Do you want to get involved and make a difference?
2023 Spring Retail Visitor Experience Internship
The Waikiki Aquarium offers unpaid retail visitor experience internships every semester, determined by staff availability and internship requirements. As a Retail Visitor Experience Intern, you will be a part the Gift Shop team providing excellent care to our shoppers. Learn merchandising, shop displays, customer service and more! Gain experience in hospitality and tourism management as a Retail Visitor Experience Intern.
To Apply:
- Complete the Volunteer Application and indicate any internship requirements from your college/university
- Upload Background Check and TB Clearance to application profile
2023 Spring Visitor Services Internship
The Waikiki Aquarium offers unpaid visitor services internships every semester, determined by staff availability and internship requirements. As a Visitor Services Intern, you will be a part of the team that provides excellent customer service and welcomes our guests to the Aquarium. Gain experience in hospitality and tourism management as a Visitors Services Intern.
To Apply:
- Complete the Volunteer Application and indicate any internship requirements from your college/university
- Upload Background Check and TB Clearance
Aquarium Educator
Aquarium Educators are ambassadors, representing the Waikiki Aquarium by engaging visitors of all ages and backgrounds in one-on-one conversations and small group presentations. Don’t know a lot about marine science or how to talk to visitors? Don’t worry! This special training course is offered to prepare volunteers with all the fun facts, information and teaching tips needed to become an Aquarium Educator.
Shifts available: 9am-11am, 11am-1pm, 1-3pm, 3-5pm seven days a week.
Time Commitment: 2 hours minimum per week
Responsibilities: Answer questions from the public and initiate conversations with visitors. Please see Volunteer Manual for policies & procedures.
Qualifications: Must have enthusiasm, and interest in sharing marine biology and conservation knowledge with Aquarium visitors. Willingness to learn about Aquarium exhibits and marine science.
Aquarium Educator Volunteer Training
Aquarium Educator training consists of online training modules, in-person training class, and a one-on-one session. The online training course will need to be completed prior to in-person training class. After completion of the classes, you will schedule a one-on-one (or two-on-one) with Aquarium Educator Volunteer Supervisor. Then you will choose a two-hour shift and become an Aquarium volunteer.
To Apply:
- Complete the Volunteer Application
- Upload Background Check and TB Clearance to application profile
- Schedule Meet-and-Greet Session at Volunteer Program Center
Gift Shop Volunteer
Help support the Waikīkī Aquarium’s mission by volunteering in The Shop at Waikīkī Aquarium. Volunteers act as Aquarium “ambassadors” assisting guests with purchases and helping with shop upkeep and displays. Our merchandise collection includes clothing, jewelry, books, children’s toys, and souvenirs all with ocean and marine life themes. This volunteer opportunity is good for individuals who like to work inside.
Qualifications
Customer service and retail experience are encouraged but not required. We provide individualized on-the-job training from staff and current volunteers. Volunteers work one 4-hour shift per week in the morning 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. or afternoons 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Contact us today for more information about getting involved and sharing the Aloha Spirit with our guests.
To Apply:
- Complete the Volunteer Application
- Upload Background Check and TB Clearance to application profile
- Schedule Meet-and-Greet Session at Volunteer Program Center
Live Exhibits Volunteer
Aquarist assistants work behind the scenes, help care for the Aquarium’s diverse aquatic collection, and learn the basic routine maintenance of salt water and some freshwater exhibits. Duties include, but are not limited to: exhibit upkeep, animal feeding and training, husbandry, exhibit maintenance, and learning the ropes of aquarium systems and basic aquarium ecology. Volunteering in the Live Exhibits Department is one of our most highly sought after volunteer opportunities with a waitlist (approximately 1 year) to interview.
Requirements
Only applicants with previous fish and invertebrate animal care experience or related academic background will be considered. Aquarist assistants are:
- Enthusiastic and committed
- Self-motivated and able to work independently and as part of a team
- Able to climb on top of, around, and inside tanks to clean them when required
- Capable of lifting a 50-pound bag of gravel
Training and Commitment
After successful completion of CITI online training classes and additional Live Exhibits training, volunteers commit to working at least 4 hours a week (minimum shift must be at least 2 hours long) for a minimum of 6 consecutive months. Ideal candidates will be able to commit to a minimum of 4 hours a week for one year.
To Apply:
- Complete the Volunteer Application
- Upload Background Check and TB Clearance to application profile
- Upload short resume of relevant experience to Application Profile
- Upload Class Schedule (If Appropriate)
- Schedule Meet-and-Greet Session at Volunteer Center
- Be added to our waitlist to interview
- Schedule an interview with a Biologist and Volunteer Coordinator
School Support Program Docents
Share a sense of wonder about the sea!
