Volunteer With Us
Love marine animals and the environment? Work alongside passionate people devoted to our mission.
The Virginia Aquarium offers guests a memorable experience, but our broader mission succeeds because of our volunteers, individuals willing to share their time, unique skills, and passion for marine conservation.
If you are seeking a meaningful way to support conservation efforts addressing environmental issues, we need you. We want individuals who are excited about helping us fulfill our mission while satisfying their personal purpose to be involved in the community. We want volunteers who are eager to learn and work closely with other passionate individuals, inspired to assist others, and actively engage with our diverse public.
Are you interested in joining our dynamic team of volunteers? Then explore our rewarding opportunities for adults and youth.
Considerations before you apply for a volunteer position:
- Can you meet the minimum time commitment requested in both frequency and duration listed in the position opening?
- Consider the physical requirements of the volunteer position. Some have demanding conditions that may only be right for some.
- Do you meet the age requirements?
- What skills, interests, and experience do you possess that will ensure success in the volunteer position?
- What do you want to get out of your volunteer experience?
- If you are currently enrolled in college, expand your educational experience through an internship or fellowship.
Volunteer FAQs
One Day Volunteer Events
- Clean-ups
- E-Cycling Events
Ages
All ages welcome. All youth must be accompanied by a parent or supervising adult.
Note: E-Cycling event volunteers must be ages 13 and up.
When can I register?
Register as dates become available.
Can I register multiple volunteers at a time?
Register as a group leader, group member or individual.
When do volunteers typically start?
The day of the event.
Types of Opportunities
- Animal Ambassador
- Aquarium Store
- Diver
- Docents for Gallery Exhibits
- Docents for Boat Tours
- Fishes/Herpetology Assistant
- Grounds and Trail Maintenance
- Guest Engagement
- Landscaping
- Office Assistants
- Plumbing/Carpentry
- Stranding Response Team
- Watershed Warrior
- Youth Programs Assistant
Ages
18 years and older.
When are applications accepted?
When positions are posted.
Are there typical recruitment times for different volunteer positions?
Most positions will be filled intermittently throughout the year. When there is a demand, we will open the position.
Stranding Response Team recruits in September/October for a November start, and January/February for a May start.
When do volunteers typically start?
Dependent on the position.
What experience is needed to be a successful volunteer?
For some positions a positive attitude and on the job training. Other positions require considerable experience, knowledge and training.
Types of Opportunities
- Aquarium Store Assistant
- Gallery Docent
- Guest Engagement Ambassador
- Watershed Warrior
- Youth Programs Assistant
Ages
13-17 years old (18 years old permitted if still in high school)
When are applications accepted?
When positions are posted.
Are there typical recruitment times for different volunteer positions?
Youth applications are typically accepted in the winter for summer opportunities. If fall opportunities become available they will be posted. After volunteering in the summer, many youths continue to volunteer throughout the school year.
When do volunteers typically start?
Most youth positions begin in summer. Some training sessions begin in the spring.
Why aren't applications accepted all the time?
Staff earmarks the summer to work with and mentor youth. After summer, many successful youth volunteers choose to continue during the school year.
Ready to Make a Difference?
One-Day Volunteer Events
Want to support conservation but don't have much time? Take advantage of our one-day volunteer events!
Adult Volunteer Positions
For volunteers ages 18 and older, we have a variety of exciting opportunities for you to help support our mission!
Youth Volunteer Positions
Our youth volunteers enjoy the skills and mentorship that come with volunteering at the Aquarium!
Internships & Fellowships
Looking for an exciting internship or to become a Batten Fellow? Apply today on our Work With Us page!