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As the primary contact and frontline educators for visitors to the Aquarium, interpreters provide information about animals and exhibits, answer questions and direct visitors through the facility. They are able to observe a variety of Aquarium aspects, meet many members of the staff and use the knowledge they gained during training. This position gives volunteers the chance to raise visitors’ awareness of marine animals, the ecology of the Oregon coast, and the importance of conservation.
An interpreter schedule is generally one 4 hour shift per week and determined by the volunteer’s availability and the Aquarium’s needs. We ask that Interpretation volunteers commit to a minimum of 100 hours in a calendar year.
To prepare for the time spent in and around our exhibits, Interpretation volunteers must complete our full series of New Adult Volunteer Training. Training covers topics related to marine animals, the ecosystems of the Oregon Coast, conservation topics as well as guest engagement strategies.
New Volunteer Training – Interpretation applicants must attend both the New Volunteer Information Session and the full series of six trainings. Guest Concierge, Horticulture and Husbandry applicants must attend Day One only.
Divers assist with multiple animal husbandry dive tasks. While in an exhibit—primarily the Passages of the Deep—divers will spend time cleaning acrylic, scrubbing rockwork, siphoning debris, waving to guests, and observing animals to evaluate health or behavior. Divers must provide their own cold-water dive gear, with the exception of cylinders, air fills, and weights. A separate application process is required for this position and it is only open to experienced, certified divers.
To be eligible for a volunteer diver position at the Oregon Coast Aquarium you must:
Our next Diver Volunteer will be hosted in March 2026. Please submit a completed Diver Experience Form to volunteer@aquarium.org on or before February 1, 2026. Please email volunteer@aquarium.org for more information or questions.
At this time, we have a waitlist for all Husbandry volunteer positions. Please also consider one of our other volunteer opportunities. Please complete our Adult Volunteer Application to be added to the interest list.
Husbandry volunteers assist animal care staff with a variety of tasks, including diet preparation, food preparation kitchen cleaning, monitoring animal behavior, and special projects. All husbandry volunteers must attend a New Volunteer Information Session, complete an interview with Aquarium staff and pass the background check.
The minimum time commitment required for husbandry volunteers is one shift per week. Shift times vary based on placement.
Guest Experience Concierge volunteers welcome guests warmly and connect with them to create memorable experiences with “insider tips” and knowledge about the Aquarium. Concierge volunteers interact with departing visitors to answer questions, provide information about travel needs such as lodging and restaurants suggestions and thank them for visiting the Aquarium.
Guest Experience Concierge volunteers must attend a New Volunteer Information Session, complete an interview with Aquarium staff and pass the background check. Concierge volunteers are asked to commit to one 2-hour shift per week.
Please complete our Adult Volunteer Application to be added to the interest list.
Horticulture volunteers assist the Grounds staff in keeping the Aquarium grounds well groomed. Proper maintenance of the grounds adds to the pleasure of visitors and to the well-being of the animals. Volunteers will work with staff groundskeepers to help with basic landscape maintenance; pruning, weeding, mowing, spin-trimming, raking up leaves and pine needles.
Volunteers must attend a New Volunteer Information Session, complete an interview with Aquarium staff and pass the background check.
Please complete our Adult Volunteer Application to be added to the interest list.
All adults interested in joining the Volunteer Program must attend a Volunteer Information Session to learn more about volunteering. These sessions are held in person at the Aquarium.
Our next New Volunteer Training series will be:
Please fill out the Volunteer Application to be added to our contact list.
Interested in becoming a dive volunteer?
Our next Diver Volunteer will be hosted in March 2026. Those seeking to apply for the Dive Volunteer Program must complete the diver experience form and return it via email to volunteer@aquarium.org on or before February 1, 2026.
For additional questions or to request assistance with the application process, please contact volunteer@aquarium.org
or call 541-867-3474
Since opening in 1992, the Oregon Coast Aquarium has been a premier attraction on Oregon’s central coast and an enduring advocate for the health of our ocean. For over three decades this 501(c)3 non-profit organization has supported marine wildlife and fostered environmental stewardship through its education programs, community partnerships, and rehabilitation efforts. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 aquariums in the U.S., providing visitors with opportunities to connect with 15,000 animals spanning 300 different species. The Oregon Coast Aquarium is located at 2820 S.E. Ferry Slip Rd., Newport, OR. Learn more about the Oregon Coast Aquarium and its vital work at aquarium.org, 541-867-3474. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter for the latest updates.
