Youth Volunteer Opportunities

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.

Only accepted volunteer applicants may attend training sessions. If accepted as a guest engagement docent, training details will be included in your welcome email. Training includes:

• Online courses
• Onsite orientation
• Attendance at seven onsite guest engagement docent training sessions

New gallery docent training combines interactive classroom sessions and hands-on experimentation/role play at Aquarium exhibits. There are seven sessions, and you are required to attend them all. In addition to an overview of the “day in the life of a gallery docent,” you will be introduced to the Aquarium’s main exhibits: the Upland River Room and Coastal River Room, Restless Planet, Sharks, Sea Turtles, Cold Water Gallery, Touch Pools, and the Chesapeake Bay Aquarium. Facilitators will also share tips and basic techniques to help you connect with and share exhibit content with Aquarium guests. 

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.