Volunteering at the Aquarium FAQ

From Visitor Experience to Animal Care, volunteers serve in nearly every department at the Aquarium and play an essential role in helping us work toward our mission. Today, there are more than 400 volunteers working across every department—and that adds up to around 58,000 hours of work to protect the blue planet each year! 

Interested in becoming a New England Aquarium volunteer and want to know more? Check out the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions below.  

Who can become an Aquarium volunteer?

Anyone is welcome to apply to become a volunteer, but you must be at least 16 years old to participate, and at least 18 for most positions. For opportunities for teens 14 and older, please see our Summer Teen Internship program.

What do Aquarium volunteers do?

Since volunteers take on many roles across the Aquarium, there are many things you might do as a volunteer! Some volunteer duties include preparing food for our animals, feeding animals in the Giant Ocean Tank, interacting with visitors, conducting research, taking photos at events, and more.

What is the time commitment?

Most positions require a six-month commitment, and volunteers work one full day a week, which is roughly 8:00 a.m.–6 :00p.m. Limited weekend positions, short-term, and one-time opportunities are also available.

What’s it like to volunteer at the Aquarium? 

Take it from some of our volunteers: Whether they’re getting hands-on experience in marine science or learning about marine life, meeting fellow ocean enthusiasts, and even just making a someone’s day by showing them the wonder of the blue planet—it’s a fulfilling opportunity that’s a lot of fun, too.

How do I become an Aquarium volunteer?

Applications for Aquarium volunteers are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. Start your application today!

Let’s take action for the ocean together! If you love to visit the Aquarium, consider joining us as a volunteer to help protect the blue planet.

Aquarium volunteers in action