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.
Desk Set
Volunteers in this program have the opportunity to work in many areas of the aquarium because we have a variety of administrative projects that need volunteer support. This is a fun way to meet lots of people while helping with important tasks. Positions are available on weekdays and shift times are flexible. Volunteers in this program are asked to commit to volunteering for six months.
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.
Floor Programs
This position is ideal for individuals who love to learn and want to interact with a diverse group of people. Floor Programs 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. Floor Programs 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.
Oceanarium Volunteer
This fun position is perfect for people who enjoy working with the public in a variety of settings. These volunteers are stationed at important locations throughout the Oceanarium and serve as a key guest resource. Positions are available seven days a week. The minimum commitment is six months for weekday volunteers and one year for weekend volunteers.
Special Events
Shedd hosts a wide range of educational events throughout the year. This volunteer program provides a great way to get involved without making a weekly time commitment. The events are usually fast-paced and involve working with our visitors. Volunteers may sign up for any event that fits into their schedule. Events typically take place in the evenings or on weekends. The minimum commitment is one event every three months for one year
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 the Wild Reef are given the opportunity to perform cleaning and other maintenance in several of the exhibit’s habitats. The 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
Exhibit design, fundraising, conservation, graphic design, horticulture, human resources, library sciences, marketing and audience research also offer volunteer opportunities.
For further information, feel free to send a message to volunteerservices@sheddaquarium.org
