Volunteer

You don't have to be an oceanographer or a fish expert to volunteer at the National Aquarium. Volunteers must meet the minimum age requirements, and must be able to devote a minimum of 100 hours over a period of time. Aquarium staff will train you to do the rest!

Husbandry Volunteers (18 and older; out of high school)
Aquarist and herpetology volunteers assist husbandry staff by cleaning exhibits, changing water, and feeding animals.

Education Docents (16 and older)
Education docents interact with our guests through exhibit interpretation and staffing touch carts. They may also assist the director of education with classroom presentations and special events.

Volunteer Periods and Application Deadlines

January 1–June 30: Apply by November 1
July 1–December 31: Apply by May 1

Interviews will be scheduled following the deadline date.

How to Apply

Complete the application and fax or mail to the appropriate address (below).

Download the Volunteer Application (PDF)

For more information about volunteer/intern opportunities, contact:

Education Docents:
Director of Education
National Aquarium in Washington, DC
14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20230
202-482-0852 (T)
202-482-4946 (F)

Husbandry Volunteers:
Husbandry Department
National Aquarium in Washington, DC
14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20230
202-482-1642 (T)
202-482-4946 (F)