Aquarium staff member feeding terrapins

Full-Time Employment

The Virginia Aquarium recruits and hires most employees through the City of Virginia Beach, and offers generous professional development opportunities! View available full-time positions on the City's website.

Part-Time Contract Employment

We are currently hiring for the following part-time positions:

Hourly Rate

$15.36

Hours

Flexible shifts including weekends and holidays between the hours of 8:30am and 5:15pm.

Duties

Provide exceptional guest service that transforms a day at the Aquarium from ordinary to extraordinary.

  • Greet all guests in line of sight with a smile, a verbal greeting, and approachable friendliness.
  • Direct guests through the entry process. Scan admission tickets, check photo ID’s, stamp Member hands.
  • Assist guests in a friendly and positive manner by using your knowledge of Aquarium offerings, prices, Membership, directions and general information.
  • Occasionally sell tickets, in person, through FocusPoint ticketing system for various activities offered at the Aquarium including Aquarium admissions, boat trips, Memberships. Receive payment by cash, credit cards or vouchers. Issue receipts, refunds or change due to guest.
  • Become familiar with the Aquarium’s story – history, accomplishments and future goals.
  • Go beyond what is expected – deliver personal experiences that inspire, delight, and engage.
  • Project a professional image while in uniform.

Preferences:

Outstanding customer service skills; completion of at least two years of high school; enthusiastic, motivated and enjoy working with people; cash handling experience; excellent written and verbal communication skills; have ability and willingness to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.

Requirements:

Applicants must be able to work flexible shifts including weekends and holidays and be available to work between the hours of 8:30am and 5:15pm. This is a position that requires the applicant to stand for long periods of time, it is not a seated position.

How to Apply

​Send a resume by email to VAMSCGSO@virginiaaquarium.com , or by mail to:

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
717 General Booth Blvd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23451.

Applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. This position will be employed through Abacus Staffing Services.

Salary

$15.45/hour

Hours

Will vary but will include weekends and some evenings.

Duties

  • Provide an exceptional experience for Aquarium guests.
  • Interact and engage with guests.
  • Facilitate one-on-one, small group, and large group programs, thematic evening events, and science demonstrations.
  • Facilitate one-on-one interactions with Aquarium guests in key engagement areas throughout both buildings including the Chesapeake Bay, Ray and Jellies Touch Pools, Sea Turtles, Sharks, and Otters.
  • Provide guests with educational information including conservation messages.
  • Provide and support additional educational engagement opportunities as needed.
  • Assist guests with customer service needs.
  • Coach and mentor teen and adult docents.

Requirements

  • High school diploma
  • Any combination of college coursework and work or volunteer experience equivalent to two years that includes science or education studies or teaching in an informal learning environment.

Preferences

Work or volunteer experience at an informal education site (aquarium, museum, zoo, etc.); customer service experience; excellent verbal presentation skills; ability to communicate effectively with guests of all ages; ability to handle tasks independently and with attention to detail.

How to Apply

Send a resume, cover letter, and two references to Karen Burns, Guest Engagement Supervisor.

Email: KPBurns@VirginiaAquarium.com (Include Guest Engagement Educator in the subject line)

or

Mail to:

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

717 General Booth Blvd.

Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451

Attention: Karen Burns

Applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

As part of the Virginia Aquarium Marketing team, the Photographer (Operations Specialist I) provides high-quality images for marketing efforts including advertising, public relations, digital channels (website, social, email) and Aquarium print collateral. The photographer attends events to capture photography that assists the marketing team in telling stories across digital and print media platforms. The Marketing team’s primary purpose is to increase Aquarium attendance and revenues while also supporting the education, conservation, and scientific research mission of the Aquarium.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Take photographs of animals and exhibits for use in a variety of marketing materials
  • Take photographs of guests, members, and staff for use in event-specific marketing
  • Cover special events related to significant animal events, fundraising events, etc. Events may fall on weekends
  • Work with Marketing team members to identify photography needs for existing animals and exhibits
  • Coordinate and schedule shoots with Brand Manager, and Animal Care, Stranding and other Aquarium sections, as needed
  • Maintain photo library, tag photos and work with Brand Manager to keep library organized
  • Follow workflow with Brand Manager regarding proofs, selects, retouching and approval processes
  • Responsible for maintaining all photographic equipment and studio systems
  • Color correct and retouch photos as needed
  • Possibility for hybrid work – onsite photography and remote editing
  • Other duties as assigned

Requirements

  • Experience photographing in low-lighting and with moving subjects
  • Experience working with a marketing or creative team
  • Ability to seek and receive direction and feedback
  • Available to cover programs and special events onsite at the Aquarium, including evenings, weekends, or holidays, as assigned
  • Schedule flexibility to cover Aquarium happenings, including unforeseen animal events
  • Work approximately 10-14 hours per week
  • Update supervisor weekly about project workload and schedule

Rate

$16/hour. Based in Hampton Roads.


