Check out our Roundhouse Aquarium Volunteer face book page

 

 

 

Volunteer and Internship Opportunities

Do you love the ocean? Do you want to spread environmental awareness and hang out at the end of the Pier? Volunteer at the Roundhouse! Requirements to Volunteer: You must be 14 years of age. Complete a volunteer application and turn it into the Volunteer Coordinator. Attend both volunteer trainings. (both trainings are mandatory) Available to work at least 2 hours a week for a commitment of 3 months. Benefits of Volunteering: Gain knowledge about the ocean and its inhabitants Learn the proper care and maintenance of caring for aquariums and marine animals Meet new people by interacting with visitors Promote oceanic awareness through your knowledge and expertise of the ocean Receive information regarding marine related scholarships and opportunities How to become a volunteer: Fill out a volunteer application! Pick up an application at the Roundhouse or download a copy here. Please mail, fax, or hand-deliver the completed application to the aquarium. Once we have your application, we will contact you to attend two upcoming volunteer training sessions if your qualifications and availability match our openings. Volunteer Trainings: Trainings are four hours long, spread out between two days, and are usually held once a month on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4:00pm-6:00pm. During the trainings you will learn the rules and regulations of volunteering as well as become acquainted with the the animals in the aquarium and learn about the diverse programs at our facility. Once you have completed the trainings, you can sign up for a time and day to begin volunteering. Our volunteer hours correspond with our open hours. You can volunteer anytime between 3-sunset on M-F or 10am-sunset on weekends, depending on availability.     What do volunteers do at the Roundhouse?   Volunteers have the opportunity to rotate through numerous activities to receive the broadest and most interesting experience possible. These activities include: Ask and Answer Questions. Volunteers primarily facilitate discussions about our marine life in the aquarium and in Santa Monica Bay as well as answer any questions that the public may have. Educate Children and the Public. Volunteers teach a "feature creature".  This consists of choosing an animal or tank to focus on and educating the public in greater detail about this animal or group of animals using books, props and even the animal itself. Maintenance.  Volunteers assist with general cleaning tasks around the Roundhouse.  This may include assisting in aquarist work, which may consist of cleaning tanks, water testing, and aiding in large feeds for all of our animals. Special Assignments.  Volunteers have the opportunity to participate in our weekend events such as Sea Story Time or other special events including: Summer Science Sea Camp, Roundhouse Holiday Craft Weekends, Earth Day, Coastal Cleanup Day, Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair, the Water Harvest Festival, and more. Weekend Volunteers:  Sunday volunteers can assist with Sea Story Time every Sunday at 11:30 am.  During Sea Story time a volunteer reads a story (or puts on a puppet show) to children that relates to marine life. This is usually followed by conducting a craft. Sundays are also food prep days. If volunteers take the initiative to learn, they can assist in preparing the food for the fish in the aquarium.  Saturdays are feeding days. If a volunteer would like to assist in feeding the animals, he/she can learn that skill. Do you need to complete community service hours? The Roundhouse would be glad to help you fulfill your community service requirements. Click here for more info. Summer Camp Volunteers: Volunteers assist with the set up and take down of camp. They also help watch the campers, assist with snack time, and assist with summer camp games, stories and crafts. It is tons of fun!!! Summer camp applications are available here. You must attend a mandatory meeting on June 11th from 4-6pm in order to volunteer. Read our Roundhouse Essay Winner's Story about Volunteering! Internships: We have an amazing, interactive internship program for students age 18 and over. Click here for more information on internships   Roundhouse Marine Studies Lab & Aquarium Comments or questions?? Send an e-mail to the Roundhouse! Or call us at 310-379-8117 Fax 310-937-9366