By teens, for teens: The Aquarium’s Teen Science Café volunteers collaborate with
science professionals to share their career journey and research, providing a space for youth to discover and connect with new opportunities and pathways for conservation and stewardship. Teen volunteers work with scientists to create themed events that include a short interactive talk from a scientist, background information presented by the teens themselves, and a fun activity or craft to make learning for guests hands-on. By making science more accessible to teens and sharing diverse options to get involved, our mission is to inspire the next generation through an interactive and highly engaging learning experience.
Essential Functions
What does this position do?
- Collaborate with fellow teen volunteers and work as a team to plan and execute
successful Teen Science Café events
- Research and connect with scientists across diverse disciplines, including but not
limited to marine biology, ocean conservation, and environmental stewardship
- Exchange constructive feedback with scientists and peers to grow, learn, and
develop skills in science communication that is engaging and accessible
- Reflect on best practices to continue growing and developing as an educator
- Organize logistics for regularly scheduled events at the Michelle Obama
Neighborhood Library
- Plan and present engaging content reflecting scientific research with featured
scientists and fellow volunteers
- Utilize and develop public speaking skills to engage the public in science
- Brainstorm and execute unique and hands-on activities for interactive learning
- Market and promote events across traditional and social media platforms, including
the creation of flyers and posts for the @aopteens Instagram account
Qualifications
- Must be 15 – 17 years of age
- Able to work independently and as part of a team
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills
- Open minded, friendly, and welcoming
- Willingness to participate, learn, and grow
- Passionate about science, the ocean, and conservation
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Ability to move around the Aquarium and various outreach locations
- Ability to sit or stand at a desk for extended periods of time
- Manual dexterity to operate a computer and other office equipment
- May include moving tables, setting up chairs, carrying outreach supplies; including
linens, food, biofacts, flyers etc.
- Occasional walking, standing, and movement in low-light or dark conditions across
uneven walkways and stairs, both indoors and outdoors, in a variety of weather
conditions
Mental Demands
The mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the
individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this role. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the
essential functions.
- Ability to support a diverse group of volunteer peers and guests with
professionalism and patience
- Comfortable multitasking and taking initiative
- Positive attitude and emotional intelligence when engaging with students and staff
- Collaborative mindset and strong communication skills
- Strong problem-solving skills to analyze issues and find effective solutions and
alternatives
- Flexibility and adaptability to handle changes in schedules or responsibilities
- Critical thinking and decision-making abilities to handle complex situations
- Empathy and emotional intelligence to understand and respond to the needs of
colleagues or customers
Working Environment
- Work is primarily during the day (10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.) at the Aquarium with
occasional evening events and offsite conservation opportunities
- Offsite conservation opportunities include but are not limited to wildlife
monitoring, beach cleanups, habitat restoration, etc.
- Events will take place in the evening (4:30 – 7:30 p.m.) at the Michelle Obama
Neighborhood Library (5870 Atlantic Ave, Long Beach, CA 90805)
- Classroom setting with both individual and collaborative work
Time Commitment and Availability
Programming Dates: September 28, 2025 to May 31, 2026
- September 1, 2025: Applications Close
- September 14, 2025: Interviews at the Aquarium
- September 28, 2025: First Teen Science Café Meeting
- Weekly meetings: Sundays, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. A calendar will be sent out at the beginning of the session with holidays and breaks. In order to be successful in this program, we ask that all volunteers attend at least 75% of shifts per month. A detailed attendance agreement will be sent out upon acceptance.
- Five Teen Science Café events will be planned throughout the session on Fridays (TBD), 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.
- May 31, 2026: Ceremony celebrating the completion of the 2025-2026 Session
Training
- Aquarium 101 online course
- Onsite guidance and training in essential functions will be provided by Aquarium
staff and peer volunteers
- Supplemental online training on interpretation and communication in an Aquarium
setting with in-person review
Volunteer Application
To learn more about Teen Science Café, please explore our Youth Stewardship page.
