Youth Volunteer ~ Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

Youth Volunteer Opportunities

Youth volunteer applications are accepted September 1 through 3:00 P.M. on February 28. The application period for Summer 2020 is now closed.

Please check back for Summer 2021 youth opportunities.

Click on individual volunteer positions for a complete review of the position requirements, interview date(s), and training date(s). Detailed interview instructions will be emailed no later than Wednesday March 4, 2020 to candidates who submitted a complete application packet.

Youth Volunteer Opportunities

Aquarium Store Assistant

Volunteer assists store personnel with daily duties such as stocking, straightening merchandise, minor cleaning and customer service.

Duties

Meet and greet the public.
Answer customer questions.
Suggest items for purchase.
Assist with dusting, straightening, and filling stock.
Assist with displaying merchandise.
Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications

Must be at least 13 years old.
Ability to interact with guests and staff in a friendly, outgoing manner.
Must have good communication skills.
Must be enthusiastic, have a high-energy level, and pleasant demeanor.
Must have the ability to bend and stand for an extended period of time; a 4 hour shift.
Some knowledge about the Aquarium preferred.

Minimum Commitment

This position requires a weekly 4 or 5 hour shift. This is a summer position with the option to volunteer during the school year.

Interview

Thursday, March 26, 2020 at 6 p.m.

Training

Online Orientation - Instructions will be included in welcome/acceptance packet.
Onsite Orientation - Tuesday, May 19, 2020 at 5:30 p.m.

Application Packet

An Aquarium Store Assistant application packet must include the following:

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center youth application form. Click here for the application.
The application form must be typed or printed legibly with blue or black ink; no pencil.
The completed application must be signed by a parent or legal guardian.
Two letters of recommendation are required. Follow recommendation instructions noted on cover page.
Since interview details are communicated via email, a valid email address is required.
Remember, incomplete application packets are not considered.

Children's Activities Helper

Volunteer assists education staff with children's birthday parties and sea camps.

Duties

Assist staff with party set-up and clean-up.
Meet and greet party guests as they arrive.
Lead games and other activities to engage party guests.
Assist with party guests during Aquarium tour.
Aid camp instructors in carrying out all daily activities including set-up and clean-up.
Facilitate camp play with campers during check-in and check-out.
Assist with the overall supervision of the campers.

Qualifications

Must be at least 15 years old.
Must have good communication skills.
Comfortable working with children of varying ages.
Must be enthusiastic with a have a high-energy level and pleasant demeanor.
Must have the ability to bend and stand for an extended period of time.
Must be able to work within a team and independently.
Must be able to take direction.
An interest in marine science and experience working with children preferred.

Minimum Commitment

This position requires a minimum of 25 hours between mid-June and August. This is a summer position with the option to volunteer with birthday parties during the school year.

Interview

The program coordinator will contact applicants to arrange an interview no later than Monday, March 9, 2020.

Training

Online Orientation - Instructions will be included in welcome/acceptance packet.

Onsite Orientation - Thursday, May 28, 2020 at 5:30 p.m.

Application Packet

A Children's Activities Helper application packet must include the following:

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center youth application form. Click here for the application.
The application form must be typed or printed legibly with blue or black ink; no pencil.
The completed application must be signed by a parent or legal guardian.
Two letters of recommendation are required. Follow recommendation instructions noted on cover page.
Since interview details are communicated via email, a valid email address is required.
Remember, incomplete application packets are not considered.

Family Gallery Docent

This is an opportunity for family members to volunteer together at the Aquarium. As a team, volunteers will share information about the Aquarium's exhibits and Virginia's marine environment with guests.

Duties

Present accurate information to visitors regarding exhibits.
Engage guests in conversations to ensure they have a memorable and positive visit to the Aquarium.
Participate in educational opportunities offered by the Aquarium.

Qualifications

Must be at least 13 years old.
Ability to take direction, work within a team and independently.
Must have good communication skills, enjoy interacting with the public, and comfortable speaking before groups of people.
Ability to learn by reading, listening and/or observing.
Must be able to stand for an extended period of time.
Must be reliable and punctual.

Minimum Commitment

This position requires a minimum of one 4½ hour shift a week for at least nine weeks out of the summer. Youth applicants must be paired with a parent or guardian.

Interview

Thursday, March 19, 2020; 6 p.m.

Training

Online Orientation - Instructions will be included in welcome/acceptance packet.
Onsite Orientation - Wednesday, April 29, 2020 at 5:30 p.m.
Family Gallery Docent trainees must attend one "A" and one "B" Touch Pool Exhibit Guide training and one Gallery Docent training session. Two sessions of each training are offered.
Touch Pool Exhibit Guide Training A, Saturday, May 2, 2020; 8:30 a.m.
Touch Pool Exhibit Guide Training A, Tuesday, May 12, 2020; 5:30 p.m.
Touch Pool Exhibit Guide Training B, Thursday, May 7, 2020; 5:30 p.m.
Touch Pool Exhibit Guide Training B, Saturday, May 16, 2020; 8:30 a.m.Gallery Docent Training, Wednesday, June 10^th, 2020; 5:30 p.m. OR
Gallery Docent Training, Tuesday, June 30, 2020 at 5:30 p.m.

