Aquarist Assistant

Organization: Birch Aquarium – Click here to apply

Application Deadline: Rolling basis (Spring 2025 onboarding begins in April)

Overview: Birch Aquarium’s volunteer program provides opportunities for individuals to engage visitors, facilitate learning about marine life, and support conservation efforts. Volunteers assist in guiding guests through exhibits, answering questions, facilitating animal encounters, and supporting aquarium operations. The aquarist position: supports the husbandry team with cleaning, exhibit maintenance, and animal care tasks (must begin in another role first).

Key Information:

• Location: Birch Aquarium, San Diego, CA

• Modality: In-person

• Compensation: Unpaid volunteer position

• Time Commitment: Minimum 6-month commitment, 4-hour shift per week

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be at least 16 years old

• Must commit to a minimum of six months (no short-term or summer-only opportunities)

• Must provide two reference letters with the application

• Must be fully vaccinated and boosted or submit a vaccine declination form

• Volunteers are onboarded four times a year