Volunteering at the Aquarium

At the Oregon Coast Aquarium, visitors find more than a fascinating variety of marine animals. They find volunteers who greet them, answer their questions. They find volunteers planting native shrubs, painting a wall or cleaning exhibit windows. And behind the scenes are found more volunteers, unpacking stock in the gift shop, helping children in the classroom or preparing food for the animals, all working to carry out the mission of the Aquarium, ". . . so the public will better understand and cherish the natural resources of the Oregon coast."

Benefits

Become a volunteer at the Oregon Coast Aquarium and receive opportunities for educational enrichment and social interaction. You'll receive special benefits as a volunteer.

• Training classes on marine animals and the natural history of the Oregon coast
• College credit is available through the Oregon Coast Community College
• Social opportunities with your volunteer colleagues
• Recognition for your own individual service and contribution to the Aquarium
• Discounts in our gift shops and to Local Ocean
• Lectures by Aquarium staff and guest speakers
• Free passes to the Aquarium for you and your immediate family
• Membership to the Aquarium

Types of Opportunities

There are volunteer positions available in many departments, and one is just right for you. Training is offered each spring and fall. You will learn about the natural history of the Oregon coast, including invertebrates, fishes, marine mammals and seabirds. You can also earn three college science credits, transferable to any university. Other benefits include free passes to the Aquarium and discounts in the gift shop. Attend evening lectures and social events with volunteer colleagues and staff.

Since all volunteers are not alike, neither are our volunteer jobs.

• Interpreters work directly with the public at exhibits and displays, answering questions, giving demonstrations and assisting visitors.
• Animal care assistants help our animal husbandry staff with food preparation, observation and record keeping and exhibit upkeep.
• Greeters provide arriving visitors with information about ticketing, the facility and local attractions and accommodations.
• Classroom assistants work with Aquarium educators to set up programs, prepare materials and interact with children in a classroom setting.
• Maintenance volunteers work throughout the facility as groundskeepers, custodial aides and shop assistants.
• Special opportunities match your special skills with our special needs. Even our website is a volunteer project.

"There is nothing so exciting as learning something new and then passing it on to an interested visitor." Mike Ford, interpretive volunteer, 7 years.

 

 

Frequent Questions

Who can volunteer?
Adult volunteers: 18 years or older.
Youth volunteers: 14-17 years old.

How often do I volunteer?
One half day once a week or every other week.

What experience do I need?
None.

What if I have special needs?
Most special needs are not a barrier to volunteering.

What if I have questions?
You can call 541-867-3474 ext. 5315, or e-mail us. We're looking forward to hearing from you.

 

Click here to download an Adult Volunteer Application.

Click here to download a Youth Volunteer Application.

Click here to download a Dive Volunteer Application.