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.
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 times
- AM 9:30am - 1pm
- PM 12:45 - 4:30pm
- FULL DAY 9:30am - 4:30pm w/ lunch break
- Summer shift times: July & August 2026
- AM 8:30am - 12:30pm
- PM 12:15pm - 4:30pm
- FULL DAY 8:30am - 4:30pm w/ lunch break
- Fall/Winter/Spring shift times
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.
