You don’t have to be an oceanographer or an animal expert—everyone's welcome! If you love to learn, enjoy talking to people, and want to inspire conservation of the world’s aquatic treasures, you will be a great volunteer!
If you meet the age requirement and are able to devote at least 100 hours over a period of time, Aquarium staff will train you to do the rest!
Volunteer Positions at the National Aquarium, Washington, DC
Husbandry Volunteers
Aquarist and herpetology volunteers assist husbandry staff by cleaning exhibits, changing water, and feeding animals.
Aquarist volunteers assist the Aquarium aquarist staff with daily care of our invertebrates and fish. They:
- Are at least 18 years old and out of high school
- Assist with tank maintenance and cleaning
- Prepare daily diets and perform daily feedings
- Assist in backup area maintenance
- Conduct precise record keeping.
Herpetology volunteers assist the Aquarium herpetology staff with daily care of our reptiles, amphibians, and associated invertebrates. They:
- Are at least 18 years old and out of high school
- Prepare diets and feed reptiles and amphibians
- Assist in maintenance of the live food cultures
- Conduct and record animal observations.
Husbandry Volunteer Periods & Application Deadlines:
January 1–June 30: Apply by November 1
July 1–December 31: Apply by May 1
Education Docents
Education docents interact with our guests through exhibit interpretation and educational carts. They:
- Are at least 16 years old
- Assist the director of education with school tours and other education-related projects, presentations, and events
- Talk to visitors and answer questions regarding the Aquarium, exhibits, and specific animals
- Have some background in biology
- Are outgoing and able to speak with and engage people.
You may apply at any time; volunteer periods are individually determined.
How to Apply
Download and complete the volunteer application and fax to 202-482-4946, or mail to:
National Aquarium, Washington, DC
14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20230
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