Family Volunteers

Family Volunteers are part of our Education Volunteer crew. They help guests explore the Aquarium and discover animals in our habitats, especially at our touch pools. They have a passion for the ocean and are excited to interact with guests. 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. The position is critical to the success of our mission to instill a sense of wonder, respect and stewardship for the Pacific Ocean, its inhabitants, and ecosystems.

Tasks

• Staff touch pools, biofact carts, exhibit galleries, and more. They are stationed primarily in places where guests may have interactions with our marine animals or benefit from more information about exhibits and animals.
• Adults speak on the microphone to engage guests at Shark Lagoon and Ray Pool touch exhibits.
• Adults are in charge of radio usage.
• Provides accurate information about the animals and their ecosystems to guests.
• Follows and maintains safety protocols for animals and guests.
• Actively seeks opportunities to engage guests in exploration.
• Stays updated on information on current guest and staff protocols.
• For each volunteer shift, attend a 30-minute update to learn more about what’s happening around the aquarium and explore a specific topic of the week.

Time Commitment:

Family Exhibit Interpreter volunteers are expected to contribute at least 100 hours of service within a 6-month period.

• Shift days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
• Shift times are: 8:30am-1:30pm, 11:00am-4:00pm or 1:00pm-6:00pm

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

Skill Requirements

• Adults must be willing to speak on microphone.
• Ability to speak in front of small and large groups of all ages and backgrounds.
• An eagerness to create engaging experiences while maintaining accuracy of information.
• Willingness to be a team player and to take 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 between 9-15 years old and must be volunteering side-by-side with a parent or legal guardian.
• Family volunteers are expected to be engaged, focused, and professional for the full 5 hour shift.

Training:

• Aquarium 101 – this training will cover the Aquarium’s policies and procedures, and staff expectations.
• Critter College Training – this training will cover basics about the animals at the Aquarium and how to engage in conversations with guests.
• Training Day – after completing the training courses listed above, new volunteers are scheduled to shadow a fellow volunteer to practice engaging guests at touch pools, biofact carts, and more.

All training must be completed and done together side by side with the Parent/Adult and children.
Additional learning opportunities are provided by the Aquarium through online courses, lectures, daily updates, and more.

Supervision:

Family Exhibit Interpreters are under the supervision of the Education Volunteer Supervisor. Volunteers are supported by Volunteer Captains and paid staff.

Working Conditions

Family Exhibit Interpreters are moving throughout the outdoor exhibits on both floors of the Aquarium on a regular rotation during their five-hour shift. Stools for resting are provided alongside cart and touch pool stations. Some of the exhibit areas critical to this position are outside. Reasonable accommodation may be made on an individual basis.

Benefits:

Recognition for hours of service; opportunities to attend lectures, events, and workshops when available; and all other benefits as described in the AOP Volunteer Handbook.

Application

Applications are open from September 2024 – May 2025. Applications will be closed for Summer 2025.

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