home aquarium tickets newsletter about contact
 
conservation
education
volunteer
volunteer
just for kids
news events
events newport wave
  Volunteering Home
• Volunteer Programs &
   Opportunities
• Application
• Meet a Volunteer
• E-Learning

conservation
penguins
 


about the wave foundation
Immerse yourself as a WAVE volunteer
If you love and respect the underwater world and
want to have fun, being a WAVE Foundation
volunteer is for you. The WAVE Foundation has
350 volunteers who we count on daily to perform
many different responsibilities at the Newport
Aquarium and in our community. In return for your
time, you will have the voyage of a lifetime, learn
about the exciting life under the sea and meet
people from all over the world.

The WAVE Foundation is always looking for volunteers
from all backgrounds of life. Each volunteer is a

.
treasured addition to our WAVE family. Volunteers must be 18 years or older with the exception of our Summer Naturalists, who are teens between the ages of 14–17 years old. Each volunteer must complete an application, submit to reference checks, participate in the interview process, and complete an orientation and training program. Because we provide extensive training, we require a 6-month commitment and a minimum of 8 hours each month to be an active volunteer.

If you have questions about our volunteer program, please email volunteer@newportaquarium.com or call Jenny Greber at 859.815.1441.

     
 

here is what our volunteers have to say
During the question & answer portion of a Dive Show a young guest once asked me, "Do you love what you are doing?" I looked around at the people in the theater and adopted a very confidential tone and replied, "I'm going to tell you a secret and you can't tell anyone. All of us divers at the Newport Aquarium are volunteers but I love this so much I would even PAY to do it!"
Allen—Volunteer diver—since October 2001

 

 

"My experience at the Aquarium has been such an amazing learning experience. I have met so many new people and made so many new friends. I have learned so much about the aquatic animals and learning to interact and improve guest experiences. I am thrilled to have this opportunity to be a part of such an amazing foundation. There is always something new to learn or be a part of. The WAVE Foundation has been a great experience for me and when I come in to volunteer on Mondays, I feel like I am a part of a team."
Lauren—Day Captain—since May 2005

 

"I enjoy volunteering at the Newport Aquarium because it gives me a chance to meet new people and to learn more about the many species that make the Aquarium their home. This experience has enriched my life and has enabled me to share with others the knowledge that I have gained."
Barb—Exhibit Interpreter, Behind the Scenes Volunteer Guide—since September 2004

 

"After more than six years, it is still exciting to me to be a part of the WAVE volunteer program at the Newport Aquarium. Jenny does a great job as the Director and the staff members are always appreciative of the contributions made by the volunteers. There are always new and exciting activities and things to be done."
Bill—Donations Volunteer—since September 1999

 

"Volunteering through the Wave Foundation is a great way to enjoy volunteering in a fun and educational atmosphere. Being able to learn about the animals at the Newport Aquarium and share my knowledge with the guests is why I continue to volunteer through the WAVE Foundation."
Garrett—Day Captain—since May 2005

 

"I look forward to my visits each week assisting the husbandry staff with the lorikeets in the Rainforest. I love interacting with the birds and the feeling of accomplishment when I know their area is clean and they have been taken care of. I also enjoy watching the antics of the birds and how much guests enjoy them. I especially like working with and learning from the wonderful staff in the Rainforest."
Cindy—Rainforest Volunteer, e-Learning specialist volunteer—since August 1999

 

aquaticbiology