Volunteer

VOLUNTEER ANNOUNCEMENTS AND UPDATES!!                                    (updated May 11th, 2009) Click here for information on internships Read our Roundhouse Essay Winner's Story about Volunteering!   Requirements to Volunteer: 14 years of age. Complete a volunteer application and turn it into the Volunteer Coordinator. Attend both volunteer trainings. (trainings are mandatory-you cannot volunteer unless you attend) Available to work at least 2 hours a week for a commitment of 3 months. How to become a volunteer: To become a volunteer, fill out a volunteer application. You can either pick up an application at the Roundhouse during our public hours or download a copy for the year-round volunteer program here. If you want to volunteer for our summer camp program, please download a summer camp volunteer application here.  When you have completed the application, please mail, fax, or hand-deliver it 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 every 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. The volunteer training for the summer camp volunteer program is Friday, June 5th.   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 environmental and oceanic awareness through your knowledge and expertise of the ocean Receive information regarding marine related scholarships and opportunities What do volunteers do at the Roundhouse? Daily: Volunteers are required to work 8 hours a month, two hours once a week. Volunteers have the opportunity to rotate through numerous activities to receive the broadest and most interesting experience possible. These activities include: Asking and Answering 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. Educating 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. Weekends: Volunteers can assist with Sea Story Time. This occurs 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. Volunteers can also display a live animal or artifact related to the story for the children to see and touch. 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. Summer Camp: Volunteers assist with the set up and take down of camp. They also help watch the campers, assist with snack time, assist with summer camp games, stories and crafts.   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