About Shedd
Volunteer Listings
The following are among the possible ways you can help Shedd. Once you've found one that interests you, please send your completed application to:
Shedd Aquarium
Attn: Volunteer Services Department
1200 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL
60605
or fax to: 312-939-4895
It is because we provide so much training and we give our volunteers so much responsibility that we have several important requirements. We ask for an initial time commitment of either six months or a year (depending on the program you choose). Weekday volunteers are asked to come one day every week for at least six months and weekend volunteers work every other weekend for at least one year.
Download an application.
Age Requirements
Volunteers must be at least 18 years old to participate in most programs. We are accepting volunteers under 18 years of age in our Guest Engagement program. Youth volunteers under the age of 16 are welcome to participate in this program as long as they are volunteering with an adult guardian. The minimum age to volunteer is 12 years old. The minimum age for volunteer scuba diving is 21 years old.
Application deadline for summer only volunteering: Friday, April 15 2012.
Aquarium Collections Husbandry
This position is perfect for people who are interested in learning more about the care of fishes, reptiles, invertebrates, small mammals and amphibians. Volunteers work behind the scenes preparing animal food, maintaining tank hygiene and cleaning animal-care areas. Individuals assigned to the Aquarium Collections Department work closely with our knowledgeable staff. Positions are available seven days a week during business hours. The minimum commitment is six months for weekday volunteers and one year for weekend volunteers.
Caribbean Reef Diver
Our most popular program gives highly qualified divers the opportunity to hand-feed the animals in our Caribbean Reef exhibit while giving public presentations. Because of the popularity of this program, there is often a waiting list. A prospective diver must meet minimum scuba requirements (30 hours logged open-water diving) and successfully complete a scripted audition before beginning to train for this position. All volunteer divers must be at least 21 years old.
Education
Shedd's Education Department offers many exciting opportunities for volunteers within our School Programs and Youth Programs area. Volunteers conduct weekday and weekend classroom programs for visiting school groups and individual registrants. This rewarding position not only enables volunteers to learn more about aquatic life but also to instruct a diverse group of children through dynamic and fun programming. Extensive training is provided for this program. Positions are available Monday through Friday for School Programs, and Saturdays for Youth Programs. The commitment in the Education Department runs from September through May, a typical school year.
Guest Engagement
This position is ideal for individuals who love to learn and want to interact with a diverse group of people. Guest Engagement volunteers receive extensive training that enables them to share information about our animals, present various hands-on public programs and provide general assistance to Shedd guests. Guest Engagement volunteers are stationed throughout our exhibit areas. Volunteers are needed for these positions seven days a week during business hours. The minimum commitment is six months for weekday volunteers and one year for weekend volunteers.
Marine Mammal Diver
Qualified divers who have logged at least 30 hours of open-water dive time, including at least five hours of cold-water diving, assist our Marine Mammals staff with early-morning cleaning dives in the Oceanarium. These divers work to ensure that our facility provides the best possible environment for our marine mammals. Positions are available seven days a week between 7:30 and 9:30 a.m. The minimum commitment is six months for weekday volunteers and one year for weekend volunteers. Back-up divers are also accepted into this program. All volunteer divers must be at least 21 years old.
Marine Mammal Husbandry
Volunteering in the Marine Mammals Department affords volunteers the opportunity to help our animal-care specialists in the daily operations of the Oceanarium. Volunteers in this department enjoy the messier aspects of maintaining our marine mammals by preparing food and cleaning many of the behind-the-scenes areas. While very little contact with the animals occurs, this position gives people with a love of marine mammals the opportunity to learn from our staff as they assist with many critical tasks. Positions in this department are available seven days a week during morning and afternoon shifts. The minimum commitment is six months for weekday volunteers and one year for weekend volunteers.
Water-quality Laboratory
Working in Shedd's research laboratory as a water-quality analyst is rewarding and fascinating. This essential position offers individuals with an interest in the scientific aspects of Shedd an opportunity to learn about our laboratory facilities while working alongside other volunteers and staff. The lab uses volunteer water-quality analysts seven days a week during morning and afternoon shifts. The minimum commitment is 6 months for weekday volunteers and one year for weekend volunteers.
Wild Reef Diver
Volunteers who are qualified to dive in Wild Reef are given the opportunity to perform cleaning and other maintenance in several of the exhibit’s habitats. Wild Reef is one of Shedd’s newest and most popular exhibits. The animals and their surroundings are patterned after the beautiful coral reefs found in the Philippines. Wild Reef divers must have at least 30 hours of logged open-water diving and rescue certification.
Other Volunteer Areas
Library sciences and horticulture also offer volunteer opportunities.
For more information, e-mail volunteerservices@sheddaquarium.org.
