What can Volunteers Do at the Aquarium?

** Please note that not all of these opportunities are available to Volunteers year round.  For a current listing of available opportunities please see the What Is Available Now? page. **

Gallery and Interpretive Activities

Interpret props, displays and live animals for guests. This opportunity is best suited for people who like to work with various age groups and with the public. Other interpretive volunteer activities include: Birthday Parties, Aquanauts, Young Biologists Club and the Salmon Tours in Stanley Park.
Availability: Daily throughout the year

Education

School Programs:  Depending on the program, volunteers may set up props and live animals, tour school groups, participate in an educational puppet show or slide presentation and lead students through hands-on learning experiences.
Availability: Monday to Friday during the day

Sleepovers:  After everyone has gone home, and the Aquarium has closed its doors at the end of the day, we invite volunteers to assist us for an exciting evening as the Aquarium comes alive at night!  Be part of a volunteer team leading groups through the Aquarium’s well-known sleepover program.
Availability: Evenings and nights - based on bookings

Special Events

Meet and greet guests at various AquaHost supported functions or join an outgoing crew at special events around the lower mainland. Interpret exhibits and share with guests the wonders of the Aquakits.

Availability: Evenings and weekends and some weekdays during the summer.

Administrative Support

There are a number of offices (Marketing, Development, Killer Whale Adoption Program, and Volunteer Services) that work directly with volunteers to maintain databases, coordinate mailouts, and enter data.
Availability: Monday to Friday during the day

Guest Services

Be a super host to local and international visitors. Meet and greet guests and members, answer questions related to the Aquarium, Stanley Park and tourism in the Vancouver area, as well as distribute information regarding Aquarium programs and special events. Fluency in a second language is an asset.
Availability: Daily during the summer.

Outreach

Outreach programs are designed to inspire the stewardship of all aquatic habitats and to encourage the discovery of connections between animals, environments and ourselves. Some Outreach programs include: AquaVan, Riverworks, and Community Events.
Availability: Dates and times vary.  Some weekdays and weekends.

Divers

Volunteer Divers assist Animal Care staff by doing maintenance and cleaning dives in various exhibits. Experienced Volunteer Divers also deliver presentation dives to the public in our Pacific Canada and Shark Exhibits. Aquarium dive and interpretive training provided to those who meet our requirements.

Availability: Dates and times vary.  Some weekday evenings.