Special Events Volunteer

Special Event Volunteers are the primary source of animal and habitat information for our guests in the evenings. They also can assist with our weekend cultural festivals. The position is critical to the success of our mission to instill a sense of wonder, respect, and stewardship.

Tasks

• Special Event Volunteers interpret at Touch Labs and are on microphone at Shark Lagoon and Ray Pool.
• They are stationed at those places where guests may interact with our marine animals.
• Provide accurate information about the animals and their ecosystems to guests, while assuring the safety of both the animal and the guest during the interaction.
• Engage guests in informative conversations throughout the Aquarium.
• Take ownership of issues and resolve them to achieve guest satisfaction and animal protection, in accordance with the Aquarium’s service excellence program.
• Help check-in performers & vendors at cultural festivals.
• Escort performers to stage or dressing room areas.
• Assist marketing staff as needed during festivals.

Skill Requirements

• A passion for the oceans and their inhabitants
• An outgoing personality and eagerness to share accurate information.
• Ability to speak in front of small and large groups of people of all ages and backgrounds.
• Willingness to be a team player and to take direction and input from both volunteer and paid supervisors.
• Must be willing to speak on microphone.
• Must be able to commit to at least 50 hours within a 6-month period.
• Must be at least 16 years old.

Time Commitment

Special Event Volunteers are expected to complete a minimum of 50 hours within a 6-month period; 2 shifts per month (Sept-May) and 3 shifts per month (June-August).

Shift Times

• Summer schedule (June – Labor Day): 4pm – 8pm daily
• Winter Break: 4pm – 8pm daily
• Some weekday evenings, times vary (6pm-8:30pm is a common shift time)
• Festival shifts available 8am-1pm & 1pm-6pm about 10 weekends per year

Working Conditions

Special Event Volunteers are usually on their feet for extended periods; there is seating at some stations. Most of the exhibit areas critical to this position are outside. Reasonable accommodations may be made on an individual basis. We are looking for outgoing, smiling, talkative, ocean lovers! You don’t have to know everything about the ocean to be successful here! We can teach you the information, but we ask that you have an engaging personality to connect with the Aquarium’s guests.

Training and Onboarding Tasks:

• Background check (if 18+)
• Aquarium 101 Training (online)
• DocuSign paperwork
• Onsite Training Day

Supervision:

Special Event Volunteers are under the supervision of the Volunteer Services, Marketing, Operations and Education department managers and coordinators.

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

Application is currently closed.