volunteer
Dive and Husbandry Applications are now open until October 25th!
EDUCATION
Education Volunteers assist with both virtual and in-person programs that take place at Adventure Aquarium or offsite….
SUMMER CAMP
KAYAKING
ADVENTURE AQUARIUM DIVE VOLUNTEERS
ADVENTURE AQUARIUM
HUSBANDRY VOLUNTEERS
Dive volunteers
Dive volunteers play a vital role in ensuring that aquarium guests have a wonderful experience. They dive into the Ocean Realm exhibit, perform dive shows, and assist in exhibit maintenance
Requirements
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- One year minimum commitment
- Possess a certification from a nationally recognized scuba certification agency
- Have at least 25 logged dives (5 in the last 2 years and 2 in the last 12 months)
- Ability to Volunteer 16 hours a month by committing to a set schedule of two full days (9:00am - 4:00pm) per month on permanent days. (i.e.: 1st and 3rd Tuesday, 2nd and 4th Saturday)
- Successfully complete a pool test prior to acceptance as a volunteer
- If chosen, CPR and First Aid certification is required as well as physician approval.
Husbandry volunteers
Adventure Aquarium has a limited number of volunteer positions in Husbandry. These positions have specific requirements and the application review process can be competitive due to the large number of applications we receive.
Qualified volunteers assist biologists in their daily routine, maintaining animal exhibits and holding systems. Duties will include exhibit cleaning and maintenance, diet preparation, behavior observations, and record keeping.
Husbandry volunteer positions include:
- Fish and Invertebrate Volunteer
- Bird and Mammal Volunteer
Husbandry volunteer positions may involve exposure to inclement weather, dust, potentially dangerous and unpredictable animal species, potentially dangerous machinery, restraint devices, toxic chemicals and/or drugs. Occasional use of protective clothing or equipment is required (i.e., goggles, mask, gloves, and gowns).
Requirements
- 18 years of age or older
- Willing to make a one-year commitment (no short-term positions)
- Volunteer a minimum of 2 days each month on permanent days (i.e., 1st and 3rd Sundays or 2nd and 4th Tuesdays), starting at 7:30am each day
- Be reliable, patient, and willing to learn
- Willing to handle raw fish/meat, feeder mice and insects
- Be in good health and capable of performing strenuous and/or heavy physical labor, including lifting 50 pounds
- Willing to rake, sweep, squeegee, shovel, and clean windows
- Able to climb and have good balance
- Able to stand for long periods of time and enjoy being wet and dirty
- Have no history of allergies related to animals or plants, which might interfere with ability to work
Center for aquatic sciences
education volunteer
Education and Animal Care Volunteers assist with both virtual and in-person programs that take place at Adventure Aquarium or offsite at other locations. Center programs can include school classroom lessons, library programs, summer camp, on-water kayak programs, and waterfront trail activities Volunteers also help to research, development and deliver informal science activities that can include games, crafts, tours, and presentations.
Volunteers also assist with the care, enrichment, and record keeping of animals used in Center programs.
Requirements:
- Must be 18 years of age
- Interest in animal conservation and education
- Comfortable interacting with people
- Able to work outdoors in various weather conditions, walk in a variety of terrains, and able to stand for at least 4 hours
- Comfortable learning how to handle small animals (i.e. aquatic/terrestrial invertebrates, reptiles)
- Must have reliable transportation
- No history of allergy related to animals or plants which might interfere with ability to volunteer
- Knowledge of technology and engineering a plus but not essential
- Some proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
Center for aquatic sciences
summer camp teen volunteer
The Summer Camp Teen Volunteer program is designed to give qualified applicants, ages 16 – 18, hands-on learning experiences and job skills. Volunteers assist staff with daily camp activities including games, crafts, lessons, and field trips. Volunteers work in conjunction with Summer Camp Staff to enhance the experience for our summer campers.
Requirements:
- Must be at least 16 years of age
- Commit to 2 weeks of camp (preferably 2 consecutive weeks), Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
- Must be energetic but mature, and enthusiastic about working with children
- Comfortable interacting with campers and parents
- Able to work outdoors in various weather conditions, walk in a variety of terrains, and able to stand for at least 4 hours
- Comfortable learning how to handle small animals (i.e. sea stars, sea cucumbers, insects, and turtles)
- Must have reliable transportation
- No history of allergy related to animals or plants which might interfere with ability to volunteer
- Volunteer must also be able to attend mandatory training on a Saturday in June.
Center for aquatic sciences
kayaking volunteer
Qualified volunteers work in conjunction with Center for Aquatic Sciences staff to assist with safety and enhance the educational experience of our kayak on-water programs that will take place on the Delaware and Cooper Rivers in Camden, NJ. Volunteers help with program setup and breakdown. They also help participants get into and out of the kayaks, and are responsible for safety on the water, which may include towing participant’s kayaks and helping anyone who capsizes get back into the boat.
Requirements:
- 18 years of age or older
- Experience with kayaking and canoeing
- Able to carry kayaks from the storage container to the launch (about 50 feet)
- Days and times vary
- Attend a safety training (date/time TBD) that will include rescue techniques, towing, and an overview of the program and equipment
- Be reliable, work independently, show initiative, and recognize the value of a team effort
- Experience with a voyager canoe a plus
- Knowledge of local Delaware River watershed wildlife a plus