New York Aquarium Docent Opportunities

Julie Larsen Maher ©WCS

Become a docent – also known as an exhibit interpreter – at the New York Aquarium and help staff exhibits, teach visitors about marine conservation, and assist at events and education programs. As a docent, you will have the opportunity to meet individuals from around the world and join a family of fellow volunteers, staff, and wildlife experts who share a passion for our natural world.

The Docent Program is open to anyone age 15 and older: high school students, college/grad students, and adults. Apply now!

Docent responsibilities include:

• Speaking with aquarium visitors and giving exhibit chats using biological artifacts and other visual aids
• Assisting with the development and implementation of special events
  
• Staffing information and craft tables during special events on-site and off-site
• Assisting Education Department instructors with school and family programs
• Teaching visitors how to interact with horseshoe crabs, sea stars, and other animals at our touch pools
• Conducting short marine conservation programs on the Coney Island Boardwalk outside of the aquarium entrance
  

Requirements

To get involved, print and fill out an application. You must be at least 15 years or older to apply. Admission to the program is competitive. After an interview and orientation, accepted candidates must complete an intensive 7-day training course, which takes place twice this year, in early summer and late summer (refer to training schedule below). The training includes sessions on marine science, public speaking skills, and activities designed to foster good relations among docents. Applicants under age 18 must have a parent sign their application form and a teacher fill out the recommendation form. 

We offer three schedule options for completing your volunteer service hours: the summer season (July 1–September 3, 2012), the academic year (September 4, 2012–June 30, 2013), and the full year (July 1, 2012–June 30, 2013 or 1 year from the start date). Docents participating during the summer are only are expected to commit to a minimum of 2-days per week, 9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m., totaling 120 service hours. Docents participating in the academic year or year-long program are expected to participate once every other week during volunteer shifts in the mornings (9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.), afternoons (1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m., weekends only), or full days (9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.), totaling 150 service hours. Student docents are encouraged to take advantage of the summer season and/or academic year; adults (ages 18+) are asked to commit to a full year of service.

2012 Application Process & Summer Training Sessions

We will be accepting applications for the 2012 session through 4:00 p.m. EST on May 18. An interview is mandatory. We will call you to schedule an interview after we receive your application. Applications received after the May 18^th deadline will not be considered. Once accepted into the docent program, you will be required to attend one of the following two 7-day training courses this summer, taking place from 10:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.:

Download the application.
Download the teacher recommendation form.

Contact

If you have any questions, please call the volunteer office at (718) 265-3450, Saturday through Thursday, between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. or email nyadocent@wcs.org.