Volunteering at the Vancouver Aquarium

How do I get involved with the Aquarium Volunteer team?

Volunteer Recruitment is now open.  Follow Steps 1-4 below. Once you have chosen a volunteer opportunity that works with your schedule, phone 604.659.3478 to schedule an interview (interviews will occur between Jan 1 through Jan 6 2009).

Step 1:  Decide if you want to join the Vancouver Aquarium’s Volunteer Team.  

Would you 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:  Ensure you are eligible.

The following are the requirements 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 (4 weeks)

• Have valid Medical Coverage

• Be fluent in English

• Be eligible to volunteer in Canada

• Be able to commit to a minimum of 6 months - one four (4) hour shift per week

• Be able to navigate the Aquarium facility safely

Step 3:  Review the opportunities available for the next training session.

Please see What is Available Now? for these opportunities.  Ensure there is an opportunity that interests you and that you are available for (1 shift per week is all that is required).  Note that special Volunteer opportunities, such as our Rescue Volunteer position at our Marine Mammal Rescue centre or Beluga Calf observations, are restricted to Volunteers that have given 100 hours or 6 months of Volunteer time in another department.  

Step 4:  Sign up for the Information Session or an Interview.

Call 604-659-3478 to register for the Information Session. Please note that we need to speak to you in person and we need to know which Volunteer Opportunity most interested you.  (Our office is staffed 7 days a week between 10am and 4pm. )

Step 5:  Attend training sessions.

If we are able to connect your personal interests to our organizational needs you will be invited to join us for the training sessions held on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings for a total of seven (7) modules.  

Step 6:  Start Making a Difference!

Following your successful completion of training, you will begin volunteering in one of the many exciting opportunities that are available now. 

Additional Information

The Vancouver Aquarium has adopted and adheres to the Values, Principles and Organizational Standards of the Canadian Code for Volunteer Involvement.

Our dedicated volunteer team ranges in age from 14 to 90 years old.  The Aquarium Volunteers won the Volunteer Vancouver's Volunteer Recognition Award for Community Service for Group - sponsored by VanCity.  All you need to commit is four hours per week for a minimum of six months, or the equivalent of 100 hours in less than six months, for the experience of your life as part of this award-winning team! 

Review what Volunteer Opportunities are available now, what all the Volunteer Opportunities are and what you can gain through Volunteer work with the Aquarium. 

The Youth Volunteer team (14-18) helps to develop career skills, will empower you with knowledge and foster partnerships through direct participation in Aquarium and community initiatives, building future leaders in conservation and our community.  

The Adult Volunteer experience provides endless opportunities that will challenge your curiosity and provide you with unlimited room to grow, learn and make new friends.  

Other Youth Opportunities

The Aquarium also supports students looking to complete high school requirements for community service through Work Experience, Career Preparation, Co-ops and School Placements.  Please see What About Work Experience? for details on how to get involved.

If you are in grade 10 to 12 join the Aquarium's Aquatic Conservation Team (ACT) for an exciting opportunity to make a positive impact on an aquatic issue you care about! Registration happens each year in the fall.