly with good communication skills, enjoy interacting with the public, and be comfortable with public speaking.
  • Ability to learn by reading, listening, or observing.
  • Must enjoy interacting with children.
  • Must have the ability to stand for an extended period.
  • Must be reliable and punctual.
  • Ability to work within a team and independently.
  • Should be comfortable with large crowds and varying noise levels.

In place of onsite interviews, we are accepting video submissions for this position. Interviews can be recorded on your cell phone or tablet. After recording, upload your video to YouTube and provide us with the link on your application. If a password is required to access your video, please share it. If permission is required, please remember to grant it to us. Applications received without the interview video will not be considered.

Read and follow the instructions for your video submission:

  • Each video should be 5-7 minutes.
  • Introduce yourself. Give your first and last name and two fun facts about you.
  • Share why you want to be a Special Events Docent at the Virginia Aquarium.
  • Tell us about any experience you might have speaking in front of a small or large group.
  • Select an item in your home or backyard to talk about. For example, a fish tank or a garden. Present that item as if the camera is a guest at the Aquarium. Tell us fun facts about it. Be engaging.

All Aquarium guest engagement docent applicants must attend a virtual information session with a parent or legal guardian on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 6:00pm. During the session, the Aquarium’s Volunteer Engagement Office will review the position requirements, the candidate selection process, and expectations for those accepted as volunteers. Access to the information session will be emailed to applicants by the close of business on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Again, a parent or legal guardian must attend with the applicant.

If accepted as a Special Events Docent, training details will be included in your welcome email. Training includes:

  • Online Courses
  • Onsite Orientation
  • Attendance at four onsite Guest Engagement Docent training sessions.

A complete Special Events Docent application form must be submitted online and include the following:

  • An interview video submission. The link to your video must be provided on your application.
  • A completed application that has been viewed and signed by a parent or legal guardian.
  • Two references that are not related to you. Follow the recommendation instructions noted on the application form.
  • A valid email address for the applicant is required on the application, as communication is done primarily via email.
  • Please ensure all application materials are complete. Incomplete submissions will not be considered.

Watershed Warrior

Volunteers lead guests in educational explorations through the Aquarium’s South Building. This position requires a minimum of nine 4½ hour shifts between June and August. This is a summer position.

Duties

  • Greet Aquarium guests and present information about watersheds, salt marsh habitats, and other conservation topics.
  • Engage visitors in conversations and activities to ensure a memorable and positive visit.
  • Practice field skills such as water testing and marsh critter collection to enrich watershed knowledge and science communication with guests.

Qualifications

  • Must be 13 years – 19 years old.
  • Have to be outgoing and comfortable interacting with large groups.
  • Must have a pleasant demeanor and be able to take direction.
  • Must be reliable and punctual.
  • Must be available for a minimum of nine shifts between June and August.
  • Must be comfortable with getting a little wet and messy.

In place of onsite interviews, we are accepting video submissions for this position. Interviews can be recorded on your cell phone or tablet. After recording, upload your video to YouTube and provide us with the link on your application. If a password is required to access your video, please share it. If permission is required, please remember to grant it to us. Applications received without the interview video will not be considered.

Read and follow the instructions noted below for your video submission:

  • Each video should be 5-7 minutes.
  • Introduce yourself. Give your first and last name and two fun facts about you.
  • Share why you want to be a Watershed Warrior at the Virginia Aquarium.
  • Tell us about any experience you might have speaking in front of a small or large group.
  • Find an item in your backyard or nature, for example, a leaf, stick, or snail. Present that item as if the camera is a guest at the Aquarium. Tell us fun facts about it. Be engaging!

All watershed warrior applicants must attend a virtual information session with a parent or legal guardian on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 6:00pm. During the session, the Aquarium’s Volunteer Engagement Office will review the position requirements, the candidate selection process, and expectations for those accepted as volunteers. Access to the information session will be emailed to applicants by the close of business on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. Again, a parent or legal guardian must attend with the applicant.

Training details will be included in your welcome email if accepted as a Watershed Warrior. Training includes:

  • Online Courses
  • Onsite Orientation
  • Required attendance at three Watershed Warrior training sessions.

A complete Watershed Warrior application form must be submitted online and include the following:

  • An interview video submission. The link to your video must be provided on your application.
  • A completed application viewed and signed by a parent or legal guardian.
  • Two references that are not related to you. Follow the recommendation instructions noted on the application form.
  • A valid email address for the applicant is required on the application; communication is done primarily via email.
  • Remember, incomplete application packets are not considered.

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Have Questions?

Contact our Volunteer Engagement Office at (757) 385-0274 or via email.