Application Packet

A Family Gallery Docent application packet must include the following:

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center youth application form. Click here for the application.
Parents and/or guardians must complete an adult application form.
Both application forms must be typed or printed legibly with blue or black ink; no pencil.
The completed youth application must be signed by a parent or legal guardian.
Two letters of recommendation must accompany the youth application form. Two professional references are required on the adult application.
Since interview details are communicated via email, a valid email address is required on both applications.
Remember, incomplete application packets are not considered.

Gallery Docent

Volunteer shares information about the Aquarium's exhibits and Virginia's marine environment with guests.

Duties

Present accurate information to visitors regarding exhibits.
Engage guests in conversations to ensure they have a memorable and positive visit to the Aquarium.
Participate in educational opportunities offered by the Aquarium.

Qualifications

Must be 14 at least years old and have an interest in the marine environment.
Volunteer service as a Touch Pool Exhibit Guide is a prerequisite for this position.
Ability to take direction, work within a team and independently.
Must have good communication skills, enjoy interacting with the public and comfortable speaking before groups of people.
Ability to learn by reading, listening and/or observing.
Must have the ability to stand for an extended period of time.
Must be reliable and punctual.

Minimum Commitment

This position requires a minimum of one 4½ hour shift for at least nine weeks out of the summer. Although this is a summer position, volunteers that remain during the school year have the option to learn new skills and advance to additional opportunities. This position is also great for homeschooled teens.

Interview

Thursday, March 19, 2020; 6 p.m.

Training

Online Orientation
Gallery Docent trainees must attend one training session offered on the following dates: Wednesday, June 10, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. OR Tuesday, June 30, 2020 at 5:30 p.m.

Application Packet

A Gallery Docent application packet must include the following:

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center youth application form. Click here for the application.
The application form must be typed or printed legibly with blue or black ink; no pencil.
The completed application must be signed by a parent or legal guardian.
Two letters of recommendation are required. Follow recommendation instructions noted on cover page.
Since interview details are communicated via email, a valid email address is required.
Remember, incomplete application packets are not considered.

Marsh Ambassador

Volunteer greets and leads Aquarium guests in educational activities and tours along the marsh overlook and nature trail.

Duties

Greet Aquarium guests.
Engage visitors in conversations and activities to ensure they have a memorable and positive visit.

Qualifications

Must be at least 13 years old.
Must be outgoing and comfortable interacting with large groups.
Ability to stand for an extended period of time.
Must have a pleasant demeanor and able to take direction.
An interest in marine science a plus.

Minimum Commitment

This position requires a minimum of one 3¾ hour shift a week on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, or Saturday. Volunteer must be available at least nine weeks between June and August. This is a summer only position.

Interview

Tuesday, March 17, 2020; 6 p.m.

Training

Online Orientation - Instructions will be included in welcome/acceptance packet.
Onsite Orientation - Wednesday, April 29, 2020 at 5:30 p.m.
Marsh Ambassador Training A, Saturday, May 2, 2020; 10 a.m.
Marsh Ambassador Training B, Sunday, May 3, 2020; 10 a.m.

Application Packet

A Marsh Ambassador application packet must include the following:

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center youth application form. Click here for the application.
The application form must be typed or printed legibly with blue or black ink; no pencil.
The completed application must be signed by a parent or legal guardian.
Two letters of recommendation are required. Follow recommendation instructions noted on cover page.
Since interview details are communicated via email, a valid email address is required.
Remember, incomplete application packets are not considered.

Ticket Taking Assistant

Your outgoing personality is the perfect fit for this position! Work on the front lines greeting and directing Aquarium guests.

Duties:

Greet and direct visitors.
Stamp guests' hand to allow visitation and re-entry to the Aquarium.
Share information and answer visitor questions.
Monitor assigned areas for traffic flow and safety.

Qualifications:

Must be at least 13 years old.
Comfortable standing for an extended period of time.
Exceptional people skills.
Must be outgoing and personable.
A pleasant disposition is required.
Must be comfortable with crowds.

Minimum Commitment
This position requires a minimum of one 4 hour shift a week. Volunteer must be available at least nine weeks between June and August. This is a summer position with the option to volunteer during the school year.

Interview
Thursday, March 26, 2020 at 6 p.m.

Training

Online Orientation - Instructions will be included in welcome/acceptance packet.
Onsite Orientation - Tuesday, May 19, 2020 at 5:30 p.m.
Ticket Taking Assisting Training, Saturday, June 6, 2020; 9 a.m.

Application Packet

A Ticket Taking Assistant application packet must include the following:

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center youth application form. Click here for the application.
The application form must be typed or printed legibly with blue or black ink; no pencil.
The completed application must be signed by a parent or legal guardian.
Two letters of recommendation are required. Follow recommendation instructions noted on cover page.
Since interview details are communicated via email, a valid email address is required.
Remember, incomplete application packets are not considered.

Toddler Program Assistant

Volunteer assists Toddler Program Coordinator with planning and presenting toddler events. This is a great volunteer opportunity for homeschooled teens.

