Newport, Oregon—The Oregon Coast Aquarium invites people throughout Oregon to join its team of volunteers for the fall exhibit interpretation Volunteer Training Program which begins September 21.
During the six week training course, volunteers develop in-depth knowledge about the marine life endemic to the Pacific Northwest.
To ensure that each volunteer receives training and assignments that they will find fulfilling, each potential volunteer must submit an application and undergo an interview prior to beginning training. Joining the volunteer team at the Aquarium requires no specific education or background, just a desire to learn and the ability to commit a minimum of 100 hours of service each year.
Julie Shafer, an Interpretive Shift Captain for the Aquarium’s volunteer program said of her experience, “The Aquarium makes a significant commitment to its volunteers through the first-class training program and supportive staff, in both education and animal arenas. This commitment makes it a joy to volunteer and to share my experiences with the visitors at this highly rated facility.”
Additional benefits for the Aquarium’s volunteers include:
- Discounts at the Wildlife Trading Company Gift Shops in the Aquarium.
- Complimentary Aquarium membership after 50 hours of volunteering.
- Discounts at the Ferry Slip Café.
- Subscription to The Upwelling, a volunteer newsletter.
- Invitations to participate in special lectures at the Oregon Coast Aquarium and Hatfield Marine Science Center.
- The opportunity to meet the nearly 450 other volunteers that share a passion for marine science.
To complete an application to join the Aquarium’s interpretative, dive, husbandry or grounds keeping volunteer teams visit www.aquarium.org or the Aquarium’s admissions desk. Volunteer Services also encourages people to contact them with any questions at [email protected].
