Needs From: Save The Bay

Create an account if it is your first time here!
See Youth volunteering for information on how to set up an account as a minor, or on volunteering as a family.
See our Aquarium Volunteer page for an overview of the program.

We are now accepting applications for the October 1, 2026 - January 31, 2027 cycle. 

APPLY HERE

As a member of Save The Bay’s Hamilton Family Aquarium aquarist team, aquarist volunteers/interns are responsible for assisting with the care and maintenance of our collection of live animals 100% sourced in Rhode Island waters. You will have the opportunity to assist with our nursery, breeding, conservation, and rescue programs based out of our aquarium. Volunteers/interns provide assistance in the maintenance and cleaning of the exhibits, life support systems, and the care and feeding of animals. See a quick tour of our Aquarium here!

Note: There are extremely limited positions for this role. Interviews for selected applicants will begin in August. We are primarily seeking to fill shifts on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.

Time Commitment: 2 full-day shifts (9:30am-4:30pm) per week for a period of 4 months.

Cohorts run from February-May, June-September, and October-January. We can accommodate semester length schedules for students (Jan-May, May-Aug, Sept-Dec).We occasionally have openings for half-day morning shifts (9:30am-1pm), also 1x/week for a period of 4 months. These special opportunities will be listed here if available: Mon AM, Wed AM, Sat AM. There will be an option to select which shifts you are interested in when you apply.

Role & Responsibilities

General marine and freshwater animal care of species local to the Narragansett Bay and surrounding watershed, including day to day animal care, handling, moving animals from tank to tank, receiving new animals Animal husbandry, including preparing diets, cleaning tanks, removing animal waste Life support system maintenance, including washing filters, protein skimmers, water changesAssist with cleaning all quarantine and life support areas: cleaning nets, foot baths, floorsCare and management of exhibits: scrubbing tanks, water chemistry monitoring, aquascapingOrganism collection and release in Narragansett BayAdditional responsibilities are assigned as volunteer masters given tasks

Requirements

Have a strong interest in maintaining and public aquariums (experience preferred) Interested in or have basic knowledge of small marine and freshwater animal care techniques, water quality management, aquarist duties, feeding techniques, and/or the maintenance of exhibits and life support systemsWilling and able to work indoors and outdoors Able to lift up to 45lbs regularly, occasionally up to 60lbs Creative, reliable, and flexible team member Prompt arrival for shifts in uniform provided by Save The Bay Undergo a criminal background check Able to follow communication procedures and promptly answer inquiries via phone or email Enjoy working with people of various agesWilling to get wet and dirty

Application Items: APPLY HERE! You must submit a PDF file of your cover letter and resume to be considered for an aquarist volunteer position.

Internship Option

The Aquarist role is open to ages 16+. If you are a student seeking an internship, please indicate that on your application. Aquarist interns commit to 2 full-day shifts per week (including one weekend day) for a total of 180 hours over the course of their semester. Internships are offered in the fall, spring, and summer semesters.

We will gladly work with your university if they offer college credit for unpaid internships or work study. Many colleges offer stipends for students doing unpaid internships. Check out our Student Guide to Internship Funding for tips! Additional Save The Bay internships available here! 

If a half-day AM shift opportunity is available, and that commitment will satisfy your school’s requirement, we are happy to work with your program. However, the 2 full-day shift commitment is necessary to be considered an aquarist “intern” by Save The Bay.

Create an account if it is your first time here!
See Youth volunteering for information on how to set up an account as a minor, or on volunteering as a family.
See our Aquarium Volunteer page for an overview of the program.

We are now accepting applications for the October 1, 2026 - January 31, 2027 cycle. 

APPLY HERE

At Save The Bay’s Hamilton Family Aquarium, our volunteer and intern educators welcome visitors, educate them about the ecology of Narragansett Bay, and help them interact with our live exhibits. See a quick tour of our Aquarium here. Educators will undergo a training program to learn information about the species and habitats of Narragansett Bay and master environmental education techniques. Check out our volunteer manual for an overview!

Time Commitment

Volunteers: 1 half-day shift per week for a period of 4 months. Multiple or full-day shifts are welcome.Interns: 1 full-day + 1 half-day shift per week for the fall/spring semester; 2 full-day shifts per week for the summer semester. See bottom of this page for full intern details.Additional training opportunities are offered proportional to time commitment and length of service.

Role & Responsibilities

Visitor relations; greeting and welcoming guests at the Aquarium Hands-on environmental education techniques and programming for guests of all ages Learn about the marine biology, habitats, and species of Narragansett Bay

Requirements

Have a strong interest in public aquariums Interested in or have basic knowledge of small marine and freshwater animals Excellent communication skills – must be comfortable speaking to and engaging with the general public on Save The Bay’s behalf Enjoy working with children and have a strong interest in environmental education Public speaking skills & strong sense of professionalism Creative, reliable, and flexible team member Prompt arrival for shifts in uniform provided by Save The Bay Undergo a criminal background check Able to follow communication procedures and promptly answer inquiries via phone or email 

Shift Times

Cohorts run from February-May, June-September, and October-January. We can accommodate semester length schedules for students. We occasionally offer cohorts starting in April, August, and December as staffing needs arise.Shift Times: Custom shifts are NOT available.Fall/Winter/Spring shift timesAM 9:30am - 1pmPM 12:45 - 4:30pmFULL DAY 9:30am - 4:30pm w/ lunch breakSummer shift times: July & August 2026AM 8:30am - 12:30pmPM 12:15pm - 4:30pmFULL DAY 8:30am - 4:30pm w/ lunch break

Application Items: APPLY HERE! Students seeking an internship should include PDF files of their cover letter and resume.

Internship Option

The Aquarium Educator role is open to ages 16+. If you are a student seeking an internship, please indicate that on your application. Aquarium Educator Interns commit to the following:

Weekly shift requirement:Fall/spring semesters: 1 full-day shift on Saturday or Sunday + 1 half-day shift on a weekday for a total of 120 hours.Summer semester: 2 full-day shifts per week, including one on Saturday or Sunday, for a total of 180 hours. Shifts are the same days each week for the whole semester. Custom shifts are not available.Complete one of the education based extra projects, as outlined in the training resources. Work time will be given during your regular shifts.Participate in two check-in meetings with Aquarium staff to discuss goals for the internship.

We will gladly work with your university if they offer college credit for unpaid internships or work study. Many colleges offer stipends for students doing unpaid internships. Check out our Student Guide to Internship Funding for tips! Additional Save The Bay internships available here! 

If the volunteer level commitment will satisfy your school’s requirement, we are happy to work with your program. However, the above requirements are necessary to be considered an “intern” by Save The Bay.