Do you love aquariums, and enjoy working with kids, families, and people of all ages? Then come volunteer at Save The Bay’s Exploration Center & Aquarium! Our Aquarium is home to Dogfish Sharks, Turtles, Skates, and more. As a volunteer you will welcome visitors, help them interact with our hands-on exhibits, and teach them about the amazing animals that live in Narragansett Bay. Volunteers who complete their first 26 hours and commit to a weekly schedule can be trained to lead educational programs, or participate in aquarium & animal care. Please read the information below about the training process, and then hit Respond to sign up for the orientation! Once you are a trained volunteer, you will be shown how to sign up for volunteer shifts.
VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS:
- A strong interest in marine and environmental education.
- Willing to handle a variety of live animals.
- Commitment to volunteering a minimum total of 26 hours for seasonal volunteering, at a frequency of at least once a month. Weekly shifts are encouraged!
- Must be friendly, outgoing, reliable, and ready to learn!
- Must be 16+.
- Must undergo a background check.
- Aquarium volunteer shifts are available Wednesday-Monday (closed Tuesday) during the summer, and on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays and public school vacations from Labor Day through Memorial Day. Shift times are 9:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 12:45-4 p.m.
- Volunteers who complete their first 26 hours and commit to a weekly shift will have the option for specialized training in education, outreach, or aquarium care and animal feedings.
TRAINING:
- STEP ONE: Sign up here for a 1.5 hour orientation. (you only need to sign up for one!)
- STEP TWO: Attend orientation. Aquarium staff will introduce the applicant to all aquarium stations and go over the volunteer role. The applicant will receive the Docent Training Manual.
- STEP THREE: Complete a background check (18+ volunteers only). You will be emailed a link to complete the process online.
- STEP FOUR: Complete a “shadow shift” – observe a trained volunteer for a full shift.
- STEP FIVE: If you are a good fit for the program, then you can join the team! You will be added to our email list and asked to sign up for shifts according to your schedule.
- STEP SIX (optional): Volunteers who complete their first 26 hours and commit to a weekly shift are eligible for specialized training in education, outreach, or aquarium care and animal feedings.
PLEASE NOTE: This opportunity is not appropriate for short term or court-ordered community service.
INTERNSHIPS are also available! Our interns commit to 2-5 days a week (fall and spring), and 3-5 days per week in summer. In addition to visitor education and outreach, interns are responsible for animal care and feeding. See our internship posting for more information.
