Adult Volunteer Opportunities
Aquarium Store Assistant
Are you looking to develop or enhance your retail and customer service skills? Want to know more about what happens behind the scenes in a retail operation? Assist with engaging guests and responding to inquiries, pricing and displaying merchandise, annual inventory, maintaining the sales floor, and helping with crowd control. Customer service experience is a plus!
Must be able to stand for an extended period and willing to develop knowledge of Aquarium Store products.
Must be available to volunteer at least one 4 to 4.5-hour shift a week for a minimum of six months.
Grounds and Trail Maintenance Technician
Indulge your love of plants and gardening while assisting the Aquarium’s horticulturist and facilities team with groundskeeping and exhibit maintenance. Duties include planting, mulching, pruning, and weeding. Volunteers also clear limbs, leaves, and debris from the Nature Trail, mow grassy areas, and water outside spaces and inside exhibits.
Must be able to stand, bend, and walk for prolonged periods; use a backpack-style leaf blower, push mower, rake, and string trimmer. The ability to withstand varying outdoor conditions such as heat, humidity, cold, wind, insects, and wildlife is necessary. Must also be comfortable interacting with Aquarium guests pleasantly and professionally.
At least one four-hour weekly shift for six months is required. Shifts are four hours, Monday-Thursday, 7:30am–11:30am. The option to volunteer on Saturday or Sunday is available following training.
Special Events Docent
Do you love learning and enjoy connecting with a diverse group? This can be the perfect position for you! As a special events 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 two shifts a month for one year is required following training.
New guest engagement docents must attend all seven sessions of onsite training at the Virginia Aquarium.
Class Name | Class Date | Location |
Session 1: | Tuesday, May 6, 2025 5:30pm-7:30pm | North Building Classroom |
Session 2: Upland & Coastal River Rooms | Thursday, May 8, 2025 5:30pm-7:30pm | North Building Classroom |
Session 3: Restless Planet | Tuesday, May 13, 2025 5:30pm-7:30pm | North Building Classroom |
Session 4: Sharks, Sea Turtles, & Cold Water Gallery | Thursday, May 15, 2025 5:30pm-7:30pm | North Building Classroom |
Session 5: | Tuesday, May 20, 2025 5:30pm-7:30pm | North Building Classroom |
Session 6: | Thursday, May 22, 2025 5:30pm-7:30pm | South Building Theater |
Session 7: Emergency Procedures & Wrap-Up | Tuesday, May 27, 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.