If selected for an interview, candidate will be asked for their portfolio which should contain relevant information about recent and relevant photography work and experience. To apply, please email your resumé to our Brand Manager, Krista Grabowski, at KGrabowski@VirginiaAquarium.com .

Hourly Rate

$15.36

Hours

Flexible shifts including weekends and holidays and be available to work between the hours of 8:30am and 6:30pm.

Duties

Provide exceptional guest service that transforms a day at the Aquarium from ordinary to extraordinary.

  • Greet all guests in line of sight with a smile, a verbal greeting, and approachable friendliness.
  • Sell merchandise, answer questions about the merchandise, maintain a clean and organized sales floor, and restock and process merchandise.
  • Receive payment by cash, credit cards, or vouchers. Issue receipts, refunds, or change due to guests.
  • Assist guests in a friendly and positive manner by using your knowledge of Aquarium offerings, prices, Membership, directions, and general information.
  • Become familiar with the Aquarium's story – history, accomplishments, and future goals.
  • Go beyond what is expected – deliver personal experiences that inspire, delight, and engage.
  • Project a professional image while in uniform.

Requirements

  • Must be able to work flexible shifts including weekends and holidays and be available to work between the hours of 8:30am and 6:30pm.
  • This is a position that requires the applicant to stand for long periods of time, it is not a seated position.

Preferences

  • Outstanding customer service skills.
  • Completion of at least two years of high school.
  • Enthusiastic, motivated, and enjoy working with people.
  • Cash handling experience.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

How to Apply

Send a resume via email to TOCarrol@vbgov.com .

Hourly rate

$15.45

Hours

Hours vary, some weekends required.

Duties

Assist the horticulture section with nature trail and horticulture exhibit maintenance, including but not limited to:

  • Mulching, maintaining, and weeding plant and shrub beds, lawn areas, and walkways
  • Pruning and trimming trees and shrubs
  • Planting, raking, collecting, and removing debris
  • Operation of a lawnmower, leaf blower, and weed eater
  • Loading and unloading tools, equipment, soil, gravel, and sand for project assignments
  • Maintaining plants in an indoor environment
  • Storm damage cleanup
  • Other horticultural duties as required.

Requirements

  • High school graduate or GED plus some outdoor work experience.
  • Ability to use common gardening and hand tools.
  • Ability to perform physical labor under various climate conditions for extended periods.
  • Ability to bend and kneel for extended periods.
  • Ability to use a backpack blower and string trimmer for extended periods.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds. Interact with staff, volunteers, and public in a pleasant and professional manner.

Preferences

  • Have a general knowledge of horticulture practices and a desire to learn.
  • Knowledge of native Virginia plants is desirable, but not required.
  • Horticulture experience is a plus.

To Apply

Email your resume and cover letter to BRoosa@VirginiaAquarium.com
or
mail to
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
717 General Booth Blvd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23451

If selected, applicants will be hired through Abacus Staffing Services.

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is looking for a part-time Office Assistant to work in the Aquarium’s Volunteer Engagement Office and provide administrative support to the Volunteer Engagement Manager. This is a key position, and the ideal candidate must have exceptional organizational skills, strong attention to detail, and experience working in a fast-paced environment. This individual must also have strong customer service skills, an ability to maintain confidentiality, and be able to handle multiple priorities.


Hourly Rate

$15

Hours

Up to 32 hours per week. Typically Monday through Friday, 8:30am-3:00pm, and rotating weekends. Can be flexible with scheduling.

Duties

  • Provide administrative support to the Volunteer Engagement Manager
  • Process volunteer applications and screen volunteer applicants
  • Orient/onboard new volunteers
  • Answer phone inquiries
  • Review and respond to volunteer office emails
  • Greet walk-ins and respond to their requests
  • Prepare monthly recognition reports and rosters
  • Oversee volunteer office mailings and email blasts
  • Assist with volunteer database and online course database management
  • Maintain monthly inventory of volunteer uniforms
  • Coordinate logistics for volunteer classes and volunteer engagement events
  • Assist with onsite and virtual volunteer meetings and training sessions
  • Help maintain online volunteer recruitment ads
  • Participate in volunteer recruitment events
  • Assist with volunteer interview sessions and training registration
  • Respond to volunteer inquiries and process requests
  • Maintain/order office supplies
  • Oversee projects assigned to volunteers serving in the volunteer office
  • Other tasks as assigned

Requirements

Exceptional organizational skills, strong attention to detail, and experience working in a fast-paced environment without sacrificing productivity are required. Must have strong customer service skills, ability to maintain confidentiality, and handle multiple priorities. Advanced Microsoft Office Suite skills, the ability to bend and lift up to 25 pounds, and a valid driver’s license are required.

