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.
Everyone from 15-year-olds to seniors is invited.
— an announcement from the Maritime Aquarium
Interviews for potential volunteers — with details provided about a training course in March — will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 13 and Thursday, Feb. 21, on both days at 5 p.m. You need attend only one.
“Volunteering here is fun and personally rewarding, and it’s also vital to fulfilling The Maritime Aquarium’s mission of educating and inspiring guests about Long Island Sound,” said Lisa Slinsky, assistant director of volunteers and community service.
Photo from the Maritime Aquarium
Sign up to learn how to interpret exhibits — such as the Intertidal Touch Tank (shown here) — for guests.
“If you’re retired, the Aquarium offers a great way to stay active and connected. A weekday-morning shift could be perfect for stay-at-home parents after they get their kids off to school. And serving as a weekend volunteer is a great experience for high-school students thinking about a career in marine biology.”
Prior knowledge about marine animals isn’t necessary to be a Maritime Aquarium volunteer. That’s what will be taught in a four-week training course, which will meet at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays from March 5 to March 28.
You must be at least 15 years old to sign up.
After completing the course, volunteers serve as gallery ambassadors, helping Aquarium guests to learn more about the represented animals of Long Island Sound, from crabs and jellies to seals and sharks. Adults are especially needed for weekday time slots.
The minimum time commitment required from volunteers is 100 hours, at four hours per week for weekday volunteers and four hours per month for weekend staff. Letters of recommendation and other service-award forms will be signed by Aquarium staff at the completion of 100 hours of service.
A $40 fee helps to defray the costs of training materials and uniforms. Volunteers receive discounts in the Gift Shop, Cascade Café and on many programs.
Advance registration is required for the interview sessions and volunteer training course.
To get more details and learn how to sign up go to this Web page on the Maritime Aquarium website or call (203) 852-0700, ext. 2225.