Duties

Assist with toddler program preparations.
Help engage toddlers in conversations and hands-on activities during programs.

Qualifications

Must be at least 14 years old.
Must be out-going, have high energy level and comfortable working with toddlers.
Individual with artistic and/or musical abilities a plus.
Must have a pleasant demeanor and able to take direction.
An interest in marine science and experience working with children preferred.

Minimum Commitment
This position requires a minimum of one 4½ hour shift a week. Volunteer must be available at least nine weeks between June and August. This is a summer position with the option to volunteer during the school year.

Interview
The program coordinator will contact applicants to arrange an interview no later than Monday, March 9, 2020.

Training

Online Orientation - Instructions will be included in welcome/acceptance packet.
Onsite Orientation - Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at 5:30 p.m.

Application Packet

A Toddler Program Assistant application packet must include the following:

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center youth application form. Click here for the application.
The application form must be typed or printed legibly with blue or black ink; no pencil.
The completed application must be signed by a parent or legal guardian.
Two letters of recommendation are required. Follow recommendation instructions noted on cover page.
Since interview details are communicated via email, a valid email address is required.
Remember, incomplete application packets are not considered.

Touch Pool Exhibit Guide

Volunteer provides fun, engaging and educational experiences for Aquarium guests while sharing information about the animals in the Chesapeake Bay Aquarium and Rays touch pools.

Duties

Present accurate information to visitors regarding exhibits.
Engage guests in conversations to ensure they have a memorable and positive visit to the Aquarium.
Participate in educational opportunities offered by the Aquarium.

Qualifications

Must be at least 14 years old with an interest in the marine environment.
Ability to take direction, work within a team and independently.
Must have good communication skills, enjoy interacting with the public and comfortable speaking before groups of people.
Must have the ability to stand for an extended period of time.
Must be reliable and punctual.

Minimum Commitment

This position requires a minimum of one 4½ hour shift a week. Volunteer must be available at least nine weeks between June and August. This is a summer position with the option to volunteer during the school year.

Interview

Applicants will have the option to attend one of the following interview dates. An RSVP is required. Details will be emailed.

- Tuesday, March 10, 2020; 6 p.m.

- Wednesday, March 11, 2020; 6 p.m.

Training

Online Orientation - Instructions will be included in welcome/acceptance packet.
Onsite Orientation - Wednesday, April 29, 2020 at 5:30 p.m.
Touch Pool Exhibit Guide trainees must attend one "A" and one "B" Touch Pool Exhibit Guide training session. Two sessions of each training are offered.
Touch Pool Exhibit Guide Training A, Saturday, May 2, 2020; 8:30 a.m.
Touch Pool Exhibit Guide Training A, Tuesday, May 12, 2020; 5:30 p.m.
Touch Pool Exhibit Guide Training B, Tuesday, May 5, 2020; 5:30 p.m.
Touch Pool Exhibit Guide Training B, Saturday, May 16, 2020; 8:30 a.m.

Application Packet

A Touch Pool Exhibit Guide application packet must include the following:

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center youth application form. Click here for the application.
The application form must be typed or printed legibly with blue or black ink; no pencil.
The completed application must be signed by a parent or legal guardian.
Two letters of recommendation are required. Follow recommendation instructions noted on cover page.
Since interview details are communicated via email, a valid email address is required.
Remember, incomplete application packets are not considered.

Water Quality Lab Assistant

Assist Water Quality Lab staff in performing a variety of routine water quality analyses and clean up. There is only one slot available for this position.

Duties

Calibrate pH meter and salinity meter.
Measure and record salinities, pH, and alkalinities.

Wash sample bottles and glassware.

Qualifications

Must be 16 years or older.
Candidate should be in good health; must be able to stand for 4+ hours with minimal breaks.
Strong vision with or without glasses is required.
Must have excellent fine motor skills.
Knowledge of safe laboratory operating practices.
Ability to keep legible, neat, and accurate records.
Detail oriented with ability to remain focused in fast-paced environment.
Ability to follow Standard Operating Procedures.
Punctual and reliable.
Lab or school experience (chemistry, biology, environmental, math)

Minimum Commitment

This position requires a weekly 4 or 5 hour shift. This is a summer position with the option to volunteer during the school year.

Interview

The program coordinator will contact applicants to arrange an interview no later than Monday, March 9, 2020.

Training

Online Orientation - Instructions will be included in welcome/acceptance packet.
Onsite Orientation - A one-on-one orientation session will be scheduled by volunteer office staff.

Application Packet

A Water Quality Lab Assistant application packet must include the following:

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center youth application form. Click here for the application.
The application form must be typed or printed legibly with blue or black ink; no pencil.
The completed application must be signed by a parent or legal guardian.
Two letters of recommendation are required. Follow recommendation instructions noted on cover page.
Since interview details are communicated via email, a valid email address is required.
Remember, incomplete application packets are not considered.

Youth Volunteer

​​​​​​​​​​​​Youth Volunteer Opportunities

Youth Volunteer Opportunities

Youth Volunteer Opportunities