School Support Program Docents help give lively presentations and guide interactive discovery tours of Waikīkī Aquarium exhibits for students in Kindergarten through 6th Grade. Volunteering as a Docent provides rich opportunities to learn about Hawaii’s marine life and contribute to conservation education in our community. Upon completion of training, School Support Program Docents volunteer one morning a week (Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday) from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. throughout the school year (October – May). Prospective Docent volunteers are encouraged to inquire regarding shadowing and training opportunities throughout the year.
To Apply:
- Complete the Volunteer Application
- Upload Background Check and TB Clearance to application profile
- Schedule Meet-and-Greet Session at Volunteer Program Center
Special Events
Many events hosted by the Waikīkī Aquarium would not be possible without the time and energy of dedicated volunteers. Current Aquarium volunteers may also help at Aquarium functions throughout the year. Volunteers at special events help in various capacities such as set-up, registration, craft and activity tables, scrip sales, food booths, guest greeting, and much more!
All events support the Waikīkī Aquarium’s mission
to inspire and promote understanding, appreciation, and conservation of Pacific marine life.”
Our annual events include:
- Mauka to Makai (Earth Day Celebration) (April)
- Ke Kani O Ke Kai Summer Concert Series (June-August)
- Family Night (August)
- FOWA – Friends of Waikīkī Aquarium Members’ Night
To Apply as an Individual:
- Complete the Volunteer Application
- Upload Background Check and TB Clearance to application profile
- Schedule Meet-and-Greet Session at Volunteer Program Center
Events Internship
The Waikīkī Aquarium offers unpaid events internships determined by staff availability and internship requirements. As an Events Intern, you will be a part of the team that ensures our events run smoothly. Sharpen your experience in event coordination and customer service as an Events Intern.
Time Commitment: Shifts are typically from 4:45PM – 9:30PM on Luau Days and 4:45PM-10:30PM on Private Event Nights. Starting hours may vary based on the renter’s request. Training consists of 2 weeks of shadowing a supervisor.
Responsibilities
As an Events Intern, you will be responsible to:
- Greet guests with Aloha at the front desk and monitor guest count and re-entry of guests.
- Provide security during the evening rentals
- Answer any questions regarding the rental operation of the Aquarium facility, including providing directions to the Aquarium
- Assist supervisor with securing all exhibit areas and outdoor areas around the Aquarium perimeter.
- Prepare rental equipment, post signs, and assist supervisor with preparations of the facility prior to renter arrival.
- Monitor galleries, exhibits, and guests during functions to ensure there are no damages to the property or exhibits.
- Assist renters in locating equipments for rental
- Setup, breakdown, and operate sound system (when applicable)
- Be familiar with and enforce all facility rental policies and procedures.
- Monitor gates and facility areas during setup, event and breakdown.
- Stock restroom and clean exhibit windows
To Apply:
- Complete the Volunteer Application
- Upload Background Check and TB Clearance to application profile
- Schedule Meet-and-Greet Session at Volunteer Program Center
Community Educator Programs Internship
Are you interested in the planning and implementation of our community educational programs? The Waikiki Aquarium offers unpaid internships on a case-by-case basis, determined by staff availability and internship requirements. In your application, please include your resume and cover letter stating what you are interested in achieving in your internship.
To Apply:
- Complete the Volunteer Application
- Upload Background Check and TB Clearance to application profile
- Upload Class Schedule (if applicable)
- Upload short resume and cover letter of relevant experience to Application Profile
- Schedule Meet-and-Greet Session at Volunteer Center
High School Student Volunteer Opportunities
Summer Break (SUMMER 2022 APPLICATION PERIOD HAS CLOSED)
Each summer, the Waikīkī Aquarium welcomes high school students to participate in our Education Departmentʻs Teen Educator Program. Students will learn about Hawaiian marine life and share that knowledge with Aquarium visitors.
Fall Semester
Homeschool and alternative school students looking to expand their knowledge of Hawaiian marine life are encouraged to inquire about opportunities with our Education Department during the Fall. Please email inquiries to Mary Roney at roney@waquarium.org
Group Volunteer Opportunities
Beach and Invasive Algae Clean-ups
In an effort to keep our coastlines clean and healthy, we host multiple invasive algae and beach cleanups each year. These events are open to the public and can accommodate groups looking for a volunteer opportunity. To read more about Invasive Algae Clean-ups Click here .
