Youth Volunteer Opportunities

Youth volunteer applications are being accepted through 3:00 pm on Friday, February 28, 2025. Applications are not considered after the deadline. Please note that the current application period is for Summer 2025. Please be sure to follow the instructions noted at the top of the form.

Gallery 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 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 14 at least 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.*

Read and follow the instructions noted below 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.

*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.

On Monday, October 7, 2024, at 6:00pm, all Aquarium guest engagement docent applicants must attend a virtual information session with a parent or legal guardian. 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, October 5, 2024. Again, a parent or legal guardian must attend with the applicant.

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; communication is done primarily via email.
Remember, incomplete application packets are not considered.

Gallery Engagement Docent

Duties

Qualifications

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