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.
The Aquarist volunteer role is currently full. Please check back in December for February - May 2026 openings. You can also complete this form to be notified when we are accepting applications.
As a member of Save The Bay’s Hamilton Family Aquarium aquarist team, aquarist volunteers 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 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: This role has extremely limited spots.
Applicant Criteria
- Enjoy working with people of various ages
- Have a strong interest in maintaining and cleaning aquarium tanks and systems (experience preferred)
- Interested in learning about or have previous experience in water quality management, aquarist duties, and the maintenance of exhibits and life support systems
- Interested in or have basic knowledge of small marine animal feeding techniques
- Be flexible and understanding of the quick changes that may happen throughout the shift
- Able to lift 50lbs
- Able to be on your feet for an entire shift (3.5 hours)
- Willing to get wet and dirty
- Strong attention to detail
Volunteer Responsibilities
- Assist with animal husbandry: day to day animal care, handling, moving animals from tank to tank, receiving new animals
- Assist with animal feedings: preparing food, giving food to animals
- Assist with maintenance of life support systems: washing filters, protein skimmers, water changes
- Assist with cleaning all quarantine and life support areas: cleaning nets, foot baths, floors
- Assist with the care and management of exhibits: scrubbing tanks, water chemistry monitoring, aquascaping
- Additional responsibilities are assigned as volunteer masters given tasks
Commitment: 1 half-day AM shift (9:30am - 1pm) per week for a period of 4 months; you are more than welcome to commit to multiple shifts per week. This opportunity is not offered on the academic (summer break) schedule. Volunteers must commit to the full 4-month period.
Application and training process
- Interested volunteers will complete an online application.
- Qualified applicants will be offered a brief interview via Zoom and will be able to ask any questions about the program.
- Accepted applicants will be sent training materials to read, will attend an in person orientation, and commit to a schedule.
- Volunteers will work closely with a trained aquarist staff to develop knowledge and skills.
- NOTE: We recommend visiting the aquarium before applying to be a volunteer!
