Volunteer

BECOME A VOLUNTEER!

Do you love the San Francisco Bay?  Are you interested in teaching others about the amazing creatures that live there? Would you like to get involved behind-the-scenes?  If so, then volunteering at Aquarium of the Bay is for you!

Volunteers are vital to the operation of all of the Aquarium’s programs  —  and you can make a meaningful contribution to the experience of our over half-a-million visitors a year as a volunteer. From helping educate the public to assisting with daily maintenance responsibilities, we simply could not do it without volunteers.

Volunteer Requirements:

Volunteers must be at least 18-years old, U.S.residents, and able to work a regular shift for a period of at least six months.  Volunteers must work one shift per week, usually either four hours or eight hours in length, depending on the position.  All volunteers are required to attend a volunteer orientation as well as training sessions specific to your volunteer role.  For certain volunteer roles, there may also be physical and/or experience requirements.

Volunteer Benefits:

There are many perks that go along with volunteering at the Aquarium, including:

• Smiles and thanks of visitors from all over the world;
• On-going professional training;
• First-hand look at behind-the-scenes operations;
• 20% Aquarium gift shop discount;
• Volunteer appreciation events;
• New friendships;
• Complimentary “Individual Plus” Aquarium membership (after 50 hours of service);
• Recognition, guest passes and awards for hours served; and
• Satisfaction of knowing you are essential to the success of the Aquarium and its mission

Steps to Becoming an Aquarium Volunteer:

Step 1: Check out the volunteer roles

Learn about the various jobs volunteers hold at the Aquarium to see which would be the best fit for you.  Also, check out our FAQ page for answers to many of the common questions we are asked about being a volunteer at the Aquarium. 

Step 2:  Fill out an application

One you have determined which volunteer role interests you, fill out an application.  Applications are accepted year-round. 

Step 3:  Volunteer interview and backgroundcheck

If you are a good candidate for our volunteer program, we will contact you for an interview to discuss the volunteer role you are interested in, your background, and your availability.  If your availability and our needs are a match, the final part of the application process is a background check.  Once your background check is clear, you will be accepted as a new volunteer at the Aquarium.

Step 4:  Attend a volunteer orientation

The next step is to attend a mandatory volunteer orientation.  Volunteer orientations are held every second Tuesday of the month, from 6:00 – 9:00 pm.  During the orientation you will learn about the Aquarium, volunteer policies and procedures, and go on a tour of the Aquarium.  At this time, we will collect the $50 non-refundable volunteer fee which is tax deductible and goes towards defraying the cost of the background check, training materials and uniform.

Step 5:  Volunteer training

Once you have attended the volunteer orientation, you begin training for your specific role within the Aquarium.  Each role has specific training for the duties that are required, and you will work with that department to schedule your necessary training.  Training must be completed during consecutive weekly shifts, the duration of which varies between positions.

Contact Us!

For more information about volunteering, please contact us at: volunteer@aquariumofthebay.org

Aquarium of the Bay is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from individuals who will contribute to its diversity.