To sign up for the Invasive Algae and beach clean-up email list and receive clean-up registration dates, please send your name and email to volunteer@waikikiaquarium.org
Special Projects
The Waikīkī Aquarium Volunteer Center is open to supporting local school and community groups by partnering on special projects. Proposals are approved on an individual basis and are up to the discretion of the Volunteer Program Coordinator and supporting staff.
For more information or to submit a special project proposal, please email volunteer@waikikiaquarium.org or call the Volunteer Center at (808) 440-9020.
Hawaii Cultural Gardening- Currently Unavailable
The Waikīkī Aquarium has always treasured the property’s gardens, but often need help with upkeep and landscaping. At this time, the Volunteer Center is seeking volunteers who have formal experience with gardening and are willing to dedicate time to help our growing Hawai’i Cultural Gardening team. Team members must be willing to get dirty, work early hours, work with little supervision, be able to bend and kneel for long periods of time, and capable of lifting up to 30 lbs. Plant Guide
To Apply:
- Complete the Volunteer Application
- Upload Background Check and TB Clearance to application profile
- Schedule Meet-and-Greet Session at Volunteer Program Center
Community Outreach Internship- Currently Unavailable
The Waikīkī Aquarium is now accepting applications for a Community Outreach Intern. We are looking for applicants who are interested in learning about the ocean and marine conservation and help share that knowledge with the public through events, digital media, in-person education, and outreach booths. This is an in-person, unpaid position, and no housing is provided.
Applications will be accepted until 1/9/2023. Interviews will be in-person January 2023.
Duties (including but not limited to):
- Planning and preparation of beach cleanup events
- Attending Waikīkī Aquarium monthly beach cleanup events and assist with event duties including but not limited to setup, breakdown, public speaking/giving opening speech, registration, educating, and photography
- Create educational materials and educating the public during events
- Work various job duties at Aquarium events (typically weekends or nights)
- Completing Aquarium Educator shifts to reach hour requirement minimum if not an event week
- Helping with grant proposals and permits
- Assisting in community outreach and partnerships
- Working within a team and individually
- Creating promotional materials and social media
- Helping with event material purchasing within budget parameters
Requirements
- Currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student or have graduated in the last 2 years (preferably with a major in marine biology, NREM, marketing, communications, or related fields)
- Must be able to provide a TB clearance, background check
- Submit current resume, general availability, and cover letter
- Duration: January 2023 – September 2023
- Able to commit a minimum of 8 hours a week and events
- Must be available for weekly internship scheduling (weekdays). Must be available for monthly beach cleanup dates typically Friday or Saturday morning-afternoon. Preferred availability for occasional events typically Thursday/Friday nights or Saturday.
To Apply:
- Complete the Volunteer Application
- If applicable, indicate any internship requirements from your college/university
- Email your current resume, cover letter, weekly availability schedule
- Upload Background Check and TB Clearance to application profile
Community Partner Volunteer Programs
The Waikīkī Aquarium prides itself on partnering with community organizations, educational institutions, and non-profits. These partnerships include ancient Hawaiian traditions like the concept of the Ahupua’a, a Hawaiian word for plot of land that is linked by similar geographic, socioeconomic, and climatic factors. An Ahupua’a starts at the top of a mountain and stretches to the sea. This is often referred to as Mauka to Makai (Mountain to Ocean).
Keeping with the tradition of Mauka to Makai, the Aquarium supports community partners who do their part to conserve and educate through volunteer programs. Waikīkī Aquarium has a volunteer program consisting of approximately 300 volunteers in addition to holding both Beach and Algae Clean-ups. Our Mauka partners who offer volunteer programs include Ka Papa Loʻi ʻO Kānewai and Papahana Kuaola.
Volunteer at Ka Papa Loʻi O Kānewai
Ka Papa Loʻi ʻO Kānewai Website
First Saturday Community Work Days are a Kānewai tradition going back to 1980 and the revitalization of the current garden area. First Saturdays are open to anyone in the community looking for an opportunity to experience traditional farming methods, converse with Hawaiian Language speakers, talk story with practitioners, ku‘i ‘ai, ku‘i ka imu, and enjoy the day with family and friends. Please visit their website for more information.
Volunteer at Papahana Kuaola
Papahana Kuaola is successful with the support of dedicated and passionate volunteers. While the work that volunteers do can be physically challenging, the experience is invaluable. Volunteer Workdays are hosted every 3rd and 4th Saturday of the month. To RSVP, please visit their website.
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