JOB SUMMARY:

The National Aquarium is seeking an Interpretation Volunteer Aide who will be responsible for daily supervision of adult and youth interpretation volunteers primarily during summer months (June-August) as well as occasional weekends September-May, communicating daily updates and facilitating pre-shift and post-shift check-ins. Provides support for training, orientation, onboarding, and continuing education of youth exhibit guide volunteers. Responsible for some administrative support for interpretation volunteers including but not limited to data entry, inventory maintenance, and storeroom organization. Maintains familiarity with regular Exhibit Guide and Youth Exhibit Guide floor posts by filling in as needed for shift support, demonstrating unique, engaging, conservation-focused interactions with Aquarium Guests. Frequently works weekend days and occasionally works evening shifts.

KEY REQUIREMENTS:

• Delivers training and assists in supervision of interpretation volunteers –both adult and youth.
  • Assists manager in onboarding.
  • Provides day-to-day coaching and supervision.
  • Addresses occasional minor behavior concerns, escalating larger concerns.
  • Create daily schedules for interns and exhibit guides that maximize learning opportunities as well as provide excellent guest engagement.
  • Provides input that assists in the evaluation of interpretation volunteers.
• Assists in the administrative tasks of the Volunteer Engagement Department
  • Supports reporting on interpretation volunteers and maintenance of daily rosters.
  • Monitors volunteer office supplies in main supply closet and cabinets, coordinates with Administrative Services Partner to ensure supplies are routinely stocked.
• Responsible for engagement with aquarium guests.
  • Includes interpreting at regular exhibit guide and youth exhibit guide stations, including immersive exhibits such as the Rainforest, Australia, and Living Seashore exhibits.
• Occasionally assists in the coordination of evening trainings.
• Assists in the supervision of volunteers, including Youth Exhibit Guides
• Assists in upkeep and storage of program props and materials.
• Adheres to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
• Support company mission.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in science, education or related field; or relevant work experience preferred
• Experience working with High School-age youth in educational or recreational setting
• Strong communication skills required
• Accuracy and attention to detail required
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office and Excel
• First Aid and CPR certifications preferred
• Regularly works a minimum of one weekend day, and occasionally works special events and evening hours
• Must be able to clearly, enthusiastically and comfortably communicate with a diverse range of guests and volunteers

About the National Aquarium

Established in 1981, the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet. The Aquarium’s award-winning habitats are home to thousands of animals representing hundreds of species of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. We are proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and exceed industry standards in all aspects of animal care and welfare.

More than 1.2 million people visit the Aquarium each year to experience our immersive exhibits, and we reach far more through our science-based education programs and hands-on field conservation work. The National Aquarium is one of the top three aquariums in the United States and the largest paid cultural attraction in Maryland.

Our Mission and Goals

The Aquarium’s mission—to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet—begins within the walls of its buildings, but it does not end there. The Aquarium protects, enhances and restores natural resources through education and engagement, habitat restoration, animal rescue and sustainable business practices, with its conservation work guided by three overarching goals—to combat climate change, save wildlife and habitats, and stop plastic pollution.

Our Values

At the National Aquarium, our core values form the basis for our beliefs about our organization, our colleagues and ourselves, and serve as the framework to guide our behaviors and actions to achieve our mission.

Connection: We take the time to build lasting connections with each other, our guests, the animals in our care and the nature that surrounds us. We communicate clearly and collaborate readily within and across teams. We engage thoughtfully with our partners. We practice shared accountability.

Curiosity: We center learning and growth in all that we do. Our people are empowered to explore new approaches. We support taking risks. We value diverse perspectives and bold ideas. We embrace change.

Optimism: We celebrate the power of positive moments and shared experiences. We seek out opportunities to have fun. We reconnect with our purpose through sharing successes with our colleagues.

Service: We are in service to each other, our guests and our communities. We make intentional decisions and actions for the benefit of the people and animals within our organization.

Wellbeing: We ensure our people and animals have what they need mentally and physically to thrive. We are committed to improving the wellbeing of communities and sharing the healing power of natural for all.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice

National Aquarium values an inclusive and diverse environment for all employees, volunteers, and interns. Our goal is to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a candidate pool representative of the variety of communities we serve. With a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, the Aquarium is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and promotes an environment free from all discrimination and harassment.

In the selection and retention of employees, volunteers, and interns, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social, or ethnic origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical, mental, or sensory disability, sex (including pregnancy or childbirth), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, arrest record, family or caregiver status, HIV status, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Our organization is dedicated to this policy with respect to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, training, promotions, performance management, and separation, and general treatment during time of employment.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.