Volunteer
Do you love the ocean and have an interest in teaching others about our great state’s aquatic life? If you do, then this is the place for you. The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is seeking volunteers who are reliable, enthusiastic, eager to learn, and willing to help teach others about marine habitats. Please note that volunteers must be 18 years of age to participate in our adult volunteer program.
For high school students ages 15-17, the Aquarium offers a junior volunteer program.
In addition to our volunteer program, the Aquarium also offers internships for highly motivated students and career changers who are of college age and above.
Adult Volunteer Opportunities:
Volunteers commit to a minimum of 8-10 hours each month for six months. Due to the training that is required for some departments, volunteers are encouraged to stay on for a full year.
Education Volunteers act as exhibit interpreters, educate through smart carts and presentations, and facilitate classroom crafts. Education volunteers must enjoy working with people! Excellent customer service skills are a must.
Horticulture Volunteers assist with plant care. Horticulture volunteers should have a basic knowledge of plant care and be willing to get wet and occasionally dirty.
Certified Dive Volunteers assist with routine cleaning and maintenance of exhibits. After training, some volunteers present popular education programs to audiences at our daily Dive Shows. Dive volunteers must be scuba-certified, in good health, and have proof of a recent physical. Potential divers must be at least 18 years of age and must successfully complete a swim test, an underwater skills test, and a husbandry practicum.
Aquariology Volunteers assist in general maintenance of both freshwater and saltwater exhibits. Aquariology Volunteers must be willing to get wet and dirty.
Operations Volunteers ensure both the facility and grounds are safe, clean, and in a pleasant condition. This includes helping with repairs, maintenance, modifications, and instillation of mechanical systems. Operations volunteers must be hard workers, dependable, and have experience in engineering and electrical work.
Special Events Volunteers assist with organizing, set up, and break down of big events including Trick or Treat Under the Sea, weddings, and receptions. Special Events volunteers must be physically able to work and lift some heavy materials.
Application and Orientation
Those interested in volunteering at the Aquarium must first complete a Volunteer Application Form and submit it to the Volunteer Coordinator. A list of orientation dates will then be forwarded to each applicant. All potential volunteers must attend one orientation. Orientations are the perfect time to find out what the Aquarium is all about, meet Aquarium staff, and learn more about our volunteer opportunities. A registration fee of $25 (to cover uniforms and training) will be required before entering the volunteer program. This fee will be collected at volunteer orientation.
If you have any additional questions about our volunteer program, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at Suzanne.Holtzclaw@ncdenr.gov or call (910) 458-8257 ext. 232.