Pursue your interest in marine animals — and share your knowledge and enthusiasm with others — by becoming a member of the volunteer staff at the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk.
Photo from the Maritime Aquarium
The Maritime Aquarium is looking for volunteers at animal exhibits and elsewhere.
Two interview sessions for potential volunteers will be held: on Wednesday, June 6 and Thursday, June 7, each at 5 p.m. You need attend only one.
— an announcement from the Maritime Aquarium
Prior knowledge about marine animals isn’t necessary to be a Maritime Aquarium volunteer. That’s what will be taught in a special abbreviated three-day course, which meets from Tuesday, June 26 to Thursday, June 28, from 1 to 5 p.m. each day. Attendance at all three days of training is mandatory.
Maritime Aquarium / Maritime Aquarium
Image from Maritime Aquarium
Most volunteers work as gallery ambassadors, helping Aquarium guests learn more about the represented animals of Long Island Sound, from crabs and jellyfish to seals and sharks.
“Helping visitors, especially children, learn about Long Island Sound is personally rewarding and crucial in building public awareness about issues affecting our local environment,” said Lisa Slinsky, assistant director of Volunteers and Community Service.
“The volunteer program is vital to the mission of the Maritime Aquarium and its educational goals. Plus, it’s a fun way to join up with a group of people who have similar interests.”
Photo from the Maritime Aquarium
A volunteer shows a horseshoe crab to a visitor.
You must be at least 15 years old to sign up. Teen volunteers must commit to at least 100 hours of service through either
- one day per week July through September (summer season); or
- two days per month September through June.
Adult volunteers must commit to four days per month and at least one year of service.
Letters of recommendation, and other service-award forms, will be signed after completion of the 100 hours of service.
A $40 fee covers the costs of training materials and uniforms. Volunteers can receive discounts in the gift shop, café and on many programs.
Advance registration is required for the interview sessions and volunteer training course. Get all the details about volunteering — and an application — from this Web page on the aquarium website.
Or for more information, email lslinsky@MaritimeAquarium.org or call (203) 852-0700, extension 2225.
Photo from the Maritime Aquarium
A volunteer and kids at the Maritime Aquarium