Volunteer Opportunities - volunteer program is currently full
Thank you for your interest in volunteering at the Texas State Aquarium! 🌊🐠 At this time, we are not accepting new volunteer applications. Our volunteer program is currently full, but we truly appreciate your enthusiasm and support. We anticipate reopening applications at a later date, so please check back for updates!
The Texas State Aquarium is a unique, not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers to ensure a quality guest experience. We have a great group of volunteers who help keep our plants, animals, and habitats healthy and our guests happy. No matter what your skills, we have a place for you! As one of the top aquariums in the nation and a leader in informal science education, the Texas State Aquarium is a wonderful place to give back to the community.
Volunteers at the Texas State Aquarium receive:
Orientation program and handbook
Free admission to the Aquarium
Earn a membership once you’re an Active volunteer
Special recognition and volunteer appreciation events
Discounts in the gift shop and Pepsi Shoreline Grill
Specialized training on exhibits, operations, animals, and conservation (depending on position)
Volunteer newsletters to keep you informed
Opportunities to meet new people with similar interests
Opportunity to support a recognized leader in tourism, informal education, conservation, and rehabilitation
How do I become a volunteer at the Texas State Aquarium?
At this time, we are not accepting new volunteer applications. Our volunteer program is currently full, but we truly appreciate your enthusiasm and support. We anticipate reopening applications at a later date, so please check back for updates!
Adult Volunteer Positions
Naturalist
Naturalists are “volunteer guides” who share their knowledge of the Aquarium animals and habitats with the guests. You only need to bring enthusiasm and the ability to work a 3-hour shift once a week. We provide the training. This is a high public interaction position working towards ultimate guest satisfaction.
Guest Ambassadors
Guest Ambassadors assist in welcoming guests and assisting them with direction and general information about the Aquarium. They also conduct surveys and learn to interact with guests using our BioFact carts. This is a high public interaction position working towards ultimate guest satisfaction.
Animal Husbandry
Animal Husbandry includes the areas of fish/invertebrates/reptiles, birds/small mammals, and wildlife care rehabilitation. You must be able to work a 4-hour shift and maintain a (mostly) regular schedule. Volunteers help prepare food for the animals and keep the animals healthy and the exhibits clean.
Dive
Dive volunteers help to maintain exhibits and assist with programming. Divers must be Open Water dive certified, will need to have a doctor’s clearance, and pass a check-out dive. Divers get credit for bottom time and overall volunteer time.
Administrative
Administrative volunteers help stuff envelopes and packets, office work, filing, file conversion to electronic storage, prepare mail-outs and may do some computer work.
Education
Education volunteers help out with outreach programs and special projects are needed. Activities are indoor and outdoor.
Guide Partner Program (11-13 years old)
The Guide Partners Program pairs one child with one adult (parent or guardian). They will work as a team, attending training and starting out as apprentice guides, this program in ONLY available in the Naturalist category. They will also work as a team as they move from one exhibit area to another and interact with guests.
Opportunities: Provides an opportunity for families to work and learn together.
Requirements:
Each volunteer must complete an online application.
Attend an information class. Please call the Volunteer Department at 361-881-1381 to confirm time of next session. Please come dressed to participate in a tour of our facility – close-toed shoes must be worn in order for you to participate in the tour.
Complete interview with Guide Program Area Coordinator.
Pay non-refundable $35 program fee (only if selected into the volunteer program.)
Pass a criminal background check if 18 or older. If under 18, provide two letters of recommendation from teachers, employers, or community leaders.
Must provide proof of completion of the Hepatitis B vaccine series.
Participation in the training program.
AquaTeen Academy (14-17 years old)
To learn more about AquaTeen Academy, click the button below.
Volunteer positions are based on the volunteer’s interests, the skills required, availability of positions, scheduling availability, and ultimately acceptance into the program. Some positions, such as diver, require a volunteer to have outside certifications.