High School Volunteers at the Seattle Aquarium
The Seattle Aquarium’s High School Volunteer Program offers the opportunity for high school students with an interest in marine science to learn more and share that knowledge with our guests while earning community service credit.
What is a High School Volunteer?
A High School Volunteer is an aquarium volunteer between the ages of 16–18 who is interested in marine biology and working with many different groups of people. (Note: To apply for the Summer 2010 Session, you must turn 16 by August 31, 2010. No exceptions.)
What do High School Volunteers do?
As a High School Volunteer, you will:
Work and interact with the public
Share information through short talks and demonstrations
Give short tours
Read stories to young visitors
Help with Aquarium preschool classes
Have the opportunity to go to off-site special events
Learn marine biology and Aquarium operations while working with professionals
Meet other teens with similar interests
Will I ever get to touch any of the animals?
During your first session as a volunteer, there is no hands-on work with our animals except in the Life on the Edge exhibit. Other opportunities may become available as you progress through the program session to session.
What do I have to do to become a High School Volunteer?
You must attend one of our two yearly Orientation sessions either in October (to be a part of the School Year session) or in March (to be a part of the Summer session). It is at the Orientation that you receive the application and a short presentation about the requirements of the High School Volunteer Program at the Seattle Aquarium.
What is the time requirement for a High School Volunteer?
Minimum requirements for the two different sessions are:
Summer Session (end of June–Labor Day)
Two 5-hour shifts each week
Ten or more 5-hour weekend shifts
School Year Session (mid-November–mid-June)
Three or more 5-hour weekend shifts each month
Shift times are: AM 9:00am-2:00pm or PM 1:00pm-6:00pm
Does the Aquarium do job shadows?
No, we do not offer job shadow opportunities. However, we host an ‘Ocean Career Day’ the first Saturday in February every year.
I don’t know very much about marine science, can I still be a High School Volunteer?
Yes, we give you all the biology training you need as well as a Seattle Aquarium Fact Book which has a page of information about each invertebrate, fish, bird and mammal in the Aquarium.
This sounds like something that I am interested in, where do I begin?
The next opportunity to get involved will be for the Summer 2010 Session. Attendance at one of the the following orientation session is mandatory:
Saturday, March 6, 11am-12pm OR
Tuesday, March 9, 5:30pm-6:30pm
In addition to orientation, all students who are accepted into the program must be able to attend all mandatory training sessions. If you are not able to attend the training, please do not apply.
Summer 2010 Training dates: April 24 9a-4p, May 2 9a-4p & May 9 9am-4pm.
To request a brochure or to be added to our orientation mailing list:
Email: Aquateens
Call: (206) 386-4351
Volunteer Office
Seattle Aquarium
1483 Alaskan Way
Seattle, WA 98101
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