Woods Hole Science Aquarium: VOLUNTEERS

Volunteering in the Woods Hole Science Aquarium

Feeding a rescued sea turtle Volunteers help the aquarium staff care for the animals. The volunteer program is an opportunity to learn about aquariums and animals, explore career paths, and contribute to the welfare of marine animals, including some endangered species.

Volunteers help with many tasks:
* preparing food
* feeding animals
* cleaning tanks
* helping with projects such as changing exhibits or updating signs

Experienced volunteers who stay with us for extended periods may be trained to work with the harbor seals and may be invited to participate in special events such as the release of rehabilitated turtles.

Requirements

Volunteers must be at least 16 years old, and must able to work 3-4 hours once a week, for a period of at least four months. Volunteers who want to work with seals must make a nine-month minimum commitment.

Observing the fish Volunteers do not need to have aquarium skills or experience in animal husbandry. The aquarium staff provides training when each new volunteer begins work.

The WHSA often has openings for volunteers, although occasionally there may be a short waiting period. Anyone interested in volunteering may contact WHSA Senior Aquarist Kristy Owen at (508) 495-2098 or Kristy.Owen@NOAA.gov

Volunteer Facts

At any one time, 5-10 people are enrolled as WHSA Volunteers
Volunteers range in age from high school students to retirees
Volunteers include students, teachers, technicians and scientists from other labs, and local citizens with no other connection to marine science
Volunteers contribute more than 1,000 hours per year
The NEFSC’s Jane Foster Award for Outstanding Volunteership is named for a volunteer who gave hundreds of hours in the late 1990's

Volunteering in the Woods Hole Science Aquarium Volunteers help the aquarium staff care for the animals. The volunteer program is an opportunity to learn about aquariums and animals, explore career paths, and contribute to the welfare of marine animals, including some endangered species. Volunteers help with many tasks: * preparing food * feeding animals * cleaning tanks * helping with projects such as changing exhibits or updating signs Experienced volunteers who stay with us for extended periods may be trained to work with the harbor seals and may be invited to participate in special events such as the release of rehabilitated turtles. Requirements Volunteers must be at least 16 years old, and must able to work 3-4 hours once a week, for a period of at least four months. Volunteers who want to work with seals must make a nine-month minimum commitment. Volunteers do not need to have aquarium skills or experience in animal husbandry. The aquarium staff provides training when each new volunteer begins work. The WHSA often has openings for volunteers, although occasionally there may be a short waiting period. Anyone interested in volunteering may contact WHSA Senior Aquarist Kristy Owen at (508) 495-2098 or Kristy.Owen@NOAA.gov Volunteer Facts At any one time, 5-10 people are enrolled as WHSA Volunteers Volunteers range in age from high school students to retirees Volunteers include students, teachers, technicians and scientists from other labs, and local citizens with no other connection to marine science Volunteers contribute more than 1,000 hours per year The NEFSC’s Jane Foster Award for Outstanding Volunteership is named for a volunteer who gave hundreds of hours in the late 1990's	The blue whale can produce the loudest sound produced by an animal - up to 188 decibels - and detected as far away as 853 kms (530mi). See photos of our wonderful volunteers who help keep the aquarium running smoothly.