Youth Volunteer Programs

Volunteer Exhibit Interpreters create meaningful connections between guests and the marine world by bringing exhibits to life through storytelling, conversation, and shared discovery. Interpreters engage visitors in memorable experiences that inspire wonder, empathy, and stewardship for our ocean and coastal ecosystems.

We have two options for teens to volunteer as Exhibit Interpreters: the Summer Program and the School-Year Program. For both programs, teens schedule their own shifts according to their availability.

Requirements

Be at least 14 years old by the program start date and entering 9th – 12th grade or homeschool equivalent.
Have an interest in marine science. Previous knowledge and experience are not required.
Complete a Volunteer Application.
Attend a virtual or in-person info session, followed by a short interview with a program coordinator.
If selected, Youth Volunteers must attend three days of in-person training at the Aquarium. Training includes aquarium safety and procedures, marine animal basics, foundations of interpretation, and visitor interaction.
Volunteers are expected to contribute a minimum number of service hours during their program.

Benefits

Free Aquarium membership after 50 hours of service (renews annually when minimum hours requirement is met).
Two free guest passes for every 50 hours of service.
Discount at the Aquarium gift shop and Moon Jelly Café.
Invitation to special volunteer-only events.
Opportunity to attend job shadows at the aquarium.

Summer Youth volunteers can also earn volunteer hours by attending educational excursions and career exploration activities organized by the Aquarium.

Examples of past summer excursions and activities

Tour of a NOAA research vessel
Behind-the-scenes tours and Q&A with aquarists, mammalogists, and aviculturists at the Aquarium
Behind-the-scenes tour of Hatfield Marine Science Center
Survey of bumblebees in the Yaquina Estuary
Bird watching at Yaquina Head
Day trip to the Oregon Zoo
Tour of the OSU Hatfield Marine Science Center
Nature journaling at Yakona Nature Preserve

School Year Program

Time Commitment

Shifts are four hours long. 48 hours of volunteering equates to two shifts per month between December and May.

Schedule

Shifts are available seven days per week.

Important Dates

New Volunteer Information Sessions

Training Dates

Summer Program

Time Commitment

First-Year Volunteers

Second-Year Volunteers

Third- & Fourth-Year Volunteers

Volunteers who complete the minimum hours requirement are automatically invited to attend next summer’s program. Missed hours can be made up during the school year.

Schedule

Shifts are available five days per week.

Important Dates

Applications will open in February 2027.

Other dates TBA.

Please contact volunteer@aquarium.org to be added to our interest list

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost?

There are no fees for Youth Volunteer programs.

What if I don't live near Newport?

The aquarium cannot provide housing or transportation for volunteers. Lincoln County operates buses from Newport, Siletz, Toledo, Lincoln City, Waldport, and Yachats. The Coast Express bus runs daily from Albany, Corvallis, and Philomath and drops off just a few minutes’ walk from the Aquarium. We can adjust shift times to accommodate participants taking the Coast Express bus.

Can I volunteer in animal care?

Animal care volunteers must be at least 18 years old and out of high school.

What if I have a disability?

We provide reasonable accommodation for volunteers with disabilities. Our facility meets ADA accessibility requirements, but field trips may not. Please contact us at volunteer@aquarium.org if you have questions about accommodation.

Can I do both the summer and school year program?

Yes, teens who complete one program will be automatically invited to attend the next one.

Job Shadows

Want to shadow one of our staff members? Thank you for your interest! Due to high demand, we are only able to offer job shadow opportunities to youth who participate in one of our volunteer programs.

Still Have Questions?

You can always reach out to volunteer@aquarium.org with questions and a staff member will get back to you as soon as possible!

Youth Volunteer Programs