How To Become
A Volunteer

Our Application Process

Step 1: Decide You Want To Join

Decide if you would like to join a team of hundreds of volunteers committed to effecting the conservation of aquatic life through display and interpretation, education, research and direct action.

Step 2: Check Our Eligibility Requirements

All volunteers must fit these requirements to be eligible to register for the Vancouver Aquarium Volunteer Program:

• Be at least 14 years of age.
• Be able to attend the orientation session and all of the training sessions (5 weeks.)
• Have valid medical coverage/insurance
• Be fluent in English.
• Be eligible to volunteer in Canada.
• Be able to commit to a minimum of 6 months, with one shift of four hours per week,
• Be able to navigate the Aquarium facility safely.
• Be able to purchase Volunteer T-shirt and Volunteer Manual ($30 or $40) and $40, respectively.)

Step 3: Make The Commitment

Our volunteers are required to make a minimum commitment of volunteering once a week for six months. Should you not be able to commit to that length of time, you can commit to reaching 100 hours of service in a shorter period of time, although this is not encouraged.

All volunteers must also attend our 21-hour training program. Here you'll learn about our animals and conservation programs, and have a chance to practice your public speaking skills. Training is held on Monday and Wednesday nights throughout September for fall recruitment and in January for winter recruitment.

Step 4: Recruitment, Training And Available Opportunities

We recruit three times a year. We will begin recruitment December 1st for our winter placements. Starting in December, check the Opportunities Available page for a list of positions currently recruiting for volunteers. Select an opportunity* that interests you and that you will be available for (most roles only require one shift per week).

*Note that special volunteer opportunities, such as our Marine Mammal Rescue Volunteer positions, are available only in the summer and are restricted to Volunteers that have given 100 hours or 6 months of volunteer time in another department.

Step 5: Sign Up For The Information Session

Once you've selected a program or type of position that fits your interests and availability, register online for our volunteer information session. The online registration link will appear when there are available volunteer positions during an open recruitment session.

Step 6: Attend Training Sessions

If we're able to connect your personal interests to our organizational needs, we will invite you to the training sessions held on Monday and Wednesday evenings for six modules. This comprehensive volunteer training program will fully immerse you in our galleries and animals, as well as our style and our conservation programs, ensuring you are ready to act as an Aquarium ambassador.

Step 7: Start Making A Difference!

Following your successful completion of the 21-hour training, you'll begin volunteering once a week (or as the program requires) in the program you've chosen.