Education Family Volunteers

We’re seeking volunteers who are passionate about the ocean and eager to engage with guests. Education Family Volunteers are stationed in areas where guests can interact with marine science, such as animal touch pools and educational carts. We welcome family volunteers from many different types of families. Family volunteers consist of one adult volunteer (parent or authorized adult over 18) with one or two child volunteers (ages 9 and up). Adults volunteer side by side with the child(ren) to engage guests in ocean science education. This role is essential in fostering a sense of wonder and a greater appreciation and understanding of the Pacific Ocean and its rich marine life.

We’re seeking volunteers who are passionate about the ocean and eager to engage with guests. Education Family Volunteers are stationed in areas where guests can interact with marine science, such as animal touch pools and educational carts. We welcome family volunteers from many different types of families. Family volunteers consist of one adult volunteer (parent or authorized adult over 18) with one or two child volunteers (ages 9 and up). Adults volunteer side by side with the child(ren) to engage guests in ocean science education. This role is essential in fostering a sense of wonder and a greater appreciation and understanding of the Pacific Ocean and its rich marine life.

Essential Functions

What does this position do?

• Volunteers engage guests in hands-on exploration at touch pools, biofact carts, exhibit galleries, and more.
• Adults lead guest learning experiences at Shark Lagoon, Penguins and Our Living Coastline using a microphone.
• Shares accurate information about animals and their ecosystems with guests.
• Adheres to safety protocols for both animals and guests.
• Actively seeks out opportunities to engage guests in discovery and exploration.
• Encourages guests to make connections with animals and habitats, following all staff guidelines.
• Participates in a daily 30-minute briefing to stay informed about aquarium updates and explore a weekly topic.

Knowledge and Skills

Prerequisites:

• Adults must be willing to speak on microphone
• An eagerness to create engaging experiences while maintaining accuracy of information
• Willingness to learn and take direction
• Reliable, self-motivated, and able to work both independently and with a team
• Ability to speak in front of small and large groups of all ages and backgrounds
• Team player who takes direction and input from both volunteer and paid supervisors
• Flexibility in testing new approaches to science communication according to training or direction from supervisors
• Children in the program must be volunteering side-by-side with a parent or authorized adult
• Family volunteers are expected to be engaged, focused, and professional for the full 5 hour shift.

Working Environment

Volunteers can expect a dynamic working environment with both indoor and outdoor spaces that include uneven surfaces, changing temperatures, exposure to sunlight and weather.

This position involves frequent travel from one part of the Aquarium to another.

Physical Demands

• Ability to move from one station to another across the Aquarium every 30 minutes.
• Stools are available at stations for resting during the regular rotation.
• Some exhibit areas critical to this position are outside.
• Able to speak for extended periods to audiences.
• Able to project voice to audiences, as appropriate.

Mental Demands

• Flexibility and adaptability in dealing with high levels of responsibility.
• Empathy and patience when it comes to working with people from a wide variety of backgrounds and ages.
• Ability to maintain positive and productive relationships with colleagues and guests, even when differing perspectives present potential for conflict.
• Flexibility and adaptability to handle changes in schedules or responsibilities.
• Empathy and emotional intelligence to understand and respond to the needs of colleagues or customers.
• Ability to maintain composure and handle difficult situations with professionalism.
• Ability to cope with occasional illness, injury, or loss.

Commitment and Shift Availability

• Minimum Commitment: at least 100 hours of service within a 6-month period.
• Weekly 5-hour shifts
• Shifts are available Monday – Friday
  
  • AM: 8:30am – 1:30pm
  • Mid: 11:00am-4:00pm
  • PM: 1:00pm – 6:00pm

If accepted into the program, volunteers are assigned to a set day and time based on our program needs and applicant availability.

Training

• Aquarium 101, an introduction to the Aquarium’s operations, policies, procedures, and staff expectations.
• Critter College Training covering the basics about the animals at the Aquarium and how to engage in conversations with guests.
• Peer training includes two days of 1:1 mentorship while shadowing a fellow volunteer to practice engaging guests at touch pools, biofact carts, and more.
• Mentorship by Day Captain Volunteers and Education Paid Staff members.
• Additional learning opportunities are provided by the Aquarium through online courses, lectures, daily updates with education paid staff, and more.
• All training must be completed and done together side by side with the Parent/Adult and children.

Application

Thank you for your interest but this application is currently closed.