Preferences

Previous administrative support or office management experience; experience working with volunteers of varying ages; proficient in using social media with creative writing and some graphic design skills; experience screening job/volunteer applications; proven data entry and database management experience with HRIS/CRM systems such as Volgistics or similar; conservation/marine science knowledge or interest is a plus.

How to Apply

Send a cover letter and resume to AquaVols@VirginiaAquarium.com . Applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. This position will be employed through Abacus Staffing Services.

Internships

We offer several internships for college students throughout the year. These unpaid volunteer positions provide career exploration for rising college juniors and seniors seeking academic credit with an interest in pursuing careers related to biology, marine biology, science education, aquarium sciences, or related support staff positions.

The Virginia Aquarium’s Guest Engagement Section is accepting applications for Guest Engagement Interns. The application deadline is open until a candidate has been selected. Interns are expected to complete 160 hours over three consecutive months, depending on semester dates. Please note that this is an unpaid experience, and the Virginia Aquarium does not provide intern housing. Interns are fully responsible for fulfilling all requirements of their home institutions to receive academic credit.

Position Overview

The Guest Engagement Intern will be responsible for helping develop and implement early learning, pop-up Science on the Go programs, Special Event activities, and Grab Go Show bags with a focus on fun educational content accessible to all audiences.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement early learning activities that encourage the exploration of nature and science through play for a young audience.
  • Facilitate programs designed to share core conservation messages that are easy for all guests to understand.
  • Create opportunities for a wide age range of children, including pre-kindergarten and school-aged children, to explore and learn about nature at the key engagement areas in the Aquarium.
  • Develop Grab Go Show bags to compliment messaging at key engagement areas including Rays, Upland River, and Sharks.
  • Conduct evaluations on programming and activities offered to ensure educational goals are met.
  • Work with staff to ensure guests’ needs are met with excellent customer service.

Required Qualifications

  • Must be at least 18 years old.
  • Must be a rising sophomore, junior, or recent graduate.
  • Must be self-motivated, articulate, mature, reliable, and responsible. Should work well independently as well as with a team.
  • Must be physically fit, able to lift 50 pounds, and stand outdoors for long periods.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Demonstrate interest in a career in environmental education and/or science communication.
  • Have some experience working with an early learning or young audience.
  • Have excellent communication skills.
  • Be comfortable talking to guests and providing good customer service.

Position Requirements

  • Possess a valid U.S. driver’s license.
  • Pass a City of Virginia Beach background check.
  • Be available to work during the Aquarium’s operating hours, 9:00am-5:00pm, which may include occasional weekend days.

Intern Learning Objectives

  • Develop fundamental engagement skills and test strategies for informal environmental education communication.
  • Gain programming and facilitation skills by overseeing the entire program planning process.
  • Facilitate teamwork through positive actions and activities.
  • Deliver a formal report of the experience that includes insight and knowledge gained that can be shared with the education staff in an informal presentation.

Intern Schedule

The internship schedule is flexible to accommodate classes and work obligations.

Minimum Commitment Required

160 hours over a consecutive three-month period.

Intern Supervisor/Mentor

Guest Engagement Team Lead

Work Location

Virginia Aquarium’s Main and South Buildings.

Application Requirements

A complete Guest Engagement-Community Engagement Intern application packet must include the following components. Only complete application packets will be considered.

Completed Application Packets

Email the completed application packet to: Interns@VirginiaAquarium.com and copy KPBurns@VirginiaAquarium.com .

Please put "Guest Engagement Intern Application Packet" in the subject line.

OR

Mail your completed application packet to:

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

717 General Booth Boulevard

Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451

Attn: Volunteer Engagement - Intern Applicant

Fellowships

We offer fellowship opportunities in marine science, animal care, exhibits, and education, to college or post-graduate students. The Batten Fellowship also includes a stipend to help offset personal and incidental expenses. Batten Fellowships fund students to complete work in specific projects and programs.

Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion

Guest examining rainbow merchandise on table at Pride Month event.

Our Commitment

Our team recognizes that diverse communities are stronger, more resilient communities, both in nature and human society.

About Diversity & Inclusion
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